So many questions...
But don't worry, the most important thing to know is that everything related to your stay during the wedding will be arranged and paid for. For more details, keep reading below...
When is it going to happen?
See the Timeline!
Where will it take place?
The wedding will take place in Kerala, a stunning state in the south of India. It’s located along the southwestern coast, not far from Sri Lanka and Goa. Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country”, and for good reason; it’s lush, green and famous for its beautiful beaches and characteristic backwaters.
If you're coming from Europe, we recommend making a longer holiday out of your trip if you're able to. There’s so much to see and experience, so if you can, make sure to spend a few extra days exploring before or after the wedding!
For a more complete impression of Kerala, be sure to check out the Location page.
For more practical information, see below.
How many days will the wedding take?
As the timeline specifies, the wedding celebrations will take place throughout three days:
- The first night, on Friday, we'll host a welcome dinner to kick everything off. We'll be hosting a social game and live performances this evening.
- Saturday will be the western wedding, with a ceremony following Western traditions, followed by a party.
- Sunday will be the Indian wedding. Traditional Indian weddings usually happen in the evening, right after sunset, with a few smaller rituals taking place during the day.
We'll make up an inventory of people who want to come earlier (and for how many nights) so we can reserve rooms for you on the days before at a discounted price of ₹7300 per room. You can pay these extra nights yourself at check-out.
What about the costs?
Your main expense should only be the flight, as we'll handle food & accommodation during the 3-day event.
If you decide to arrive early or stay longer to explore Kerala, we’re happy to help with suggestions. In general, travel, food, and lodging in India are very affordable, so it's a great opportunity to extend your trip without spending too much.
Since the wedding is during the off-holiday season, flight prices should be reasonable. If you fly from Europe, the ticket price estimation is €600-700 for one adult (round-trip) but you might be able to get a better deal! From the moment you land in Cochin, the largest international airport in Kerala, you’ll be taken care of by us. We'll pick you up from the airport and arrange your accommodation and meals for the three days of the event.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, European guests need to apply for an eTOURIST visa. While the application form is long, the process should be painless for EU citizens.
Apply on the official government website and avoid other third-party websites.
- Cost is $25
- Validity is 30 days and can only be applied for 1 month ahead and minimally 4-5 days before. (We'll alert you by email)
- Processing time usually is 1-3 days.
- What information you'll need (you can preview all questions in detail here)
Which flights to take? And when should we book?
A round-trip flight from Europe to Kerala typically costs around €600-700, depending on when and where you book. We recommend booking a few months in advance — not too early (when prices can still be high), but definitely not at the last minute. There are plenty of options to get to Kerala. For example, you can fly directly from Schiphol to Delhi, and then take a domestic flight to Kochi. For this route, Air India is generally the cheapest option. Alternatively, many travelers also fly via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, which often also offer convenient and well-priced connections to Kochi.
Check out the Flights page for more details!
Can we stay longer or come earlier?
We're planning to have the main wedding events on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, so you're very welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer if you'd like to explore Kerala a bit more. As mentioned above, we can book one or two additional nights at discounted price for you. (we'll arrange this together with you) Most of the guests will likely head home on Monday, but you're of course free to make your own plans.
If you want to travel before the wedding, it could also be a plan to fly in the weekend before from Europe already, this gives you plenty of time to explore Kerala before the celebrations. Or if you’d prefer to relax and unwind afterward, you can also extend your stay, it's totally up to you!
That said, we recommend arriving for the wedding by Thursday, or at the latest Friday, so you’re well rested and ready for the celebrations. We’ll cover your accommodation for Friday to Monday, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and well taken care of. But remember, India's standard tourist visa is only valid for 30 days, so plan accordingly.
How will I get to the venue?
We'll arrange bus transport for times when the majority of guests will arrive. In case this is inconvenient, taxis are widely available and very affordable. (the trip of 2 hours shouldn't cost more than €30-35)
Kerala - any things I should be aware of?
Kerala in February enjoys warm weather, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C. It can be quite humid, as Kerala has a tropical climate year-round. February is generally part of the dry season, so you’re unlikely to experience heavy rain during your visit — perfect for outdoor events and sightseeing!
In terms of safety, Kerala is considered a very safe destination for travelers. It’s not as crowded as some other parts of India but attracts many tourists who are warmly welcomed by the locals. People here are friendly, and the community is known for its hospitality. As with any travel, it’s good to take standard precautions — watch your belongings, especially in crowded places, and follow local guidance.
- Kerala’s cuisine uses a lot of spices and coconut, which might be a change if you’re not used to it, but it’s delicious! During the wedding, we'll make sure to have plenty of European options available as well.
- The state is quite green and lush, so insect repellent will come in handy, especially in the evenings.
- If you plan to explore natural areas or backwaters, comfortable shoes and light clothing are recommended.
- One important note: during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala was quite affected due to its popularity as a tourist destination. We will keep you posted on any updates regarding COVID or similar health advisories, so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
If I bring my kids, which parts of the wedding can they attend?
Kids are welcome to attend all parts of the wedding — the Western wedding as well as the Indian wedding rituals. We want everyone to be included as much as possible, but kindly ask that children behave respectfully during the ceremonies. Hotel rooms are not far away from the festivities, this should make things easy when it's bedtime for the children but the parents want to stay up longer.
Which vaccinations will I need for Kerala?
For travelers from the Europe heading to Kerala, initially it's recommended to check the health guidelines to determine the necessary vaccinations. In the Netherlands, you can schedule vaccination appointments at home (recommended).
- (Stomach) Typhoid: Even though you'll be able to enjoy catered, Western food, this one is still recommended and very much standard. Unfortunately the vaccine's protection expires rather quick (after 3 years, 1 jab), so chances are high your doctor will prescribe a refresher.
- Hepatitis A: This is a good vaccine to have anyway for many other travel destinations. It's practical too as its protection window is long; 25 years when taking 2 jabs.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP): Ensure this routine vaccination is up-to-date.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Ensure this routine vaccination is up-to-date.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers who may have close contact with the local population or require medical treatment. Extremely unlikely to be required.
- Dengue Fever: Dengue fever is endemic in Kerala, but outbreaks happen generally later in the year. A new vaccine against Dengue has become available recently but is usually recommended for stays longer than 30 days. For travels to Kerala in February, mosquito repellent is sufficient.
What about Malaria?
Kerala is considered a low-risk area for malaria, especially in urban and coastal regions. The risk is especially minimal during February, which is outside the monsoon season. It's still advisable to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent containing DEET (bring this from Europe).
Should I be worried about the food?
Nowadays, India offers plenty of continental food options in western cafes like salads, sandwiches, croissants, and international dishes with a twist of Indian flavors — especially in bigger towns. Still, we highly encourage you to try the local cuisine as well. Kerala’s food can be a bit spicy, so it’s a great idea to mix things up by enjoying continental dishes some days and local flavors on others.
For the wedding days, we’ll make sure to provide a variety of meals, including both traditional Indian dishes and European options, so everyone’s tastes are covered. Unfortunately no hagelslag for a few days though! ;)
Dress code?
Since we’re blending two cultures, dressing appropriately for each event will make the experience even more special for everyone.
- Welcome Dinner: Casual and comfortable is perfect — feel free to dress relaxed and enjoy the evening.
- Western Wedding: We know that traditionally people wear suits on European weddings, but since it will be humid, we want you to stay comfortable. A white shirt paired with full-length cotton pants is a great choice—feel free to add a stylish tie if you like. You don’t need to wear a blazer as it might be too warm. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are highly recommended. For women, cotton dresses or other light, breathable fabrics with European prints work beautifully. Of course you're free to dress up as you would for European weddings, but keep temperature and humidity in mind.
- Indian Wedding: We’d love for you to wear traditional Indian (ethnic) attire for this event. Don’t worry if you don’t have any, we will help arrange affordable options for you. There are plenty of ready-made or rental options available to choose from, costs range from €20 to €50.
Gifts?
Your presence is our present. We know traveling from Europe is already a big effort, so we don't expect any other gifts. However, if you’d still like to give a gift, something with sentimental value like a handmade item or something meaningful to you would be warmly appreciated. As we're all flying to Kerala, please keep it practical.
Do you have more questions? Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you!