Franklin Dean
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days and packed with traditional ceremonies, lively dancing, and gorgeous attire. As a guest, you'll be immersed in the culture for a whole day (or even three), so you'll likely want to dress the part in appropriate Indian wedding guest attire. Indian weddings often have specific dress codes for different events, so it's 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. Women can expect to dress in Indian outfits such as sarees or lehengas, while men can wear suits and will often be given a Safa, a hat made out of a long colourful scarf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of outfits | Multiple |
| Dress code | Traditional Indian attire, formal wear, Indian and Western semi-formal attire |
| Colors | Bright colors, green, pastels, earthy tones, jewel tones |
| Avoid | Red, White |
| Women's attire | Sari, lehenga, salwar suits, sharara sets, kaftan pant sets, cape and skirt sets, embroidered saree gowns, sequinned sarees, kurta sets, salwar kameez, lehenga choli, Anarkali suit, flowy maxi dress, cocktail dresses, Indo-Western fusion outfits |
| Men's attire | Suits, kurtas, sherwani, kurta pyjamas, embroidered mojaris, juttis, formal shoes, Safa, turban, brooch, pocket square |
| Accessories | Heavy jewelry, jhumkas (dangling earrings), maang tikka (forehead ornament), bangles, necklaces, classy pocket square, embroidered vest |
| Footwear | Comfortable, embellished flats or wedges |
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What You'll Learn
For women: sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, kurtas, and more
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, vibrancy, and glamour. As a guest, you are encouraged to embrace the relevant attire and immerse yourself in the culture. It is important to keep in mind that Indian weddings often have multiple events with different dress codes, so you may need multiple outfits.
For women, sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, kurtas, and more are all great options. Sarees are a stretch of fabric arranged over the body as a robe, with one end attached to the waist, while the other end rests over one shoulder as a stole. Lehengas are a form of ankle-length skirt, often paired with a crop top and dupatta. For pre-wedding events, such as the Mehendi ceremony, opt for lightweight traditional outfits, like a kurta set, which is a long tunic with loose-fitting pants. These can be comfortable and festive, with metallic gold detailing. Salwar suits, elegant skirt sets, sharara sets, or kaftan pant sets are also great options for pre-wedding events. For the main wedding ceremony, you can opt for more formal attire, such as cape and skirt sets, pre-draped sharara sarees, embroidered saree gowns, fish-cut lehengas, or sequinned sarees. Traditional lehengas are also in style, with plain silk lehengas and beadwork cholis being popular among the younger generation. For a more modern look, consider a pantsuit in ethnic fabrics.
When choosing colours, it is best to avoid red, as this is typically worn by the bride. Bright colours are encouraged, with green being a popular choice. You can also opt for gold, with metallic sarees being a trendy choice. Don't forget to accessorize with heavy jewellery and accessories, and consider adding Indian accessories like juttis and potli bags to complete your look.
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For men: suits, kurtas, embroidered mojaris, and more
Indian weddings are vibrant, colourful, and festive, and the attire is no exception. As a male guest, you'll want to look your best while respecting cultural norms and embracing the spirit of the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to dress for your friend's Indian wedding:
Suits
While Indian weddings are a great opportunity to experience and embrace the culture by wearing traditional Indian clothing, Western attire is also often appropriate, especially if it features bright, festive colours. If you're more comfortable with this option, you can opt for a suit and tuxedo for the reception or cocktail night. You can also pair a blazer with trousers for a semi-formal look.
Kurtas
The kurta is a staple in Indian menswear and a versatile choice for wedding guests. It's comfortable yet stylish, making it ideal for long hours of celebration. For weddings, opt for kurtas in bright colours or with subtle embroidery. Light fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for daytime events, while silk or jacquard kurtas are better suited for evening functions. You can pair your kurta with contrasting trousers or white pyjamas. For a more formal look, layer with a Nehru jacket, a popular choice for groomsmen.
Sherwanis
Sherwanis are often adorned with intricate embroidery and made from luxurious fabrics. They exude elegance and are perfect for important ceremonies or the wedding reception. Sherwanis are typically worn by immediate family or close friends of the couple. As a guest, you can opt for floral printed or short sherwanis.
Accessories
Accessories are key to elevating your Indian wedding attire. Complete your look with a turban, especially for Sikh weddings. Traditional scarves (dupattas), pocket squares, and embroidered mojari shoes can also add a significant touch to your outfit. Remember to keep it classy and not overdo the accessories.
Colours
Colours play an important role in Indian weddings, and bright and vibrant hues are commonly worn. Blues, golds, oranges, and greens are popular choices. It's advisable to avoid black and white, as they may be considered inauspicious by various cultures in India. Additionally, try to steer clear of red, as this colour is often reserved for the bride and, in some cases, the groom.
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Avoid wearing red
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days and packed with traditional ceremonies, lively dancing, and gorgeous attire. As a guest, you'll be immersed in the culture for a whole day or even three, so you'll likely want to dress the part in appropriate Indian wedding attire.
When it comes to what not to wear to an Indian wedding, it is generally advised to avoid wearing red. Red is a sacred colour in Indian culture and is often the colour chosen by brides for their wedding day. Wearing red as a guest can be seen as trying to upstage the bride and is considered disrespectful. Red symbolises prosperity and is believed to bring good luck, so it is best left for the bride to wear on her special day.
In Hindu culture, the colour red has many meanings. It is the colour of the Hindu goddess Durga, who represents feminine power, vanquished evils, and new beginnings. Red is also the colour of Mars, which, according to Hindu astrology, is the planet that oversees marriage. It symbolises love, power, passion, and fertility, representing the strength and intensity of marriage, as well as the sacred commitment between the couple.
While red is the traditional colour for brides in Hindu weddings, modern brides may opt for different colours such as pinks, ivory, pastels, greens, purples, or blues. These colours can also be used by guests for their outfits or accessories like bangles, earrings, and footwear.
When choosing an outfit for an Indian wedding, guests should embrace traditional Indian clothing and vibrant colours. Women can wear sarees, lehengas, or kurta sets, while men can wear suits. It is also important to pay attention to the wedding invite, as the couple may have specific attire requests for different events.
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Embrace bright colours and traditional styles
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days and packed with traditional ceremonies, lively dancing, and gorgeous attire. The dress code for the day of the wedding ceremony will vary for each celebration, so it's important to pay close attention to the wedding invite.
If you're eager to embrace traditional Indian culture, consider wearing a lehenga, a form of ankle-length skirt, or a saree, a stretch of fabric arranged over the body as a robe, with one end attached to the waist and the other end resting over one shoulder as a stole. These can come in a variety of bright colours, including green, the colour of Mehendi, or yellow and orange for the Haldi ceremony. You could also opt for a regal printed saree with gold embroidery, pairing it with gold bangles. For men, a kurta-pajama, a long tunic with loose-fitting pants, is a great option for pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events.
For formal Indian attire, consider a sherwani, a formal embellished coat-like tunic paired with fitted trousers, or a jodhpuri, which comes in an array of different colour options, including blue, burgundy, and purple. For women, a cape and skirt set, an embroidered saree gown, or a fish-cut lehenga are also great options.
If you prefer to wear Western attire, you can still embrace bright, festive colours. For the Sangeet, a sparkly outfit or an evening gown is appropriate. Men can wear suits and tuxedos.
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Dress comfortably, especially for dancing
Indian weddings are a vibrant, glamorous, and culture-rich affair that usually lasts multiple days. This means you'll need different outfits for each day, and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and dancing. So, it's important to dress comfortably and appropriately.
For women, traditional Indian outfits include sarees, lehengas, and salwar kameez. A saree is a stretch of fabric draped over the body, with one end attached to the waist and the other end resting over one shoulder as a stole. A lehenga is a form of ankle-length skirt, and a salwar kameez is a tunic with loose trousers and a scarf. These outfits can be rented or purchased, and you can accessorize with large earrings, necklaces, and bangles, preferably in gold tones. For shoes, you can wear wedges, but it's important to note that you may be required to remove your shoes when entering certain venues, such as temples.
For men, suits and tuxedos are appropriate, and they will often be given a Safa, a hat made from a long colourful scarf, to wear.
If you're attending a Mehendi ceremony, which is when the bride and guests receive henna tattoos, shades of green are often suggested as this is the colour of Mehendi. For the Sangeet, a joyful celebration with music and dancing, you'll want to wear something fun, comfortable, and practical for dancing. This could be a traditional Indian outfit or a modern Western-style gown with beading or embroidery.
It's important to avoid wearing red, as this is the colour typically worn by the bride, and also avoid white and black, which are considered inauspicious. You should also be mindful of dressing modestly, especially when wearing Western outfits, to respect the culture and elder relatives.
Overall, Indian weddings are a great opportunity to embrace unique colours and traditional styles to honour the couple and their culture. So, feel free to be bold and experiment with different colours and silhouettes!
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to dress respectfully and elegantly, while also considering the cultural significance and traditions associated with Indian weddings. Embrace the rich heritage of Indian culture and opt for traditional attire in vibrant colours.
Traditional Indian attire for women includes a saree, lehenga, salwar suit, sharara set, kaftan pant set, or an Anarkali suit with intricate embroidery or embellishments. Men usually wear a sherwani, kurta pyjama, or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, churidar, or pants.
Yes, it is best to avoid wearing red as it is traditionally associated with the bride and wearing red can be seen as trying to outshine her. White is also considered a big no-no unless stipulated on the invite.
Pre-wedding events like the Mehndi ceremony are usually vibrant and fun, so you can opt for comfortable outfits like Indowestern sets and suits in a variety of prints or tie-and-dye designs. For the Sangeet, you can choose Indian or Western semi-formal attire.
Indian weddings typically consist of multiple ceremonies and celebrations, each with its own significance and dress code. Pay close attention to the invitation and understand which events you are invited to as some may be reserved for close friends and family. It is also important to note that some ceremonies may require you to remove your shoes or cover your head.
