Deborah Chan
Hindu weddings are known for their extravagance and colour, with vibrant rituals, decorations and outfits. Guests are encouraged to embrace the culture and dress code of the wedding, which can vary depending on region, religion and individual preferences. The invitation will usually mention the dress code, but it's important to note that certain colours are traditionally off-limits, including white, which symbolises mourning, and red, which is the colour the bride wears. Black is also considered inauspicious and best avoided. For men, a sherwani or kurta-pyjama is a good option, and for women, a lehenga, saree or anarkali suit is appropriate.
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Colours to wear
Colour is an important factor when it comes to choosing what to wear to a Hindu wedding. While Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and colourful attire, there are some colours that should be avoided.
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid wearing white, as it is considered a symbol of mourning. Black is also traditionally off-limits, as it is seen as an inauspicious colour in Indian culture. Red should also be avoided, as it is the colour typically worn by the bride.
When selecting colours to wear, bright and festive hues are encouraged. For daytime events, pastels are a good choice, while jewel tones are more suitable for evening celebrations. If the wedding has a specific dress code, such as the colour green for a Mehendi ceremony, guests are usually encouraged to follow this.
For those who want to embrace the cultural experience, traditional Indian attire is a great option. Women can wear sarees, lehengas, or anarkali suits, while men can opt for a sherwani, kurta-pajama, or a suit. It is also common for guests to mix traditional Indian styles with Western looks, especially for the Sangeet or reception. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and respectful in your chosen outfit.
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Colours to avoid
Colour is an important factor to consider when choosing what to wear to a Hindu wedding. While bright, vibrant colours are encouraged, there are some colours that are best avoided.
Firstly, it is recommended that guests avoid wearing white, as this colour is associated with mourning. Similarly, black is also considered inauspicious and therefore off-limits. Red is another colour that guests should steer clear of, as it is traditionally the colour of the bride's outfit.
In addition to these restrictions, it is important to respect the cultural and religious nature of the wedding. As such, guests should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing and ensure that their outfits are semi-formal or formal in style. For women, bare arms and short skirts are generally considered inappropriate, and head coverings may be appropriate in certain situations.
It is worth noting that Indian weddings often consist of multiple events, each with its own dress code. So, it is always a good idea to check the invitation or the couple's wedding website for specific guidance on what to wear.
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Traditional attire
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, rituals, and traditions. They are also quite colourful, vibrant, and glamorous. As a guest, you will be immersed in the culture for a whole day or even three days, so you will likely want to dress the part in appropriate Indian wedding attire.
When picking out your Indian wedding guest attire, colour is an important factor to keep in mind. The most essential part of the dress code for an Indian wedding is to wear colour. Bright, festive colour is always in style for an Indian wedding no matter what the season or venue. You can stick to pastels during the daytime and jewel tones at night. Given the celebratory nature of Indian weddings, bright hues are encouraged, though some colours are traditionally off-limits. It is recommended that guests avoid wearing red, as the bride typically wears this colour, and black, as it is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures. White is also considered inappropriate, as it is a colour of mourning.
For the ceremony or reception, a sherwani is a perfect choice for men. It is a formal, embellished coat-like tunic paired with fitted trousers. A kurta-pajama, a long tunic with loose-fitting pants, is a great option for pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events. Men can also wear suits.
For women, a lehenga, skirt, blouse, and dupatta (scarf) are appropriate. An anarkali suit, a long, flowing tunic with fitted pants or leggings, is also acceptable. Women can also wear sarees, which are long, draped garments, or lehengas, which consist of a long skirt paired with a crop top or blouse.
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Semi-formal attire
For semi-formal attire at a Hindu wedding, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the culture and wear traditional Indian garments. However, it is not necessary to do so, and guests can wear a blend of Indian and Western semi-formal attire.
For women, a saree is a safe choice for a Hindu wedding. Sarees are long, draped garments, usually five to nine yards in length, that are draped around the body and tucked into an underskirt. Lehengas are also a good option and consist of an elaborate skirt, a cropped or long blouse, and a dupatta that is draped over the head or shoulders. Women should also consider wearing a cape and skirt set, a pre-draped sharara saree, an embroidered saree gown, a fish-cut lehenga, or a sequinned saree. For pre-wedding events, women could opt for salwar suits, elegant skirt sets, sharara sets, or kaftan pant sets. For the Sangeet, a night of music, dancing, and entertainment, women can wear elegant cocktail dresses, Indo-Western fusion outfits, or even a stylish saree. For semi-formal events, women can also opt for cocktail dresses or stylish gowns, choosing colours that complement the celebratory atmosphere. It is important to avoid wearing white, red, or black to a Hindu wedding.
For men, a bandhgala suit, also called a jodhpuri, is a formal ensemble typically worn for special occasions. It is similar to a Western suit but does not feature a pleated collar. A sherwani is also a good option for men and is a formal, embellished coat-like tunic paired with fitted trousers. For pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events, men can wear a kurta-pajama, which is a long tunic with loose-fitting pants. For the Sangeet, men can opt for tailored suits, blazers with trousers, or a traditional kurta pyjama. For semi-formal events, men can wear Western-style suits or tuxedos, ensuring that they are well-fitted.
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Accessories
For the Tilak ceremony, a semi-formal event, it is recommended that women wear light embroidery or brocade details for an elegant look. Men can accessorise with a stole in warm, sophisticated colours.
For the Mehendi ceremony, where the bride, her family, and guests will have their henna done, bright colours are often suggested, with a dress code referring to green, the colour of Mehendi.
For the Haldi ceremony, a purifying ceremony for the bride and groom, it is recommended to wear light-coloured clothing. The theme will often suggest shades of yellow and orange, as "haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi.
For the Phere, the final event of the wedding festivities, women will be expected to dress in Indian outfits, such as a saree or lehenga. Men can wear suits and will be given a Safa (a hat made out of a long colourful scarf) to wear. Small handbags paired with Indian-style jewellery pieces are recommended.
For the Cocktail Night, a black-tie event, women can opt for a bold lip colour, high heels, and a side-swept hairstyle or Hollywood waves. Men can accessorise with a pocket square, stylish loafers, and a well-groomed beard.
It is important to embrace the vibrant, festive spirit of a Hindu wedding while respecting cultural customs. Avoid wearing black, white, or red, as these colours are associated with mourning or the bride's dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Colour is an important factor when it comes to Hindu wedding attire. Guests are advised to wear bright, vibrant and festive colours. It is best to avoid wearing white, which symbolises mourning, black, which is considered inauspicious, and red, as the bride usually wears this colour. For evening events, jewel tones are a good choice.
Hindu weddings are colourful, vibrant and glamorous, so guests are encouraged to wear traditional Indian clothing, such as a saree or salwar kameez for women, and a kurta pyjama or sherwani for men. However, it is not necessary to wear Indian clothing, and some couples may prefer guests to wear Western attire, such as a cocktail dress or suit. It is also important to consider comfort, as the ceremonies and receptions can be several hours long.
Yes, it is important to dress formally, especially for the wedding ceremony, which is a formal and sacred event. Bare arms and short skirts for women may be considered inappropriate, and guests may be expected to cover their heads or remove their shoes when entering certain venues, such as temples. It is also important to pay attention to the invitation, as some events may be reserved for close friends and family.
