Understanding the celebration
Some Tamil Hindu families include an oonjal, or swing ceremony, and the tying of the thaali. Customs differ across communities and households; an oonjal is an option to discuss, not a requirement for every Tamil wedding.
A little breathing room
Agree the ceremony timing before arranging hair, makeup, transport or photography. If an oonjal or nalangu belongs in your celebration, give it an explicit place in the schedule instead of squeezing it between other events.
Help your guests feel at home
Let guests know when to arrive and when food will be served. Briefly introduce the customs your family has chosen, and give relatives helping with ceremony items a clear contact person.
Are we including an oonjal or nalangu, and which relatives would like to help?
Talk it through together. Your answers matter more than following somebody else’s wedding.