Junior Rasmussen
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, and glamour, with celebrations lasting several days. Each event will have its own dress code, and it's important to respect the traditions by dressing modestly. For pre-wedding events, guests should opt for lightweight traditional outfits, as there is a possibility of staining the outfit with haldi (turmeric) or henna. Bright, festive colours are always in style for Indian weddings, with shades of green recommended for Mehendi ceremonies, and yellow and orange for Haldi ceremonies. For the wedding ceremony, it is respectful to avoid wearing red, as this is traditionally worn by the bride. Black is also considered inauspicious and should be avoided, along with white. Guests should also be prepared to cover their heads if the ceremony is in a Sikh or Hindu temple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of outfits | Multiple |
| Colour | Not red, black, or white |
| Style | Bright, colourful, modest, respectful, traditional |
| Accessories | Jewellery, bangles, headpieces |
| Mehendi | Bright colours, green |
| Sangeet | Sparkly outfits, evening gowns |
| Haldi | Light colours, yellow, orange |
| Phere | Avoid red, white, and black |
| Trousers | Long trousers |
| Headwear | Headscarves, shawls |
| Post-wedding | Formal, cape and skirt sets, embroidered saree gowns |
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What You'll Learn
What to wear to each event
Indian weddings are often multi-day affairs, with multiple events and ceremonies, each with its own dress code. It's important to dress respectfully and modestly, while also expressing your personal style and feeling comfortable.
For pre-wedding events such as the Mehendi/Mehndi (henna application), Sangeet (music and dance performances), and Haldi (a purifying ceremony where a yellow turmeric paste is applied to the couple), guests should wear something fun, colourful, and comfortable. For the Mehendi, bright colours are often suggested, with a dress code referring to green, the colour of Mehendi. For the Sangeet, sparkly outfits are common, and for the Haldi, guests are usually encouraged to wear yellow. For these events, women can wear salwar kameez, Indian wedding attire like Anarkali suits, or flowy kurtis, and men can wear kurta pyjamas or suits.
For the wedding ceremony and reception, the dress code is usually formal. Women should wear timeless and formal Indian attire such as saris or lenghas, or formal Western outfits in rich jewel tones. Men can wear religious garments like a churidar or bundi, or a Western suit. It's important to avoid wearing red, as this is traditionally the colour worn by the bride.
Post-wedding events are also usually formal. Women can wear cape and skirt sets, pre-draped sharara sarees, embroidered saree gowns, fish-cut lehengas, or sequinned sarees. Men can wear suits.
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Colours to avoid
Indian weddings are a vibrant and colourful affair, and choosing what to wear can be a daunting task. It is important to consider the cultural significance of colours when selecting an outfit.
Firstly, it is best to avoid red. Red is a sacred colour in Indian culture, associated with love, commitment, prosperity, and good luck. It is often the colour chosen by brides for their wedding day, and wearing red as a guest could be seen as trying to upstage the bride.
Black is also best avoided, as it is considered inauspicious in many Indian cultures. It is associated with loss and mourning, rather than the fresh starts and celebrations of a wedding.
White is another colour that should not be worn to an Indian wedding. In many Indian communities, white symbolises mourning, and wearing it to a joyful wedding could be seen as disrespectful.
It is also important to note that, while red, white, and black are the main colours to avoid, there may be regional differences in the cultural significance of colours. It is always best to research the specific cultural traditions of the region and pay close attention to any dress code or attire suggestions provided by the couple.
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Choosing between Western and traditional Indian clothing
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful affair, often lasting several days and featuring multiple events, each with its own unique dress code. When choosing between Western and traditional Indian clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to respect the culture and traditions of Indian weddings. This means avoiding certain colours, such as red, which is traditionally worn by the bride, as well as black, which is considered inauspicious, and white, which is associated with mourning. It is also important to dress modestly, especially during religious ceremonies, covering the shoulders, legs, and arms.
Western attire is often appropriate at Indian weddings, particularly if it features bright, festive colours. Guests are encouraged to embrace the vibrant, festive spirit of the occasion while respecting cultural customs. If you choose to wear Western clothing, opt for modest silhouettes and avoid revealing or casual attire, as this may be considered inappropriate or leave you feeling out of place.
Traditional Indian clothing, such as sarees, lehengas, or salwar suits, is also a popular choice for guests. These outfits can be elaborate and heavily embroidered, with lots of colour and detail. If you choose to wear traditional Indian clothing, it is important to research the regional differences and dress codes beforehand to ensure you are respecting the culture and traditions.
Ultimately, the choice between Western and traditional Indian clothing is a personal one. Both options can be appropriate and respectful, as long as you consider the cultural norms and dress codes of Indian weddings. It is also important to pay attention to the couple's wedding website or invitation, as they may have specific attire requests or themes for each event.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Indian weddings often require multiple outfits due to the various events and dress codes. For pre-wedding events, such as the Mehendi or Haldi ceremonies, lightweight traditional outfits are recommended to avoid staining with henna or turmeric. The main wedding ceremony is usually the most formal event, with guests dressing in their most elaborate and colourful outfits. The reception tends to be more relaxed, allowing guests to be more playful with their outfit choices.
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Accessories and jewellery
For women, jewellery can include bangles, necklaces, ornate earrings, nose rings, and statement earrings. A statement choker necklace can add a whimsical look, and a bindi can enhance the Indian beauty of the wearer. Kundan jewellery is a popular choice for Indian weddings, and big Kundan danglers can be enough as jewellery without needing any other accessories. A tikka headpiece can also add a layer of elegance and tradition to the outfit.
For men, accessories can include Nehru jackets, which can be coordinated with a traditional kurta and payjama, and mojari shoes.
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Dressing respectfully
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, vibrancy, and glamour. They are deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element serving as a powerful expression of heritage and values. As a guest, it is important to dress respectfully and elegantly, honouring the couple and their families. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dressing respectfully for an Indian wedding:
Avoid Certain Colours
It is considered respectful to avoid wearing white, which is associated with mourning, black, which is considered inauspicious, and red, as it is traditionally worn by the bride. These colours are best left for the wedding party. Instead, opt for bright, festive colours, jewel tones, or pastels, depending on the time of day.
Dress Formally and Modestly
Indian weddings are formal occasions, so it is important to dress elegantly and modestly. For women, this means covering the shoulders, cleavage, legs, and knees, while showing the midriff may be acceptable with certain styles of saree. Men should also avoid casual or provocative clothing and stick to formal suits or traditional Indian attire.
Embrace Traditional Indian Attire
Indian weddings are a wonderful opportunity to showcase your respect for the culture by embracing traditional Indian clothing. For women, this can include a saree, lehenga, Anarkali suit, salwar kameez, or lengha. Men can wear a sherwani, kurta pyjamas, churidar, or bundi, paired with traditional Indian accessories. If you are unsure about the dress code, don't be afraid to ask the couple or refer to their wedding website or invitation for guidance.
Consider the Specific Events
Indian weddings often consist of multiple events, such as the Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, and the reception, each with its own dress code. For pre-wedding events, opt for lightweight, traditional outfits as there may be rituals involving turmeric or henna that can stain your clothing. The Sangeet is a night of music and dancing, so feel free to wear something sparkly and bright! The reception is a celebration, so have fun with bold colours and dance-friendly fabrics while maintaining modesty and respect.
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Frequently asked questions
Bright, festive colours are always in style at Indian weddings, no matter the season or venue. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the occasion and opt for jewel tones, pink, yellow, orange, green, or floral prints. Avoid red, as this is usually the colour worn by the bride, and avoid black, which is considered unlucky.
You can choose between traditional Indian attire, such as sarees, lehengas, or sherwanis, or modest Western outfits. If you opt for Western clothing, make sure your outfit is colourful, modest, and respectful. Avoid revealing clothes, and cover your legs and, if possible, your arms.
Indian weddings are steeped in tradition and often consist of multiple events over several days, so be prepared to dress accordingly. The dress code can vary depending on the specific ceremony, so pay close attention to the wedding invite and do your research on regional differences. For example, if the ceremony takes place in a Sikh or Hindu temple, women may be required to cover their heads.
