Deborah Chan
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and colour, with multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. If you've been invited to an Indian wedding, you'll want to dress the part in appropriate attire. The key rules and expectations around what to wear remain the same for any Indian wedding, but every couple is different and may have their own unique dress code, so it's always best to check the couple's wedding website or invitation for cues.
Indian weddings are quite traditional, so wearing revealing or casual attire can leave guests feeling out of place. It's important to be respectful and dress according to the cultural significance and traditions associated with Indian weddings. For example, if the wedding is in a Sikh temple, guests are required to cover their heads.
For pre-wedding events like the Mehendi ceremony, you can opt for comfortable outfits in bright colours, with a dress code referring to green (like the colour of Mehendi). For the Sangeet, guests often wear sparkly outfits, and for the reception, guests often opt for elegant evening gowns or stylish Indo-Western fusion outfits. Men can choose well-fitted suits or formal sherwanis.
When it comes to colour, it's important to avoid wearing red, as this is the colour the bride usually wears, as well as black, which is considered inauspicious. You should also avoid white, which is associated with mourning. Instead, opt for bright, festive colours—jewel tones are perfect for an evening wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colors | Bright, festive colors are always in style. Wear pastels during the day and jewel tones at night. Avoid red, black, and white. |
| Dress code | Traditional Indian attire is encouraged, but not required. For formal events, men can wear suits or sherwanis, and women can wear sarees, lehengas, or salwar suits. For less formal events, men can wear kurta-pajamas, and women can wear kurtas or skirts. |
| Accessories | For women, gold bangles and a tikka headpiece are recommended accessories. For men, traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, a churidar, or pants can be paired with a suit or sherwani. |
| Footwear | Comfort is key when it comes to footwear, as there will be a lot of dancing. |
| Multiple outfits | Indian weddings often have multiple events across several days, each with its own dress code. |
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What You'll Learn
Embrace colour, but avoid red, black and white
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful affair, and as a guest, you are encouraged to embrace the culture and dress up in bright, joyful colours. However, it is important to be mindful of certain colours that are traditionally off-limits or have negative associations.
Red is a colour that you should avoid wearing to an Indian wedding. The bride typically wears red, and it is considered respectful to let her stand out in this colour. Wearing red might be seen as trying to outshine the bride, so it is best to steer clear of this shade.
Black is also not recommended for Indian weddings. It is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures and is, therefore, not a suitable colour for such a joyous occasion.
White is another colour with negative connotations in India. It is associated with mourning and funerals and is not appropriate for weddings, especially during the ceremony. So, if you're attending an Indian wedding, it's best to steer clear of these three colours and instead embrace the vibrant, colourful spirit of the celebration.
If you want to wear traditional Indian clothing, consider a lehenga, a saree, or a kurta set. These outfits are comfortable and elegant, and you can accessorize with bangles, jewellery, and headpieces to elevate your look. For men, a sherwani or kurta-pajama are great options. If you prefer to stick to Western attire, that is absolutely fine too—just ensure your outfit is formal, modest, and embraces colour.
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Wear a saree, lehenga choli or an Anarkali suit
Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and colourful attire. If you're planning to wear a saree, lehenga choli, or an Anarkali suit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, these outfits are traditionally very colourful, so embrace unique and bright colours to honour the couple and their culture. Avoid wearing red, as it is traditionally the colour of the bride and could be seen as trying to outshine her. Black is also considered inauspicious and should be avoided. For pre-wedding events like the Mehendi ceremony, go for lightweight traditional outfits in bright colours, with green being a popular choice.
If you choose to wear a saree, look for regal printed sarees with gold embroidered detailing, which add an elegant and celebratory touch. You can pair it with gold bangles for a sophisticated look. Sarees are a great option for traditional ceremonies. On the other hand, lehenga cholis are often made from breathable tulle fabric and feature detailed embroidery, making them captivating choices for Indian weddings. You can rent these outfits, and they usually come with a guide to help you style them.
Anarkali suits are timeless and elegant choices, named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali from the Mughal era. They are versatile and can be worn to different wedding events, such as the Sangeet, Mehendi, or wedding reception, by selecting different styles and embellishments. Anarkali dresses are comfortable and popular among Indian clothing enthusiasts.
When attending an Indian wedding, it is important to respect the culture and traditions. Avoid revealing or casual attire, as it may not be appropriate for the occasion. Keep in mind that you might need to modify your outfit depending on the ceremony location, such as covering your head in a Sikh temple. Embrace the colourful and traditional nature of Indian weddings, and don't be afraid to stand out with your outfit choices!
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Men should wear a sherwani or a kurta
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful, and glamorous affair. Typically, they are a multi-day celebration, with each day carrying its own dress code. As a male guest, you should be prepared to wear multiple outfits.
For an evening Indian-style wedding, men should wear a sherwani or a kurta. A sherwani is a long, often embroidered or embellished coat-like tunic, paired with fitted trousers. It is a formal option, perfect for the ceremony or reception. A kurta, on the other hand, is a more versatile garment. It is a long tunic with a relaxed fit, typically falling around the knees, and can be paired with a variety of bottoms, including pyjama pants, churidar pants, jeans, or trousers. The kurta is a great option for pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events, offering comfort and ease of movement.
When choosing between a sherwani and a kurta, consider the formality of the event and the weather. A sherwani is the most formal option, akin to a tuxedo or suit, and may be too warm for an afternoon wedding. A kurta, while more comfortable and dance-friendly, may appear less formal. One solution is to start with a sherwani and change into a vest made from the same fabric for the evening festivities. This way, you maintain a consistent look while adapting to the changing nature of the celebrations.
It is important to note that colours like white, black, and red are traditionally off-limits for guests, as they hold cultural significance. Instead, embrace bright, festive colours, with pastels for daytime events and jewel tones for the evening.
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Comfort is key, especially for dancing
Indian weddings are known for their vibrant celebrations, delicious food, and lively dancing. When choosing your outfit for an Indian wedding, it's important to keep in mind that you'll want to be comfortable enough to dance the night away. Here are some tips to help you dress up for an Indian-style wedding while prioritizing comfort:
Choose Comfortable Fabrics
Select outfits made from breathable and lightweight fabrics, especially if you'll be attending a wedding in a warm climate. This will keep you cool and comfortable as you dance and celebrate. Fabrics like cotton, linen, or breathable tulle are excellent choices.
Opt for a Comfy Kurta Set
If you're looking for a comfortable and elegant outfit, consider a kurta set. Kurta sets typically include a tunic and trousers, and sometimes a dupatta (a scarf or shawl). They are a comfortable alternative to lehengas or sarees and can be paired with metallic gold detailing to make them look extra festive on the dance floor.
Go for a Lehenga
Lehengas are a popular choice for Indian weddings and can be both comfortable and stylish. Look for a lehenga made from lightweight and flowy fabric. A lehenga typically consists of a blouse, a skirt, and a dupatta, offering a comfortable and flexible outfit for dancing the night away.
Choose Comfortable Footwear
Don't forget to pay attention to your footwear! Opt for comfortable shoes that will provide good support and cushioning, especially if you plan on being on your feet for extended periods. Avoid new shoes that haven't been broken in, and consider flats or low heels to ensure comfort throughout the evening.
Prioritize Comfort in Formal Attire
Even if you're dressing up for a formal Indian wedding, you can still prioritize comfort. For men, a bandhgala suit or a sherwani is a great choice. These outfits are similar to Western suits but without pleated collars, offering a comfortable and elegant look. For women, a comfortable alternative to a saree could be a Punjabi suit or a modern fusion outfit that blends Indian and Western styles.
Remember, while dressing up for an Indian-style wedding, it's important to strike a balance between style and comfort. By choosing breathable fabrics, elegant yet comfy outfits like kurtas or lehengas, and paying attention to your footwear, you'll be all set to enjoy the festivities and dance the night away!
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Respect the culture and dress modestly
Indian weddings are a vibrant, colourful affair, and guests are encouraged to embrace traditional clothing, regardless of their background. However, it's important to respect the culture and dress modestly.
Indian weddings are often multi-day events, with different dress codes for each celebration. For example, the Mehendi ceremony is usually held during the day, with a dress code that might suggest bright colours, such as green, the colour of Mehendi. The Sangeet is a dance-off with performances from the bride and groom's families and is usually held in the evening. Guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits, but an evening gown is also appropriate if you don't want to wear an Indian outfit.
When it comes to colours, it's important to avoid wearing red, as this is the colour the bride typically wears. Black is also traditionally off-limits, as it is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures. White is often worn to funerals in Hindu culture, so it's best avoided too.
If you're wearing Western silhouettes, it's important to keep them modest, especially to respect elder relatives and other cultures. For pre-wedding events, opt for lightweight traditional outfits, as there is a possibility of staining your clothes with haldi (turmeric) or henna. Men can choose kurtas, while women can select salwar suits, elegant skirt sets, sharara sets, or kaftan pant sets.
For the ceremony and reception, you can combine traditional Indian styles with Western looks. A kurta-pajama, a long tunic with loose-fitting pants, is perfect for pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events. A sherwani, a formal embellished coat-like tunic with fitted trousers, is ideal for the ceremony or reception.
Remember to pay attention to the couple's wedding website or invitation for specific attire requests and dress codes.
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Frequently asked questions
Indian weddings are colourful, vibrant, and glamorous, so it's a great chance to embrace unique colours and traditional styles. It's important to be respectful and cover your cleavage and legs, although showing your midriff is often acceptable with certain styles of saree. You should also be prepared to dress formally, especially for the reception.
It's best to avoid wearing white, black, or red. White and black are associated with mourning, and red is usually worn by the bride.
Wear bright, festive colours. You could wear pastels during the daytime and jewel tones at night. If you have a fair or light skin tone, soft pastels like blush pink, powder blue, and mint green will work well. For medium or olive skin tones, try earthy tones like warm yellows, rich oranges, and deep greens. If you have a deeper or darker skin tone, jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy will be striking.
The Mehendi ceremony usually takes place during the daytime, so wear bright colours, perhaps with a dress code referring to green (the colour of Mehendi). You should dress in an Indian outfit if possible.
The Sangeet is a dance-off with stage performances, so guests often wear sparkly outfits. You can get away with wearing an evening gown if you don't want to wear an Indian outfit.
