George Boyle
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour and glamour. They are also known for lasting multiple days, with various rituals and ceremonies to celebrate the happy couple. So, what does that mean for your wardrobe? Well, you'll need more than one outfit, that's for sure. The number of outfits you'll need will depend on how many events you're attending, but you can expect to need at least three or four different looks. From the pre-wedding events, like the mehndi and haldi ceremonies, to the main event and the post-wedding reception, you'll need to dress formally and traditionally for each.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of outfits | 3 days or more of events, 4 outfits or more |
| Outfit colours to avoid | Red, black and white |
| Outfit style | Modest, formal, respectful |
| Accessories | Bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, tikka headpiece |
| Outfit type | Traditional Indian, fusion of Indian and Western |
| Outfit cost | $80-$500 USD per outfit |
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What You'll Learn
- Pre-wedding events: Go for lightweight, modest, and colourful outfits
- Wedding ceremony: Wear a traditional Indian weave or silk outfit, but avoid red, black, and white
- Post-wedding reception: Dress formally, saving your most formal outfit for this event
- Accessories: Wear bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and statement pieces like a tikka headpiece
- Where to buy: Shop in person or look for a stylist to help you find the right outfit?
Pre-wedding events: Go for lightweight, modest, and colourful outfits
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, with multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. For pre-wedding events, it is recommended to opt for lightweight, modest, and colourful outfits. Here are some tips to help you navigate the pre-wedding events and choose the perfect outfits:
Mehendi/Mehndi
The Mehendi or Mehndi ceremony is traditionally held during the daytime and marks the official opening of the wedding celebrations. It involves the bride, her family, and guests getting their hands and feet adorned with henna. As this event involves the application of henna, it is advisable to wear lightweight outfits to avoid staining. For women, elegant skirt sets, sharara sets, or kaftan pant sets are ideal. Men can opt for kurtas or simple kurta pyjamas in light colours. If you want to embrace the traditional Indian look, consider a pre-draped saree or a lehenga. Accessorise with gold jewellery, such as bangles, to elevate your outfit.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is a festive evening filled with dance and stage performances by the bride's and groom's families. It is a time for everyone to let loose and celebrate. Guests are often encouraged to wear sparkly outfits, but if you don't want to wear an Indian outfit, a western ensemble like an evening gown or a western outfit with Indian accessories can also work. Men can opt for suits or tuxedos. Remember, comfort is key, especially if you plan to dance the night away.
Haldi
The Haldi ceremony is a religious ritual and a deeply emotional event for those closest to the couple. It is usually held during the day, and it is customary to wear light-coloured clothing. While it is not necessary to wear Indian attire, if you choose to wear Western silhouettes, it is important to keep them modest to respect the cultural and religious significance of the event.
Cocktail Night
The wedding festivities often kick off with a glamorous cocktail night, where guests can dress up and enjoy a sophisticated evening with the couple before the more traditional ceremonies begin. This is usually a black-tie event, so feel free to bring out your most elegant and sophisticated outfits.
General Tips
- Indian weddings are a celebration of culture and heritage, so embrace the opportunity to experience and honour the traditions.
- Research the regional differences in Indian wedding attire, as colour choices and dress codes can vary between regions.
- Avoid wearing red, white, or black to any of the events, as these colours are considered inappropriate for guests.
- Plan your outfits in advance, as Indian outfits are often custom-made or made-to-measure, requiring extra time for tailoring.
- Accessorise with jewellery and bracelets to elevate your look and add a touch of glamour.
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Wedding ceremony: Wear a traditional Indian weave or silk outfit, but avoid red, black, and white
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and colour, and they are often multi-day affairs with a variety of events to attend. Typically, traditional Indian weddings last for three days, but they can go on for longer. As a guest, you will likely need multiple outfits for the various events.
For the wedding ceremony, it is recommended to wear a traditional Indian weave or silk outfit. This could be a lehenga, a long skirt, a blouse, and a dupatta (scarf), or an anarkali suit—a long, flowing tunic with fitted pants or leggings. However, it is important to avoid wearing the colours red, black, and white. Red is often worn by the bride and is considered the bridal colour, so wearing it as a guest can be seen as trying to outshine her. Black is considered inauspicious and white is associated with mourning.
While it is respectful to wear Indian clothing to Indian weddings, it is not always necessary. If you choose to wear Western silhouettes, it is important to keep them modest, especially to be respectful of elder relatives and other cultures. It is also important to research the regional differences in Indian wedding attire, as rules related to colour can vary between regions. For example, women can wear white and red sarees to Bengali weddings, while white, ivory, and traditional gold sarees are common at South Indian weddings.
Indian weddings usually include pre-wedding events such as the sangeet, where guests often wear sparkly outfits, and the haldi ceremony, where guests typically wear light-coloured clothing, with yellow being the most common colour due to the ceremony's association with turmeric.
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Post-wedding reception: Dress formally, saving your most formal outfit for this event
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and colour, and guests are encouraged to embrace this with their outfits. Typically, Indian weddings last for three days, with many celebrations and rituals, so guests will need multiple outfits. The post-wedding reception is the final step, so it's the time to bring out your most formal outfit.
For women, a cape and skirt set, pre-draped sharara saree, embroidered saree gown, fish-cut lehenga, or sequinned saree are all recommended. Men could wear a bandhgala suit, also called a jodhpuri, which is a formal ensemble for special occasions. It is similar to a Western suit, except without a pleated collar.
In general, guests should dress formally for each ceremony they attend, with outfits becoming progressively more elaborate. It's also important to dress conservatively, especially for religious ceremonies. The dress code will vary depending on the type of religious wedding ceremony. Some ceremonies will require covered shoulders and heads, while others will not. The more traditional the venue, such as a mosque or temple, the more conservative the dress code.
It's also important to be respectful of the culture and avoid wearing anything revealing or casual. In addition, certain colours should be avoided. Red is traditionally worn by the bride, and black is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures, so these colours are best left for another occasion. White is also considered a no-no, unless stipulated on the invite.
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Accessories: Wear bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and statement pieces like a tikka headpiece
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the same goes for the outfits. Typically, traditional Indian weddings last for three days, with multiple events and celebrations, so you'll need multiple outfits.
When it comes to accessories, you can wear bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and statement pieces like a tikka headpiece. Here are some tips and suggestions for accessorizing your Indian wedding guest attire:
Bracelets
Bracelets are a popular accessory choice for Indian weddings. It is common to wear bracelets that match your outfit, and you can also mix and match Indian and Western styles. For example, you could pair an Indian outfit with a Western-style bracelet or watch, or vice versa. This is a great way to create a unique and modern look while still incorporating traditional elements.
Necklaces and Earrings
When it comes to jewellery, go for statement pieces like large necklaces and earrings. Indian-style jewellery, often featuring gold tones and intricate designs, can add a touch of glamour and elegance to your outfit. A Maang Tikka headpiece, for instance, is a traditional Indian accessory that can be worn with any outfit, not just bridal attire. It consists of a central ornament, usually made of gold, silver, or other metals, adorned with precious gemstones or decorative elements, and is believed to symbolise purity, protection, and the opening of the third eye. It is typically worn on the forehead, with a chain or string fastened to the hair.
Colour Considerations
When choosing accessories, it's important to consider the colours you're wearing and any regional differences. For example, red is considered inappropriate for guests to wear to a wedding, while white is usually avoided unless specifically stipulated by the couple. Black is also best avoided. Instead, opt for bright, festive colours, and perhaps consider the significance of colours in the region where the wedding is taking place. For instance, a white and red saree is appropriate for a Bengali wedding, while gold is perfect for South Indian weddings.
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Where to buy: Shop in person or look for a stylist to help you find the right outfit
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and grandeur, and the outfits are no exception. With multiple events and ceremonies, you'll need a variety of outfits to match the occasion.
When it comes to finding the right outfit for an Indian wedding, you have two main options: shopping in person or engaging the services of a stylist. If you choose to shop in person, you can explore local boutiques and specialty stores, trying on different outfits and getting a feel for the latest trends and styles. This option offers the advantage of being able to see and touch the outfits in person, ensuring a perfect fit and colour match.
On the other hand, if you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, hiring a stylist can be a great choice. A stylist will take the stress out of the outfit selection process by understanding your preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of the wedding you're attending. They will then be able to source outfits on your behalf, presenting you with options that align with your taste and the cultural expectations of the wedding.
Whether you choose to shop in person or engage a stylist, it's important to keep in mind the specific events and ceremonies that make up an Indian wedding. For instance, the sangeet is a lively evening of dancing and celebrations, so you might opt for something sparkly or an elegant evening gown. The haldi ceremony, on the other hand, is a religious ritual where the bride and groom are purified with turmeric, so light-coloured clothing is recommended to avoid staining.
No matter which route you choose, be sure to keep the dress code in mind. Indian weddings often call for modest and conservative attire, especially for religious ceremonies. It's also important to be mindful of regional differences and any colour restrictions—for example, red is typically avoided by guests.
If you're looking to shop in person, here are some stores you can consider:
- KALKI Fashion: Specialising in traditional Indian clothing for weddings and special occasions, KALKI offers a wide range of options for both men and women, including bridal wear, sherwanis, kurta-pajama sets, and indo-western outfits.
- Panash India: With a focus on stylish Indian bridal dresses, Panash India offers a collection that blends tradition with modern trends. They provide worldwide shipping, making it convenient for those unable to visit their physical stores.
Remember, the key to finding the right outfit is to respect the culture and traditions of the wedding while also ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, Indian weddings are multi-day affairs with a variety of events to attend, so you'll likely need at least four different outfits.
It is important to dress formally and respectfully, honouring the history and cultural significance of the occasion. Traditional Indian clothing is encouraged, and you can add a Western twist with accessories. For pre-wedding events, opt for lightweight traditional outfits as there is a possibility of staining the fabric with haldi (turmeric) or henna.
Yes, it is best to avoid wearing red, white, or black to an Indian wedding as these colours are considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
For the haldi ceremony, guests are usually encouraged to wear yellow. For the sangeet, sparkly outfits are common, and men can wear suits and tuxedos. For the wedding ceremony, a traditional Indian weave or silk outfit is recommended, with bright, celebratory colours. For the reception, you can wear a suit, but avoid dressing fancier than the bride or groom.
