Reception
A vibrant celebration blending Indian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan traditions — a night of culture, music, and dancing.
When
Saturday, November 14
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Grab a drink, find a table, and enjoy some cocktails and appetizers as we get ready for the evening. Mingle, catch up, and settle in — the celebration is just getting started.
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It’s time to celebrate! Join us as we kick off the reception with our entrance, followed by dinner, speeches, and a night of dancing and celebrating together.
Where
Rio Banquet
Hall
2850 Hopewell Place NE, Calgary
The Reception is where we truly celebrate - bringing together Indian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan traditions for a night filled with music, dancing, and joyful energy. This evening is about honoring our families, blending cultures, and creating unforgettable memories together.
Throughout the night, you’ll see elements woven in from all three backgrounds — meaningful customs, vibrant music, cultural touches, and traditions that reflect where we come from and the communities that shaped us.
If this is your first time experiencing a multicultural celebration like this, don’t worry — there’s nothing you need to prepare for or understand ahead of time. Simply come with an open mind and ready to enjoy. Many traditions are interactive, full of energy, and meant to include everyone. If something is happening around you, chances are you’re invited to join in.
Expect a lively atmosphere — great food, heartfelt speeches, cultural moments, and a packed dance floor. It’s a night meant for celebrating big and dancing even bigger.
What to Wear
Men
Formal suits
Barong or cultural attire welcomed
Tailored, refined, and celebration-ready
Women
Cocktail or evening attire
Punjabi (lehenga, salwar suit), Filipino (terno, Filipiniana dress), or Western styles welcomed
Elegant, festive, and celebration-ready
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Formal or cocktail attire is encouraged! Suits, evening dresses, and traditional cultural outfits are all welcome. Whether you're wearing a Punjabi suit, lehenga, Barong, Filipiniana dress, or Western formalwear, come dressed to celebrate!
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Rio Banquet Hall has two event rooms. When you enter the building, our reception will be the larger one to your right. Please head to that side to join us for cocktail hour and the celebration!
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Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 PM at Rio Banquet Hall, with the reception program starting around 6:30 PM. We recommend arriving during cocktail hour to grab a drink, mingle, and settle in before the festivities begin!
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Absolutely! We'll have appetizers during cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner after a portion of the reception. The open bar will offer beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options throughout the evening.
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Expect a lively celebration filled with music, food, family traditions, speeches, and plenty of dancing! We'll be blending elements of our Punjabi, Filipino, and Sri Lankan backgrounds throughout the evening. No experience with these traditions is needed — just come ready to celebrate!
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The Money Dance is a fun Filipino wedding tradition where guests pin money onto the bride and groom as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
During the dance, guests are welcome to come up, pin a bill onto us, and share a quick dance or photo together. We'll have helpers with pins and tape to make it easy!
Participation is completely optional, but we'd love for you to join the fun! Make sure to bring some cash ;)
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Your presence is the greatest gift! If you'd like to give something, monetary gifts, cash or cards are customary and appreciated. A designated gift and card area will be available at the reception.
There's no expectation to give a gift during both the ceremony and reception, or to participate in the Money Dance.
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Parking is available at Rio Banquet Hall. We recommend arranging a safe ride home if you plan to enjoy drinks throughout the evening.