A Sikh wedding centres on the Anand Karaj — the religious ceremony held at a Gurdwara — but in the GTA it usually spans several days, with pre-wedding events like Maiyan, Choora, and Jaago and a separate reception. Planning one means coordinating the Gurdwara, vendors who understand Sikh protocol, and a multi-day timeline. Here is how to approach it step by step.
Contact your chosen Gurdwara early — popular GTA Gurdwaras (Ontario Khalsa Darbar in Mississauga, Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Malton, and others) book Saturday Anand Karaj slots well in advance. Confirm the date, the time (most Anand Karaj ceremonies are held in the morning), langar arrangements, the Gurdwara's photography/videography policy, and any dress-code or protocol requirements. Book the Gurdwara before locking your reception venue so the two align.
Beyond the Anand Karaj, a Sikh wedding commonly includes pre-wedding events: Maiyan (a haldi-like turmeric ceremony at home), Choora (the bride's bangle ceremony), and Jaago (a lively night-before celebration with singing and dancing). The Baraat (the groom's procession, often with a dhol player) leads into the ceremony, and a reception follows. Not every family does every event — decide your scope early because it drives your vendor count and budget.
The Big Bang Events lists vendors who specialise in Sikh weddings across the GTA — photographers who know Gurdwara protocol, langar-style caterers, dhol players, and more.
Browse Sikh wedding vendors