Together with their families
Sonal & Simon
request the pleasure of your company
29th - 30th January 2027
Devaaya Resort, Goa, India
The Celebrations
What to Expect
Our wedding spans two days of celebration at Devaaya Resort on Divar Island, Goa, where all guests will be staying with us. Each day has its own energy and traditions. Indian wear is encouraged but completely optional, details of what to wear will be shared at a later date.
Guest arrival and welcome
Welcome Dinner
An informal gathering for guests to settle in, enjoy drinks and dinner, and get to know everyone before the main celebrations begin.
Welcome Dinner
An informal gathering for guests to settle in, enjoy drinks and dinner, and get to know everyone before the main celebrations begin.
Pre-wedding rituals
Haldi
A ritual where a turmeric & sandalwood paste is applied to the couple as a purification and blessing ceremony. Expect our own fun spin on this traditional event.
Haldi
A ritual where a turmeric & sandalwood paste is applied to the couple as a purification and blessing ceremony. Expect our own fun spin on this traditional event.
Mehndi
A joyful celebration where intricate henna designs are applied as a blessing for the bride. Henna artists will also be available for guests. Acoustic music and cocktails will accompany the event.
Mehndi
A joyful celebration where intricate henna designs are applied as a blessing for the bride. Henna artists will also be available for guests. Acoustic music and cocktails will accompany the event.
Sangeet
An evening of music, dance, and performances from both families — one of the most entertaining nights of any Indian wedding, with more dancing going on into the night.
Sangeet
An evening of music, dance, and performances from both families — one of the most entertaining nights of any Indian wedding, with more dancing going on into the night.
Wedding and Reception
Baraat
The groom's grand ceremonial procession to the wedding venue, with music and dancing.
Baraat
The groom's grand ceremonial procession to the wedding venue, with music and dancing.
Wedding Ceremony
The main Hindu wedding ceremony under a decorated canopy with sacred rituals, including vows around a holy fire.
Wedding Ceremony
The main Hindu wedding ceremony under a decorated canopy with sacred rituals, including vows around a holy fire.
Reception
A Western style formal celebration with dinner, toasts, and dancing to mark the newlyweds' union and bring everyone together.
Reception
A Western style formal celebration with dinner, toasts, and dancing to mark the newlyweds' union and bring everyone together.
Full timings, event details and clothing recommendations will be shared with your official invitation; however, please rest assured that we will be providing copious amounts of food, alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, throughout the events.
Plan Your Journey
Travel Information
Everything you need to know about getting to Devaaya Resort on Divar Island and making the most of your stay. We are here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.
Flights
- Goa has two airports - Dabolim Airport (GOI) and Manohar International Airport (GOX). The resort is located between the two, approximately a 1 hour drive from each.
- We advise arriving on the 28th or earlier to settle in and adjust to the time difference (India is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT).
- If travelling just for the wedding, we would recommend booking Wednesday evening flights from the UK which would arrive in Goa by Thursday afternoon. Flights leaving on Sunday should get you back to the UK by Sunday night or Monday morning.
- Alternatively, staying for a whole week and flying Wednesday to Wednesday will result in cheaper flights. Extend your stay in Goa for beach time or visit other sights in India whilst you are there.
- The cheapest and most frequent flight options are with layovers in Mumbai, Delhi or the Middle East. Expect to pay £500 - £700 return per person.
- There is a direct flight from London Gatwick to Goa operated by TUI. The timing of this flight is very convenient, leaving Gatwick at Wednesday 10pm, however it is more expensive, around £900 - £1000 return per person, and requires you to stay at least a week to book.
- Flights are currently very expensive due to the war in Iran, so wait a few months to book, but we would recommend booking before October.
Accommodation
- All events will be hosted at the Mercure Goa Devaaya Resort on Divar Island. The resort features 70 luxurious rooms with Portuguese colonial décor, views of the Mandovi River and lush gardens. The resort has a pool, gym, spa and recreational area.
- We have a minimum room agreement with the venue, at a special rate for our guests, so we are expecting all guests to stay on the resort with us. Room allocation and payments will be done through us and we will share details of this with those who have confirmed their attendance.
- Room rates are £100 - £130 per room, per night depending on the room type. From smallest to largest, these are Premium rooms, Villa rooms and Junior suites. All rooms include modern amenities such as: a safe, tea/coffee making facilities, bottled water, mini fridge and AC. They can all also accommodate an extra bed and/or cot (for an extra charge). We can share pictures of the rooms if you need help with your decision.
- When you RSVP, please indicate your preferred room type and we will endeavour to allocate this to you. However, as there are a limited number of each type of room, families who require extra beds or cots will be prioritised for the larger rooms.
Practical Tips
- Visa: UK passport holders require a visa. The e-Visa is done online and costs around £20. You can only apply within 30 days of arrival at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ - It typically takes 3-5 business days.
- UK plugs won't fit Indian sockets (Type C/D/M) - bring a universal travel adapter.
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available, including at both airports. Debit and credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. Notify your UK bank before travelling to avoid blocked transactions.
Weather and Travel Health
- January in Goa is peak season with beautiful warm weather - daytime temperatures around 31-33 C and pleasant evenings around 20-22 C. A welcome escape from the British winter!
- The hotel fumigates the border of the resort daily to reduce mosquito activity, but we would also recommend bringing mosquito repellent.
- Sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses, and a hat are essential - the Goan sun is far stronger than it feels.
- For more travel health advice, see - https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india
Have questions about your trip?
Reach out to one of us on Whatsapp or email hello@sonalsimon.wedding and we will be happy to help with any questions or queries.
We Hope You Can Join Us
RSVP
Please let us know if you can make it by the 21st of June. We cannot wait to celebrate with you.