ask carley

Q My fiancé is Hindu, and while we’ve chosen not to have a religious ceremony, I want to surprise him with a few personal touches from his heritage. Any suggestions?

A The best way to do this is subtly. Gold and red, both auspicious colors in Indian tradition, could appear throughout your wedding details. Choose a red stationery suite inked in gold, have your bridesmaids wear red or decorate your tables with gold-plated urns filled with red, pink and yellow blooms. Elephants (to honor the god Ganesh) could also play a role, or include a modern mandap in the ceremony.