The different communities and castes of Kerala have developed over centuries their own typical marriage ceremonies. The Hindus belonging to all castes generally compare the horoscope of the boy with that of the girl and satisfy themselves of their compatibility before the proposal for the marriage is formally agreed to. A ceremony called jatakam koda (exchange of horoscopes) or motiram maral(exchange of rings) is sometimes conducted before the marriage is solemnized.Tali tying and presentation of cloth i.e, pudavakoda in South Kerala and pudamuri in North Kerala have become an essential part of Hindu marriages.

The Christians and Muslims have their own characteristic marriage ceremonies. The one thing is common they have with Hindu marriages is the tali tying ceremony. The tali of the Christians is a cord made out of 21 threads from the marriage cloth or mantrakodi which is also presented to the bride.

Among the Muslims, the actual ceremony is called `nikah'. The father of the bride sits face to face with the bridegroom, clasping each others hands. The musaliar, the priest, then announces the conditions of the marriage contract and the bridegroom gives his consent. The mahar, or the amount the bridegroom has agreed to pay to the bride will also then be publicly announced. The bride's father and bridegroom will repeat the same. The `nikah' is over and the assembled guests are treated to a feast. The women do not generally take part in the `nikah' but they assemble in full strength for the tali tying ceremony. The dowry system which has been prevalent among different communities in Kerala continues in some form or other even today.