Rickshaws & Dolis at Weddings: Origins, Traditions, and How Couples Use Them Today

If you’ve attended a South Asian wedding, you may have seen a bride or groom make their entrance in a beautifully decorated rickshaw or doli.

These entrances are often some of the most memorable moments of the celebration. Guests gather, music begins, and the couple arrives in a dramatic and meaningful way.

But where do these traditions come from? And how do couples incorporate them into modern weddings today?

As a Chicago wedding design and décor team specializing in multicultural celebrations, Afrin Designs often works with couples who want to incorporate meaningful cultural elements into their event design.

Here’s a closer look at the tradition behind rickshaws, dolis, and other cultural entrances, and how they’re used in weddings today.

What Is a Doli?

A doli is a traditional ceremonial carriage historically used in South Asian cultures to carry a bride during wedding rituals.

The word “doli” refers to a decorated palanquin, typically carried by family members or attendants. Traditionally, the bride would be carried from her family home to begin her new life with her spouse.

This moment symbolized a significant transition in the bride’s life and often carried deep emotional meaning.

Today, dolis are commonly used during weddings as a ceremonial bridal entrance, particularly during events like:

• The reception

• The wedding ceremony

• The bridal entrance into the venue

Modern dolis are often decorated with florals, draping, or lighting to complement the wedding’s overall design.

All About the Rickshaw

A rickshaw is a traditional passenger cart originally used for transportation throughout many parts of South and Southeast Asia.

In weddings, decorated rickshaws have become a popular and playful way for couples to make their entrance.

Rickshaws are especially popular for:

• Groom or bride entrances

• Couple entrances during receptions

• Baraat processions

• Cultural or themed wedding celebrations

Because rickshaws are wheeled rather than carried, they are often easier to maneuver in large venues or outdoor wedding spaces. Many couples choose to decorate the rickshaw with florals, fabric, or lights to match the rest of their wedding décor.

What Is a Phoolon Ki Chadar?

A Phoolon Ki Chadar (which translates to “canopy of flowers”) is a traditional bridal entrance element used in many South Asian weddings.

It is typically a floral canopy held over the bride by her brothers, cousins, or close family members as she walks down the aisle.

This moment is deeply symbolic — representing love, protection, and the support of the bride’s family as she transitions into a new chapter.

Today, Phoolon Ki Chadar entrances are often designed with:

• Fresh or silk florals

• Coordinated color palettes

• Lightweight structures for easy carrying

• Custom designs to match the overall wedding aesthetic

It creates one of the most emotional and visually stunning entrances of the ceremony.

Who Uses Rickshaws, Dolis & Chadar Entrances?

These elements are most commonly seen at South Asian weddings, including:

• Indian weddings

• Pakistani weddings

• Punjabi weddings

• Sikh weddings

Each of these traditions may be incorporated differently depending on cultural background, family traditions, and personal preferences.

Some couples choose a doli for the bride, a rickshaw for the groom, or a Phoolon Ki Chadar for the ceremony entrance — while others incorporate multiple elements across different events.

Modern Wedding Entrance Ideas

While rickshaws, dolis, and chadar entrances are rooted in tradition, many couples today are also blending in modern entrance styles to create a unique experience.

Some popular wedding entrance ideas include:

• Sparkler entrances for evening receptions

• Cold spark machines for dramatic indoor moments

• LED lighting tunnels or pathways

• Live dhol players or musicians

• Floral pathway installations

• Couples entering together for a grand reveal

These elements can be layered with traditional entrances or used on their own to create a high-impact moment.

Rentals for Chicago Weddings

At Afrin Designs, we offer a beautifully designed rickshaw and doli rental that couples can incorporate into their wedding entrance.

We also design and style elements like Phoolon Ki Chadar and other entrance moments to align with your overall wedding aesthetic.

Whether you’re planning a traditional baraat entrance, a bridal reveal, or a modern reception entrance, these pieces can be customized to feel cohesive with the rest of your décor.

✨ Explore our rental options here:https://www.afrindesigns.com/rentals

Planning a Wedding in Chicago?

If you’re planning a South Asian or multicultural wedding in Chicago and want to incorporate unique cultural elements like a rickshaw entrance, Afrin Designs offers custom wedding décor and design services to help bring your vision to life.

Explore more wedding inspiration and design tips on the Afrin Designs blog, or inquire to begin planning your celebration!