7 Qualities for Gujarati Wedding Cards Which Make Them Unique

Every wedding card you get is special, not just because of the union you get to see, but also for the glimpse that you get in the customs of the people inviting you. Each card you receive tells you a new story about the people that are inviting you. This story is not just a personal reflection of them but also of the traditions that they follow.

So, though Gujarati wedding cards might not be through and through similar, there are elements in each of them that are distinct enough to know that when you're not looking at Gujarati wedding cards. So, what are these unmistakable features that show that it is this specific card?

1. Motif

Gujarati wedding cards usually have a beautiful motif that is printed on the cards. These motifs look very traditional and classical, and can also depict Rangoli designs. Sometimes even a minimalistic design of Ganesh Ji is used as a motif. If not that even a Kalash can be used as a motif, indicating that it is something sacred and pious.

Here are some common motifs for Gujarati wedding cards -

i) Religious motifs - Ganesh, Kalash, Om and Swastik symbols

ii) Design motifs - Circles, Rangoli motifs

2. Gods 

Though almost all regions give their salutations to gods, Gujarati wedding cards usually have theirs on the cards. These gods are either Radha Krishna, who signify eternal love or at times Ganesh who is considered to be someone sacred when staring something new. These salutations given to these gods are usually done by painting or printing them on the cards.

Though Lord Ganesh has usually seen a motif, Radha Krishna is depicted in different environments relating to each of the function, so they not only salute the Gods but give you an idea of how the function might be.

They could also accompany as gifts given with these Gujarati wedding cards.

3. Sayings

Like most traditional cards, Gujarati wedding cards also have some traditional mantras or wordings on their cards. These mantras can be good sayings or messages to gods. These sayings as expected would be in their traditional language and would be in regard to their god.

Here are some common sayings for these cards:

શ્રી ગણેશાય નમઃ (Shree Ganeshay Namah = Salutations to Shree Ganesh)

માંગલિક પ્રસંગો  (Mangalik Prasango = Pious Occasion)

4. Garba Night

Now, this is something that you would rarely find in any other card which is not a Gujarati wedding card. An invitation to a Garba night is a must in Gujarati wedding cards. Since Garba is a traditional dance form of Gujarat, no occasion is actually complete without one performance of this.

Though this does not mean that only professionals do this, it is a function for all to enjoy and why not, there is no place like a wedding to do that. It could be an alternative to a Sangeet for a Gujarati wedding, though it has religious roots.

5. Tahuko

This part for Gujarati wedding cards is actually an invite to all the people to join them for this festive occasion. It is a few short lines that are written at the end of the wedding card after disclosing the details of the card. The special thing about this invite is that it is expressed in a poetic way. It is done in a very artistic way, making the card more inviting and special.

6. Colours

The speciality of Gujarati wedding cards also reflects in their colours. Though red is a very common colour in all Indian region cards, even in Gujarat, another colour combination that is used a lot nowadays in Gujarati wedding cards are pastel colours. These colours are very soothing and nice to look at, and since Gujarati’s have a day wedding it usually is a perfect colour combination matching to their wedding too.

You can only do a deep contrast with the authentic red as the main motif and a lighter colour as the main card background.

7. Language 

If Gujaratis are famous for anything then it for then it is for the fact that they stick to their roots. We also see this reflecting on their wedding cards when it quite a few ways. It could be their motifs, their mantras and especially in their language.

Even when Gujarati wedding cards are written in English or Hindi, they usually have one in Gujarati no matter what. Their language is something they are really proud of, and why not it is a beautiful one.

This could be as the main wedding card wording or with special quotes or invitations in its place.

8. Extravagant, yet artistic designs

Most Gujarati wedding cards feature intricate images to beautify the invitations - these could be mural-like scenes of grandeur (imagine a royal procession with elephants and horses) or mythical scenes featuring the Gods (the Raas is one such scene). While a few modern cards are moving away from this aesthetic, even the simplest ones feature one such artistic element, beyond the motif.

9. Add tokens on luxury

A wedding for the Gujarati community is also a depiction of the value that people here place on connections, especially business connections. This is why invitations to weddings here are more often than not, accompanied by luxurious tokens of appreciation. Move beyond dry fruits and sweets - these can be items of decor, rare spices and even bottles of rare wines.

Gujaratis are proud of their heritage and traditions and it reflects amazingly in their wedding cards. These are beautiful reflections of their culture and thoughts and you should always have something of your own in your wedding. As a Gujarati one would use these elements in their cards no matter what, but even as a non-Gujarati one could use an idea or two from this list.

Tell us in comments if you’re a Gujarati and you agree with us?