The order and customs of Andhra Pradesh ceremonies have been followed for centuries. They often start with a set of pre-wedding rituals, beginning with the Nischitartham. The Nischitartham engagement ceremony marks the formal agreement between the families. This is followed by the Haldi Ceremony, known as Pendikoothuru. A particularly fun ritual is the groom's Kashi Yatra. Here, the groom pretends to want to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi, modern-day Varanasi, and give up a worldly life. The father of the bride then steps in and convinces him to stay and marry his daughter. A touch of drama for the wedding guests to enjoy!

The wedding day begins by invoking divine blessings. The rituals include The Mangala Snanam, Gauri Pooja, and Ganesh Pooja. This is followed by the Jeerakalla-Bellamu ceremony, where the couple exchanges jaggery and cumin seeds. This signifies the sweet and spicy flavours of married life. Next, the groom ties a Mangalsutra necklace on the bride, followed by the Kanyadan Akshata, where the bride’s parents give her away, and guests shower them with rice. The wedding ends with the Saptapadi. Here, the couple takes seven steps together as part of their vows to each other. 

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have rich histories of local textiles dating back over 3000 years. During weddings, brides, grooms, and wedding guests often wear traditional attire that displays their state’s craftsmanship. 

Women can choose from a range of sarees, each with its own distinct style. Dharmavaram sarees are often reserved for the brides. They are known for their intricate designs and golden brocades. Gadwal saris are favoured by affluent communities. They feature elaborate silk borders and opulent pallus. Other popular options are the beautifully woven Ikkat Saris and Mangalgiri Saris.

For men, simplicity meets style with plain white dhotis with subtle borders in versatile colours. Paired with kurtas with embroidery around the neckline, these ensembles are understated yet elegant. Sherwanis with elaborate designs are reserved for special occasions. 

Some wedding attires are specific to the ceremony. For instance, during the Madhuparkam ritual, the bride wears a cotton saree with a bold red border. The groom wears a classic white dhoti with a matching red border, symbolising their connection. 

No Andhra Pradesh bridal ensemble is complete without jewellery. Brides are often decked up in stunning gold jewellery adorned with pearls and precious stones. Their bridal set is carefully made up of bangles, necklaces, earrings, anklets, and a maang tikka. The groom also wears jewellery, such as a gold forehead chain that stands for prosperity. 

The cuisines of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are diverse and influenced by the states’ agricultural methods and historical trade routes. They draw from Mughal, Maratha, and British influences, creating a distinctive mix of flavours. 

Heavily featuring rice, lentils, and spices, an Andhra wedding feast is absolutely delectable. It is traditionally served on fresh banana leaves, known as aritaku. The lavish spread includes savoury delights like bobbatlu and vada with coconut chutney, as well as sweet Chakkara Pongal. Among the everyday dishes is Pulihara, a tangy tamarind rice served with mango curry.  Other dishes include Kandha Bachhalli curry, also known as Elephant Yam Curry, pachi pulusu, a raw tamarind soup, and poornalu, a sweet treat made from lentils and jaggery. 

Andhra Pradesh's fiery cuisine is seen in iconic dishes like Gongura Pachadi, a tangy chutney made from Roselle plant leaves, and the bold Andhra Chicken Curry, renowned for its vibrant red hue. The wedding cuisine also features dishes from the nearby state of Telangana. This includes specialities like Jonna Rotte, a sorghum flatbread, and the rich Haleem, a savoury porridge-like dish cherished during weddings and Ramadan.

Another region with its own cuisine is Rayalaseema. Its rugged terrain lends its distinct touch to the wedding feast with dishes like Ulava Charu, a tangy horse gram soup, and Rayalaseema Ragi Sangati, a nutritious finger millet dish often paired with Natu Kodi Pulusu, a country chicken curry.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana weddings place a lot of importance on natural decor. The wedding venue is often decorated with fresh flowers such as marigolds, roses, lotus, and various types of jasmine. They are complemented with banana and mango leaves to add a touch of green. A telltale sign of a wedding in a household is the raising of a temporary Mantap or Chappra. This is a structure made of coconut leaves and adorned with fresh flowers. 

Paying homage to the region’s ancient temples, the wedding venue may feature arches, pillars, and mantaps. Aesthetic elements like brass lamps, bells, and artefacts further enhance the festivities' charm. Music also adds to the ambience of the wedding. The melodies from the Nadaswara and Mrudanga are accompanied by the chants of the Purohits and live singers.