George Boyle
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful affair, with multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. The key to dressing as a guest is to respect the customs and traditions of the couple and their culture. It is important to avoid wearing red, black, or white, and to dress formally and modestly. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional Indian clothing, such as a sari, lehenga, or an Anarkali suit for women, and a sherwani or kurta-pajama for men. However, Western attire is also appropriate, especially if it features bright, festive colours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of outfits | Multiple outfits are often required for the different events |
| Colour | Bright, festive colours are encouraged, but some are off-limits (red, black, white) |
| Style | Modest, formal, elegant, respectful, playful |
| Accessories | Jewellery, bangles, headpieces, scarves/shawls |
| Clothing type | Sarees, lehengas, skirts, blouses, dupattas, anarkali suits, sherwanis, suits, kurta pyjamas, salwar kameez, Indo-Western fusion outfits, cape and skirt sets, embroidered saree gowns, fish cut lehengas, sequinned sarees |
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What You'll Learn
- What to avoid: No red, black or white. Avoid revealing clothes?
- Dress code: Bright colours, pastels, sparkles and jewels
- Traditional attire: Sarees, lehengas, sherwanis and kurtas
- Multiple outfits: Different dress codes for each event
- Cultural sensitivity: Avoid appropriation, be respectful and embrace the culture
What to avoid: No red, black or white. Avoid revealing clothes
When deciding what to wear to an Indian wedding, it's important to keep in mind that certain colours are traditionally off-limits. Red, for example, is considered sacred and is typically worn by the bride. Guests should avoid wearing red out of respect for her and to avoid upstaging the couple.
Black is also considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures and is associated with loss and mourning, so it is best avoided. Similarly, white is a colour often worn to signify mourning and is therefore not usually worn to Indian weddings.
In addition to avoiding these colours, it's important to dress modestly, especially if you are wearing Western silhouettes. Revealing clothing should be avoided, and men and women should both aim for respectful and stylish outfits. For men, this could mean a bandhgala suit, a kurta set, or a sherwani. For women, a saree or lehenga is a good option, and if you want to wear a dress, a cocktail dress is suitable.
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Dress code: Bright colours, pastels, sparkles and jewels
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the dress code often involves bright colours, pastels, sparkles, and jewels. As a guest, you will be immersed in the culture for a whole day or even three, so you'll want to dress appropriately.
When it comes to colours, it's important to know which ones to avoid. Red is traditionally the colour of the bride, so guests should not wear this colour. Black is also considered inauspicious and white is often associated with mourning, so these colours should be avoided too. Instead, opt for bright, festive colours. If you're attending a daytime ceremony, pastels are a good choice, while jewel tones are more suitable for evening receptions.
If you want to wear traditional Indian clothing, you can choose from a range of options. Women can wear a saree, a stretch of fabric draped over the body with one end attached to the waist and the other end over one shoulder, or a lehenga, which is a form of ankle-length skirt. Men can wear sherwanis or kurta pyjamas. If you want to add some sparkle to your outfit, go for subtle accents rather than full-on glitter, so that the couple shines the brightest. You can also pair your outfit with Indian accessories, such as large earrings, big necklaces, and bangles, preferably in gold tones.
If you're more comfortable wearing Western attire, you can still incorporate bright colours and sparkles. For women, a gown with sparkles, sequins, or embellished stones can be a good choice. You can also add some Indian earrings or a light dupatta/stole as accessories. Men can opt for a smart shirt and pants, perhaps with some subtle sparkle details.
Remember to always check the couple's wedding website or invitation for specific dress codes and try to dress formally and modestly, especially for religious ceremonies.
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Traditional attire: Sarees, lehengas, sherwanis and kurtas
Indian weddings often have multiple events with different dress codes. Here is a guide to help you navigate the traditional attire for women and men at these events.
Sarees
A saree is a stretch of fabric draped over the body, with one end attached to the waist and the other end resting over one shoulder like a stole. Sarees are typically worn at the Phere, the final event of the wedding festivities and the religious ceremony where the couple takes their wedding vows. It is important to note that the colour red is traditionally reserved for the bride and should be avoided by guests.
Lehengas
A lehenga is a form of ankle-length skirt, often paired with a choli (a cropped blouse) and a dupatta (a long scarf). Lehengas come in various colours, fabrics, and designs, catering to different tastes and themes. Some popular colours for wedding lehengas include red, gold, pastels, and deep jewel tones. The right choice can elevate your look, ensuring you stand out. The lehenga is typically worn at the Sangeet, a dance-off with stage performances from the bride and groom's families. This event is usually held in the evening, and guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits.
Sherwanis and Kurtas
Sherwanis and kurtas are traditional Indian outfits for men. A sherwani is a long coat that falls just above the knees, typically worn with a kurta (a long shirt) underneath. It is a popular choice for grooms and groomsmen, especially at more formal or evening events. Kurtas, on the other hand, can be worn more casually or during the day. They are comfortable and come in various colours and styles.
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Multiple outfits: Different dress codes for each event
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and can last for three days or more, with multiple events and ceremonies, each with its own dress code. As a guest, you will need multiple outfits for the various events.
The first event is often a cocktail night, a black-tie event where guests can wear sparkly outfits, evening gowns, suits, and tuxedos. The Mehendi ceremony, where the bride, her family, and guests get their henna done, is usually held during the day, with a suggested dress code of bright colours, such as shades of green and yellow. Women can wear sarees or lehengas, and men can wear kurta pyjamas in light colours.
The Sangeet is a music and dance-filled pre-wedding party, where guests can wear Indian or Western semi-formal attire. Women can wear sarees, Indo-Western fusion outfits, or cocktail dresses, while men can wear suits, blazers with trousers, or kurta pyjamas.
The Haldi is a religious ceremony and a purifying ritual for the bride and groom. Guests should dress modestly and in light-coloured clothing, which does not need to be Indian.
The final event is the Phere, the religious wedding ceremony where the couple takes their vows. Women are expected to wear Indian outfits, such as sarees or lehengas, and men wear suits with a Safa, a hat made of a long colourful scarf. Guests should avoid wearing red, as it is the traditional colour worn by the bride.
It is important to note that dress codes can vary based on region, religion, and individual preferences, so it is recommended to research and pay attention to the invitation for specific attire requests.
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Cultural sensitivity: Avoid appropriation, be respectful and embrace the culture
Indian weddings are a spectacular celebration of love, unity, and cultural traditions. Attending an Indian wedding as a guest provides an opportunity to embrace and appreciate a different culture. However, it's important to be mindful of cultural sensitivity and follow certain etiquette guidelines to avoid cultural appropriation. Here are some tips to help you navigate the cultural nuances with grace and respect:
Avoid Cultural Appropriation
While it's wonderful to appreciate and embrace Indian culture, it's crucial to avoid appropriating it. Be mindful of the significance of traditional attire and accessories, and respect their cultural context. Avoid caricaturing or trivializing elements of Indian culture. Understand that Indian weddings are deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element—from rituals to attire—serving as a powerful expression of heritage and values.
Seek Guidance
If you're unsure about the dress code or customs, don't hesitate to reach out to the couple, close friends, or family members who can provide guidance. They will appreciate your effort to understand and respect their culture. Remember that Indian weddings often include religious rituals, and during these moments, it's customary to remain quiet and attentive, showing respect for the sacredness of the occasion.
Dress Code Considerations
Indian weddings typically consist of multiple ceremonies and celebrations, each with its own significance and dress code. The invitation will usually mention the dress code, giving you an idea of what to wear. If it specifies traditional Indian attire, embrace the cultural experience and dress accordingly. Traditional Indian wedding guest ensembles for women include sarees, lehenga cholis, or Anarkali suits with intricate embroidery or embellishments. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, churidar, or pants. However, in many cases, Western attire is also appropriate, especially if it features bright, festive colours.
Colour Considerations
Colour plays an important role in Indian weddings. While bright, festive colours are always in style, there are some colours that are traditionally off-limits. Guests should avoid wearing red, as it is typically the colour worn by the bride. Black is also considered inauspicious by various cultures in India and should be avoided. Additionally, for certain events like the Haldi ceremony, shades of yellow and orange are often suggested as "haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to note that Indian weddings usually consist of multiple events, each with its own dress code. The invitation will usually mention the dress code, but if it specifies traditional Indian attire, such as a sari or a salwar kameez for women, or a kurta pyjama for men, it's best to embrace the cultural experience and dress accordingly.
Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours. Guests are encouraged to wear bright, festive colours. Colours like red and black should be avoided as they are reserved for the bride and are considered inauspicious, respectively.
Traditional Indian attire for women includes a saree, lehenga choli, or an Anarkali suit with intricate embroidery or embellishments.
Traditional Indian attire for men includes a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, a churidar, or pants.
Accessories like bangles, jewellery, and headpieces can elevate your look and help you blend in with the festive crowd.
