All about Indian Wedding(According to Andhra Culture)

• 
  The rites begin with the writing of the lagna patrikas. This ceremony can be performed even one day before the wedding.
• After consultations with an astrologer, an auspicious day and time is fixed for the marriage ceremony and the concerned families draw up written "contracts".
• The engagement is called the Nischaithartum or Pradhanum. The bridegroom arrives at the bride's home accompanied by a large group of family members. They bring platters of fruits and gifts for the bride's family.
• A Vara puja is performed in honour of the groom. During this 'puja', the groom is given gifts by the bride's parents.
• A ceremony called Paindlipilla or Haldipaspu involves the 'dressing up of the bride' and warding of "evil eyes" and "evil spirits". This takes place on the morning of the wedding day.
• The marriage ceremonies called vivaham are traditionally held in the bride's ancestral home with two 'pujaris' officiating.
• A very important ceremony in the Telugu community is called Kankana Shastra. Prayers are offered and blessings sought - the Gods are requested to bless the 'kankana', a double thread placed on coconut that has been smeared with turmeric.
• The Kanyadaan -Two 'pujaris' recite Vedic chants and a coconut is placed on the bride's palms during the kanyadaan. The bride's father "gives her away" by "giving her hand in marriage" to the groom. The bride's mother pours water on the hands of her husband, acknowledging that they will relinquish parental rights over their daughter!
• Tying of the knot -The groom ties the sacred 'taali' - two flat pieces of inscribed gold pendants strung on a cord dipped in turmeric, consisting of 108 fine threads closely twisted together.
• The couple then exchange garlands, after which, they sit across each other divided by a platter of 'thalambratu' - rice smeared with turmeric. They take fistfuls of this rice and shower it over each other till the platter is empty.
• During the Saptapadi, the 'pujari' lights the 'homa' or sacred fire and the couple take seven steps, taking the marriage vows. The groom's 'angavastram' (shawl) is tied to the bride's sari.
• The Grahapravesham is the welcoming of the bride into her marital home.
  The Reception is not a traditional concept but has become a common feature. It can be simple or elaborate- in keeping with personal taste, affluence and other factors.