The rusmat consists of three events. First, the groom will be given a hand mirror, to look at the reflection of his new bride. He will then be asked to describe what he sees in the mirror. (This is an excellent opportunity to be romantic- or to reveal that the bride has spinach in her teeth.) Next, the bride will tie a silver rakhi, or heavy bracelet, around the wrist of the groom, while the groom will affix a gold rakhi to her wrist. The couple will also place a heavy garland of flowers around each other’s necks. Lastly, the couple will share sips of a yogurt-based drink from a decorative goblet to symbolize their union.

Throughout the wedding, the bride’s cousins and sister will be on a mission- to steal the groom’s shoes! Waiting until he least expects it, they will sneak up on him and steal his shoes right off his feet, holding them for ransom (yes, another ransom situation!) until he pays them off.

The wedding ceremony will follow Muslim customs and will be officiated by an Imam, or Muslim spiritual leader. After the religious and legal ceremony marking the new union, guests will be offered Mejdool dates to celebrate the nuptials.

The “gate” is a raucous and often hilarious Bengali custom. At the beginning of the wedding, the bride’s cousins and bridesmaids will block the entrance of the event hall to prevent the groom and groomsmen from entering. They will loudly negotiate a “ransom amount” with the groom, refusing to let him see his bride until he gives them enough money!

Mehndi, or henna, is an aromatic tree paste applied to the hands in rich paisley designs for South Asian weddings and special events. Bridal mehndi is applied in incredibly complex formations to the arms and legs prior to the wedding. Fun fact: traditionally, the groom’s name will be hidden somewhere in the bride’s mehndi!

A traditional ceremony for the couple’s families’ and neighbors, hosted at the home of the bride, where guests dab turmeric paste on the bride and groom’s faces to wish them luck in their upcoming nuptials. This event is known for featuring loads of music, dancing, gift exchanges, and ruined towels.