Wedding Crashers

In Udaipur, one of our group members, Danielle, was inquiring about a cooking class. She went to Shushma's shop, and asked about classes for the next day. Shushma told her that the next day she would be closed because she had to cook for her brother-in-laws wedding, but that Danielle could just come to the wedding. Danielle said, no no I don't want to intrude, I am with a group, there are many of us. Shushma said, well then you will all come. Danielle said, but I have eight friends, and Shushma again refused. She said that we were all welcome, here is the address, and that she will see us there, no questions, we are to attend. This is how we came to be invited to the Indian wedding - of whom we have no clue, just Shushma's brother in law!
Now backpacking does not really allow or require that you carry wedding attire so we scrounged around and found some suitable things. It allowed some of us to make that fancy purchase that was really unneccessary before you had a wedding to go to! One of our group members, James, even ended up in full Indian dress when all he asked for was a collared shirt.
We found out that most people in Udaipur were going to the wedding, so finding some friends to help us find the place wasn't too hard. From about a block away you could see the lights, and the large tent like things that were covering all the food stations. As we came through the archway, there was Shushma, whom only Danielle had ever met. She greeted us and introduced us to her husband. They were so happy to have us.
The bride and groom were setting up on a platform under a canopy, on large gold plated chairs. People would go up and give them their envelope of money, and congratulate them. There were two cameramen and a videoman, so you would be recorded for all eternity and then step down. There was also a gallery of chairs in front of the stage where all the female family members sat, in order to admire the new couple and congratulate each other on how well they had made the match. The rest of the time the bride and groom just sat there, watching the rest of us have a good time. Except of course for when the groom had to get up and spit off his stage!
The rest of this large area had food stations all around the perimeter. You got a HUGE plate in the middle and then made your way around the buffet. They had all kinds of wonderful, spicy food. We piled our plates high, mine mainly with the fresh butter naan, and found a seat on the grass.
There was music playing, but no dancing. Mainly we just talked to all the little kids who kept coming up to us, to practice their rote English conversations. "What is your name? What is your country? Are you married?"
We also got our chance to give our cash gift to the bride and groom, and take our picture. It is a little odd saying, "May your wedding last long, and may you have children in the next year." to a total stranger! Then we could join the large group watching the bride and groom, who only talked for the first time the night before, squirm! Good times, as long as you are not the one on the stage!
It was a wonderful evening, and is definitely a highlight of our trip. Though unsuccessful in Shushma's eyes, as not one of our single girls walked away with an Indian husband!