Deborah Chan
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and colour, with multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. For guests, choosing an outfit can be a daunting task. Indian weddings are deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element serving as a powerful expression of heritage and values. So, can you wear an Indian dress to a second wedding? The answer is yes—in fact, it is encouraged. Wearing traditional clothing is a way to honour the couple and their culture, regardless of your background. Embrace unique colours and styles, and don't be afraid to be bold. Just remember to avoid wearing red, as it is traditionally worn by the bride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Traditional Indian attire, formal, colourful, vibrant, glamorous |
| Colours to avoid | White, black, red |
| Events | Cocktail night, Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, Phere, reception |
| Outfits | Sarees, lehengas, salwar, gaghra, kurta sets, suits, tuxedos |
| Accessories | Sparkly bangles, bracelets, gold jewellery |
| Footwear | Comfortable, stilettos |
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What You'll Learn
Wearing Indian dress as a non-Indian guest
Indian weddings are a spectacular celebration of love, unity, and cultural traditions. From vibrant colours to rich rituals, attending an Indian wedding as a non-Indian guest is an experience like no other. If you've been invited to an Indian wedding and are wondering what to wear, here are some tips to help you navigate the cultural nuances with grace and respect:
Dress Code:
Firstly, check the invitation for any specified dress code. Indian weddings often have multiple events across several days, and each may have its own dress code. The invitation will usually mention the expected attire, which could range from traditional Indian clothing to Western formal or semi-formal attire. If the dress code is not specified, it is generally safe to opt for a blend of Indian and Western semi-formal attire.
Colours:
When it comes to colours, Indian weddings are known for their bright, festive hues. Embrace vibrant colours like royal blue, emerald green, magenta, and rich orange. Pastels are also currently in style for Indian weddings, particularly during the daytime. However, there are a few colours you should generally avoid:
- Red: This is traditionally worn by the bride and is considered off-limits for guests.
- Black: Various cultures in India consider black to be an inauspicious colour.
- White: White is typically associated with mourning and is best avoided, unless specifically stipulated on the invite.
Attire for Different Events:
The Sangeet is a pre-wedding celebration filled with music and dancing. For this event, you can choose Indian or Western semi-formal attire. Women can wear elegant cocktail dresses, Indo-Western fusion outfits, or even a stylish saree. Men can opt for tailored suits, blazers with trousers, or traditional kurta pyjamas.
The Mehndi ceremony is a festive event during the daytime where henna tattoos are applied to the bride, her family, and guests. The dress code for this event is usually bright colours, often with a focus on green, the colour of Mehndi. You can wear a flowy maxi dress, a knee-length Indian-inspired outfit, or a colourful saree if you feel comfortable.
The Haldi ceremony is a religious purification ceremony for the bride and groom. It is usually held during the day, and light-coloured clothing is recommended. While it doesn't have to be specifically Indian, if you choose Western silhouettes, keep them modest. The theme often suggests shades of yellow and orange, reflecting the colour of turmeric.
The Baraat is the groom's procession, a formal and sacred event. For this occasion, it is best to lean towards traditional Indian attire. Women can wear sarees or lehengas, while men can wear kurta pyjamas or bandgalas, which are Indian-Western fusion suits.
Accessories:
Indian weddings are the perfect occasion for statement jewellery. Layer necklaces, wear bangles, and don't shy away from dramatic earrings. Just avoid wearing family heirloom-style pieces that might compete with the bride's jewellery. Gold jewellery is considered good luck in Indian cultures, so consider incorporating gold into your accessories.
Embracing the Culture:
The Indian community loves it when non-Indian guests embrace their culture and wear Indian clothes. If you feel comfortable, consider renting or borrowing a saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez. However, if you don't feel comfortable in traditional Indian clothing, that's completely acceptable too. You can always add a cultural nod to your Western attire with some glittery bangles or a gold accessory.
Remember, each Indian wedding is unique, and dress codes can vary based on region, religion, and individual preferences. If in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to the couple or other guests for guidance. Enjoy the celebration and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the wedding!
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Choosing colours and styles
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, vibrancy, and glamour. They are also deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element—from the rituals to the attire—serving as a powerful expression of heritage and values. As a guest, you'll be immersed in the culture for a whole day or even three, so you'll likely want to dress the part in appropriate Indian wedding guest attire.
Indian weddings will often have multiple events across a few days, and each will have its own dress code. The general advice is to avoid wearing the following colours at religious events: white (associated with mourning), black (considered inauspicious), and red (traditionally worn by the bride).
If you're eager to embrace traditional Indian culture, consider wearing a lehenga, a timeless outfit that typically includes a skirt and dupatta set. For a cocktail reception or sangeet ceremony, you could opt for a lehenga in green, the colour of Mehendi (henna). If you prefer the comfort of pants, a kurta set is a stylish alternative to a saree or lehenga. For a regal look, a printed saree with gold embroidered detailing is a great choice. Pair it with gold bangles for an elegant touch.
For men, suits and tuxedos are always a safe choice. However, if you want to embrace Indian formalwear, consider pairing a suit with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta or churidar.
When choosing colours, embrace vibrant shades and unique patterns. Indian formalwear is known for its bold use of colour, so don't be afraid to experiment. Gold jewellery is also highly recommended, as it symbolises good luck in Indian culture and is often worn during special occasions and celebrations.
Lastly, comfort is key. Indian attire can be quite heavy, so choose outfits that allow you to move freely and comfortably, especially if you plan to dance the night away.
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Understanding the cultural significance of Indian wedding attire
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, with multiple events across several days, each with its own unique dress code. The attire for each event is steeped in cultural significance and tradition.
Indian weddings are a celebration of colour, and guests are encouraged to embrace this by wearing bright, festive shades. However, it is important to avoid certain colours, such as white, which is considered a colour of mourning, black, which is seen as inauspicious, and red, as this is traditionally the colour of the bride's outfit.
For women, traditional Indian wedding attire includes sarees, lehengas, and Anarkali suits, often with intricate embroidery or embellishments. A saree is an unstitched garment, usually five to nine yards in length, that is draped around the body and tucked into an underskirt. A lehenga is a three-piece set consisting of a skirt, a cropped or long blouse called a choli, and a dupatta, which is a scarf-like garment draped over the head or shoulders. An Anarkali suit is a long dress with a fitted top and a flaring bottom, often with a net dupatta. These outfits are usually paired with gold jewellery, which is considered auspicious and symbolic of luck, fertility, and safety in the couple's new marriage.
For men, traditional Indian wedding attire includes a sherwani, which is a knee-length, button-down jacket worn over a loose collarless shirt called a kurta, paired with trousers called churidars. Men can also wear a bandhgala suit, which is a formal suit with a closed collar jacket that falls just below the waist, worn with slim trousers.
The specific attire and colours chosen for an Indian wedding may vary by region and community, so it is important to research the regional differences and check the couple's wedding website or invitation for any dress code cues.
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Dressing for the various ceremonies
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, with multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. Here is a guide to help you navigate the various ceremonies and their attire expectations:
Cocktail Night/Reception
The wedding celebrations often kick off with a cocktail night or reception, where the couple and guests can enjoy a glamorous evening. This is usually a black-tie event, so guests are expected to dress formally. Men can opt for suits or tuxedos, while women can wear elegant evening gowns or Indian outfits like sarees or lehengas.
Mehendi/Haldi
The Mehendi or Haldi ceremony is a colourful event held during the day. It involves applying henna to the bride, her family, and guests. Guests are encouraged to wear bright colours, with a possible suggestion of green to match the colour of the henna. Indian outfits are preferred, but if you choose to wear Western clothing, keep it modest and lightweight as there is a possibility of staining the outfit with henna or turmeric.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is a lively evening celebration with stage performances and dancing. Guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits, but an evening gown is also suitable if you prefer not to wear another Indian outfit. This is a great opportunity to embrace traditional Indian culture and consider wearing a lehenga, a timeless crop top, skirt, and dupatta set.
Phere/Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony is the most important event, where the couple exchanges vows and is considered a religious ceremony. Guests should dress formally and modestly, with covered cleavage and legs. Women typically wear sarees or pantsuit outfits, and men can wear suits or traditional Indian attire like sherwanis or bandhgala suits. It is important to avoid wearing red, as it is the traditional colour of the bride.
Post-Wedding Festivities
For post-wedding festivities, semi-formal or relaxed attire is more suitable. Guests can opt for lightweight and comfortable outfits, saving their most formal ensemble for the reception. Accessories are key, especially bracelets, and it is recommended to choose pieces that can be worn with multiple outfits.
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Accessories and footwear
Accessories
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and accessories play a significant part in enhancing your outfit. Bracelets, in particular, are a popular choice, with guests often opting for pieces that can be worn again with other outfits. Shawna Gohel, editor-in-chief of Maharani Weddings, suggests that "accessories are always key, especially with bracelets". It is also recommended to choose accessories that can be worn with multiple outfits, making them versatile additions to your wardrobe.
For women, jewellery is an important accessory. Earrings, necklaces, and bangles in gold or other metallic tones can add a festive touch to your ensemble. If you're wearing a saree, consider pairing it with gold bangles or a statement necklace. You can also opt for a maang tikka, which is a traditional Indian forehead accessory, to elevate your look.
Footwear
When it comes to footwear, Indian weddings offer a blend of tradition and modernity. Here are some options to consider:
- Punjabi Juttis: These are an evergreen choice, known for their vibrant designs and comfort. Juttis are available for both men and women, offering intricate embroidery and detailing along with comfort for those long wedding celebrations.
- Kolhapuris: If you're aiming for a more relaxed and casual look, Kolhapuris are the perfect blend of style and comfort. They offer a range of designs to complement your attire.
- Wedges, Heels, and Sneakers: Depending on your preference, you can opt for heels or wedges to elevate your look. Golden Indian bridal heels or peep-toe low heels can add a touch of glamour. Alternatively, bridal sneakers or sneakers with heels provide a more comfortable option while still looking fashionable.
Remember, when choosing your footwear, it's essential to consider both style and comfort, as you'll be on your feet for extended periods during the wedding festivities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear an Indian dress to an Indian wedding. In fact, it is encouraged to embrace the relevant attire regardless of your background. If you're wearing a saree for the first time, consider getting someone to help you put it on.
Avoid wearing white (associated with mourning), black (inauspicious), and red (bridal). It is also recommended to avoid muted colours, as Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and colourful attire.
Embrace colour and traditional styles to honour the couple and their culture. You can also experiment with new colours and styles, mixing new pieces with existing items from your wardrobe. Gold jewellery is also recommended, as it symbolises good luck in Indian culture.
Indian weddings often consist of multiple events, each with its own dress code. It's important to dress formally for each ceremony, saving your most formal ensemble for the reception. It's also important to consider the cultural significance and traditions associated with Indian weddings, and to dress respectfully.
