Decorations and entertainment to flowers and food, there's a lot of preparation and anticipation associated with any couple's wedding day. And in Hindu culture, many couples put just as much effort into their engagement and pre-wedding ceremonies as they do the wedding itself—some even hire planners! "When describing Hindu weddings, I like to describe them as more of a festival because they consist of quite a few celebratory events leading up to the wedding," explains event planner Jignasa Patel. "These gatherings and events start off small and intimate, usually involving families and relatives. Events close to the wedding day are larger and include family, relatives, as well as friends."