Bespoke Indian Wedding Card
- 2018 -
Brief: Design a bespoke Indian wedding card
The concept focuses on the "ghat bandhan" ritual of a Hindu wedding, which is the point at which the groom's scarf and the bride's veil get knotted together prior to the circumambulations, or the seven rounds around the holy fire, finalising the marriage. It is a ritual that symbolises the binding of two people, literally 'tying the knot'.
Working illustration for front of wedding card
In Hinduism, it is seen as auspicious to start every new venture with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. This symbol will be placed on the invite as well as the envelope.
Bespoke symbol of Lord Ganesha
The Ganesha symbol has been custom designed to incorporate the initials of the bride and groom (A & R) as highlighted in the red and blue.
Bespoke symbol of Lord Ganesha highlighting initials of bride and groom.
Red and yellow are both very significant to Hindu weddings as they both have several connotations deriving from India. Red is often associated with the rising sun, hence it is seen as a symbol of a new life, which marriage is often referred to as; whilst yellow/gold is seen as the colour of prosperity and opulence. These are only a few associations to these colours which make them significant to Indian weddings but there are many more, including fertility and astrological beliefs in Hinduism.
Full illustration of the "lava phere" (circumbabulations around the fire)
The wedding invitation will open up like two doors with either figure on each side. Around the figures, a floral design will be laser cut and a ribbon will go around each figure. The idea of the "ghat bandhan" will come in with the ribbons being tied in the middle to close the 'doors' of the invitation.
Wedding card front view
The inside opens up to a heart felt poem and a greeting to the guests requesting their presence. The doors show the outline of the bride and groom without the printed detail.
Wedding card inside view
Back of card is plain with the front of the doors showing when folded outwards.
Wedding card back view
Invitation and programme information for the wedding day is printed on an insert to be enclosed inside the wedding card like a sleeve.
Wedding card insert
The final prototype was made with the sleeve entirely laser cut with details laser engraved, the insert is printed on gold with red ink for a more contrasting effect and the ribbon wraps around the bride and groom in a way similar to the way one would wear it, interlocking into the gate before being tied in a knot, or the 'ghat bandhan'.
Final prototype for wedding card
