Franklin Dean
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days of celebrations, rituals, and traditions. One such tradition is the Baraat, a ceremony where the groom, accompanied by his family and friends, dances his way to the bride's doorstep or wedding venue. The Baraat is the groom's procession, an announcement to the world that he has come to take the bride with him. The Baraat is celebrated differently in various Indian cultures, with music, dancing, and crackers in North Indian Hindu and Punjabi weddings, while it is more subtle in the southern part of the country. When it comes to dressing for the Baraat, guests should opt for traditional Indian attire. Women can wear sarees, lehengas, or salwar kameez, while men can wear kurta pyjamas or sherwanis. Bright, vibrant colours are often favoured, but it is important to avoid wearing red, as it is traditionally the colour of the bride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of events | Multiple events across a few days |
| Dress code | Traditional Indian attire, vibrant colours, modest, respectful, no red |
| Baraat | Groom's procession, groom accompanied by family and friends, dancing, music, crackers |
| Groomsmen attire | Kurta pajama, sherwani, achkan with a turban |
| Women's attire | Sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, skirt sets, sharara sets, kaftan pant sets, cape and skirt sets, embroidered saree gowns, sequinned sarees |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid wearing white, black, or red
Indian weddings are vibrant, colourful, and steeped in tradition and culture. The Baraat is a groom's procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue with his family and friends, dancing and celebrating. The Baraat is an integral part of the wedding, and the groom traditionally carries a sword.
When it comes to what to wear to an Indian wedding, it is essential to respect the cultural significance of the colours you choose to wear. White, black, and red are colours that should be avoided by guests at Indian weddings.
White is often associated with mourning in Indian culture. Wearing white to a wedding can be seen as a reminder of sadness and loss rather than a celebration of joy. It is best to avoid wearing white to any Indian wedding events, especially religious ceremonies.
Black is also considered inauspicious and linked to mourning and loss. It is not a colour that represents fresh starts or celebrations, which are integral to Indian weddings. It is best to opt for vibrant colours and lively patterns instead of black.
Red is a sacred colour in Indian weddings, often worn by the bride. It symbolises prosperity, joy, and luck. Wearing red as a guest could be seen as trying to upstage the couple, which is considered a faux pas. It is important to respect the cultural significance of this colour and avoid wearing red to any of the wedding events.
When choosing an outfit for an Indian wedding, it is essential to consider the cultural and religious significance of colours. While white, black, and red may be fashionable choices in other contexts, they are best avoided when attending Indian wedding ceremonies.
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Wear light colours for the Haldi ceremony
Indian weddings are a vibrant affair, with multiple ceremonies and celebrations, each with its own unique dress code. The Haldi ceremony is one of the most fun and vibrant pre-wedding rituals in Indian culture. It is a purifying ceremony for the bride and groom, who are anointed with turmeric paste, believed to bring good luck and beauty. It is customary for the couple to wear yellow, which represents purity, positivity, prosperity, and good fortune.
As a guest, it is important to wear light, bright, and cheerful colours to match the joyous and colourful atmosphere. Yellow is the most traditional colour, but you can also wear other warm shades like orange, peach, coral, pink, or pastel tones. If you want to wear Indian attire, you could opt for a simple yet stylish kurta set, a breezy saree or a lehenga. For those who prefer Western silhouettes, a maxi dress or a flowy tunic with straight pants or leggings is a good option. Keep the outfit modest and comfortable, choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or silk.
Since the ceremony involves a lot of movement, sitting on the floor, and dancing, comfortable footwear is essential. Flat shoes like ballet flats, kolhapuris, or mojaris are ideal. Avoid wearing anything too precious or delicate, as turmeric will be used during the ritual, and it can stain. Simple, lightweight jewellery is best, and remember that less is more when it comes to accessories.
The Baraat is another important ceremony in an Indian wedding, where the groom, accompanied by his family and friends, dances his way to the bride's doorstep or wedding venue. This is a more energetic and lively celebration, with loud music and crackers in some cultures. The dress code for the Baraat is usually traditional Indian wedding wear. Men can wear a kurta pyjama or a sherwani, and women can wear sarees or lehengas.
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Embrace traditional Indian attire
Indian weddings often consist of multiple ceremonies and celebrations, each with its own dress code. The Baraat is the groom's procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue accompanied by his family and friends, often dancing and celebrating along the way. For this occasion, it is best to lean towards traditional Indian attire.
For men, a kurta pyjama is a good option. This traditional Indian outfit consists of a long collarless shirt and loose-fitting trousers, often made from lightweight fabric such as cotton or silk. Men can also opt for a sherwani, which is a long coat-like garment worn over trousers, or a dhoti set, which is a draped lower garment.
For women, a saree is a traditional and elegant choice. A saree is a long drape of fabric that is wrapped around the body and draped over one shoulder. Lehengas, which consist of a long skirt paired with a crop top or blouse, are also a popular choice for women. If you want to stand out, consider a pre-draped sharara saree, an embroidered saree gown, or a fish-cut lehenga.
It is important to note that certain colours should be avoided at Indian weddings, such as white (associated with mourning), black (considered inauspicious), and red (the colour of the bride).
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Groomsmen should wear matching attire
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful affair, with multiple ceremonies and celebrations, each with its own dress code. The Baraat is the groom's procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue with his family and friends, dancing and celebrating. It is a time for the groom's squad of brothers, cousins and friends—the groomsmen—to shine.
If you want to stand out, opt for a bright colour like orange or peach. You can also customise your outfits with embroidery or embellishments, or choose a mix of shades and styles while maintaining a cohesive look with the same fabric.
Overall, groomsmen should embrace the cultural experience and opt for traditional Indian attire over Western styles.
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Women can wear sarees or lehengas
Indian weddings are known for their multiple events across several days, with each event carrying its own dress code. The Baraat is the groom's procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue accompanied by his family and friends, often dancing and celebrating along the way. For this occasion, it is best to wear traditional Indian attire.
Women can wear sarees, which are long, draped garments, or lehengas, which consist of a long skirt paired with a crop top or blouse. Sarees are a versatile attire that looks stunning on all body types, regardless of height. They can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any wedding function. Sarees can also be worn for other events such as the Sangeet, a dance-filled pre-wedding party, where guests are instructed to wear sparkly outfits.
Lehengas are another classic silhouette that can be pulled off at any function and at any time of day. They are a dressier option and can be paired with bridal heels for an elegant look. However, there are hardly any lehengas that can be worn with flats, so keep that in mind when deciding on your footwear.
It is important to note that certain colours should be avoided at religious events, such as white (mourning), black (inauspicious), and red (bridal). For religious ceremonies, such as the Haldi, it is recommended to wear light-coloured clothing, with shades of yellow and orange being appropriate as "haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi.
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Frequently asked questions
Baraat is an Indian wedding tradition where the groom, accompanied by his family and friends, dances his way to the bride's doorstep or wedding venue. It is a ceremony that is celebrated differently in various cultures.
The baraat is the groom's procession, so it is best to lean towards traditional Indian attire. Women can wear sarees, lehengas, or salwar kameez, and men can wear kurtas, kurta pyjamas, or sherwanis. It is important to wear bright, festive colours and avoid wearing red, as it is the colour typically worn by the bride.
Indian weddings often have multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. It is important to pay attention to the invitation and understand which events you are invited to. For pre-wedding events, opt for lightweight traditional outfits, and for post-wedding events, stick to a formal dress code.
