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Doli: a wedding guide

The doli is the bride's send-off at a Punjabi wedding. Her kin carry her out.

When couples book this

Doli rentals are usually booked about three months out. It moves with your date.

Still deciding the wedding

Your wishlist

Answer these before you meet anyone.

  • When does the doli appear?

    The doli is the vidaai's — the bride seen off by her own family. Some US couples also have the bride carried in on one for the ceremony entrance.

  • What style are you picturing?

Comparing your options

How it’s usually priced

Usually priced as one flat amount.

Possible extras: Fresh floral dressing.

Booked and settling details

What you settle once booked

  • Who carries it?

    Traditionally her brothers and cousins — four steady people who've had one practice lift. When a car stands in for the doli, they see her into it, and in many families give it a push.

  • Where is it staged?

    Out of guests' sight until the vidaai, near the door where it happens: she throws rice back over her head toward the home she leaves, her brothers lift her in, and the groom's elders throw coins over the doli as it goes. Confirm the path to the exit is wide enough.

The week of the wedding

The day-of sheet

Confirm arrival, finish, who to call, access, a meal, and what is due.

Across the whole day

Choose which moments to include.

  • Vidaai / doli moment

For businesses

The brief a couple sends you has these sections:

See a sample brief