Haldi invitation message: what to write

A haldi invitation should say whose haldi it is, the date, time and place, and one line on what to wear, usually yellow and clothes you don't mind getting stained. Keep it warm and short. For elders, mention the blessing; for friends, mention the fun. Below are messages in English and Hindi you can copy and change.

What does a haldi invitation need that others don't?

• The dress code. Yellow is traditional, and guests should know turmeric stains. Say so plainly.
• Whose haldi. In many families the bride's and groom's haldi happen separately, at different homes, sometimes at the same hour.
• The real start time. Haldi often starts late. If the rituals start at 10 but guests should come at 9:30, say 9:30.
• Who it's for. Haldi is usually close family and friends. If it's a smaller list than the wedding, invite only those families to it.

Haldi invitation message for family (English)

हल्दी निमंत्रण संदेश (Hindi)

Haldi invitation message for friends

A short haldi line in Hinglish

Should the haldi have its own invitation?

Usually not. The haldi is one of the functions on the main invitation, with its own time, venue and dress code. A separate message makes sense only when the haldi has a different guest list, for example close family only, or when it's at home and the wedding is at a venue far away. Then send it to those families alone, a day or two before, as a reminder.

On ShaadiMode each function has its own venue, time, map and dress code, and on Plus (₹2,999) each family sees only the functions they are invited to, so the haldi details reach only the families who are coming to it. On Plus the invitation can be set in 28 languages; English, Hindi and Marathi are written by us.

A reminder for the day before

Haldi is often early, at home, and easy to forget in a week of functions. A one-line reminder the evening before, sent only to the families invited, saves the morning phone calls.

What guests should know if it's their first haldi

• It's informal and messy. Family and friends apply a turmeric paste to the bride or groom, and usually to each other too.
• It's short. The ritual itself often takes under an hour, followed by food and sometimes music.
• Wear clothes you don't need again, and bring a change if you're going on to another function.
• Children are usually welcome, and so is getting a little yellow.

If you have guests from other communities or from abroad, one line about this in the invitation, or a short note under the haldi function, helps them come dressed right.

Questions people also ask

Read next

• Haldi messages in English
• Haldi messages in Hindi
• What is haldi?
• Invitation message writer

Each function on a ShaadiMode invitation carries its own time, venue and dress code. See the invitation designs