Here is a beautiful setting, where the loved ones hold a flower sheet over the bride and the groom's head as they come together for the varmala ceremony. Varmala is an age old tradition that finds its roots in the ancient times. It is a beautiful sight to see a bride and a groom exchange flower garlands at an Indian wedding.


Varmala ceremony is a fusion of rich significance and fun elements. The bride and the groom’s friends and family members lift them up just at the moment their partner is about to put the garland around their neck. It is just a fun competition moment to see who is able to put the varmala easily, the bride or the groom? 


According to the varmala tradition, the bride first puts the garland around the groom’s neck and then it is the groom’s turn to do the same. Here is a beautiful bride whose eyes are twinkling with the excitement of the new life ahead as she awaits for her groom, holding the varmala in her hand.


Varmala tradition finds its roots in the ancient times when swayamvars were held. In a swayamvar ceremony, a prospective bride (princess of some kingdom) would choose her life partner out of a number of suitors by putting a flower garland around the chosen one's neck. So, when a bride puts the garland around the groom’s neck it is a mark of her acceptance.


Varieties of fragrant and beautiful flowers are united in one string, which becomes significant of the union of two individuals as one. Take a look here as the bride and the groom share a special moment after their varmala ceremony.


After the entry of the baraat, this is the first ritual that takes place on the wedding day. In many Indian communities (like in Bengali and Marathi weddings) it is only at the time of the garland exchange that the couple can see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Here is a glance at a beautiful Maharashtrian wedding.


Flowers provide a fragrant way for the new couple to enter this new phase of life. Every flower has a deep significance attached to it. So dear would-be couples, if you are out shopping for your wedding garland, be careful while choosing the flowers for it. Here is a shot of a radiant bride who is putting a garland of vibrant yellow flowers around her groom's neck.


There is a deep significance behind this garland marking the union of a bride and a groom. Flowers are a symbol of happiness, excitement, colour and beauty while the thread is a way to put all the emotions and feelings together. The thread would never leave the flowers even when they loose their beauty and colour. This is what a marriage is about- for better or for worse. 


Marigold and rose are two most common flowers that find their place in an Indian wedding garland. But, with changing times, now the couples add exotic and seasonal flowers to their wedding garland to make it stand out. You can add exotic flowers to your garland, like lily and orchids for a winter wedding or dahlia and iris for a summer affair.


Just like the flowers come together with the help of a thread, a bride and a groom are united together through a marital bond. They promise to share their lives, and every happy and sad moment of it with each other. Take a look at this varmala ceremony from a South Indian wedding. In many South Indian communities, couples exchange the garland three times. Three is a sacred number for many Indian rituals.


Varmala literally means a garland for the var (groom). This groom's garland (literal translation) signifies the groom's welcome into a new phase of his life. It is a mark that he is now ready to shoulder the responsibilities of a married life. When a groom puts a garland around the bride's neck it is his promise to take care of her and look after her always. 


Wedding garlands come in various sizes and designs. This also depends on the community as well. The garlands in South Indian weddings are usually larger and longer compared to the ones that are used in the North Indian weddings. Since the couple has to wear this garland throughout all the other wedding rituals they can design it according to their level of comfort and can even match it up with their wedding day wear.


Lifting up the bride and the groom during the varmala ceremony is just a fun way to break the ice between the two families. It fills the atmosphere with smiles and laughter, just like this moment that has been captured from a real Indian wedding.


Here is a beautiful shot of a bride and a groom from a Sikh wedding. Look how their wedding garlands complement their wedding wear, and looks stylish yet comfortable at the same time. Dear brides-to-be, your wedding garlands can match the colours of your bridal outfit or your wedding venue decor as well. 


Away from the guests, a bride and a groom share a special moment that is beautifully captured by their wedding photographer. After the varmala ceremony is complete, the couple either moves towards meeting their guests or getting their couple shots done before the other wedding rituals follow.