Junior Rasmussen
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days of celebrations, rituals, and traditions. With each event comes a unique dress code, making the task of choosing an outfit for guests a daunting one. For women, traditional Indian outfits such as sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits are recommended, while men can wear suits paired with a colourful Safa hat. To combat the cold, women can opt for full-sleeved blouses and long capes, and men can layer up with jackets. It is important to avoid wearing white, black, or red, which are associated with mourning, inauspiciousness, and the bridal party, respectively. Embracing the vibrant colours and rich fabrics of Indian attire, such as Banarasi silk and Mashru silk, will ensure guests look the part and stay warm during the winter wedding festivities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days | Indian weddings typically last for three days or more |
| Number of outfits | Multiple |
| Dress code | Formal |
| Colour | Avoid white, black, and red |
| Women's attire | Sarees, lehengas, kurtas, salwar suits, skirt sets, sharara sets, kaftan pant sets, cape and skirt sets, embroidered saree gowns, fish-cut lehengas, sequinned sarees |
| Men's attire | Suits, kurtas, safas |
| Bridal attire | Jacket over saree, Banarasi silk dupatta, leather jacket with lehenga, brocade saree, raw silk anarkali, full-sleeved blouses, cape with saree |
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What You'll Learn
Lehengas, sarees, and salwar suits for women
For women, sarees and lehengas are traditional Indian wedding attire. If you plan to wear one of these outfits, be mindful of the colours you choose. White, black, and red are colours that should be avoided. White is worn during mourning, black is considered inauspicious, and red is reserved for the bride. Rich and deep hues are recommended, such as maroon, emerald green, royal blue, and golden tones.
Lehengas are an essential part of Indian weddings, and modern lehengas come in various designs and styles. For a winter wedding, you may want to opt for heavy fabrics such as silk, velvet, and brocade. A navy blue silk lehenga choli with zari work is a popular choice for winter weddings, as the silk fabric gives a luxurious appearance, and the zari work adds a touch of glamour. Maroon is another popular colour for winter lehengas, often featuring intricate embroidery work on a velvet fabric that gives it a royal look.
Sarees offer a timeless option, gracefully combining tradition and style. When selecting a saree for a winter wedding, it is essential to consider both fabric and style. Heavier silks, velvets, and wool blends are ideal as they provide insulation without compromising on elegance. Tussar silk, known for its rich texture and natural sheen, is a popular choice. This fabric offers a blend of warmth and elegance, and you can find contemporary prints or traditional Banarasi Tussar sarees with intricate zari work. Embroidered Tussar sarees with winter-themed motifs are also a trending option for winter weddings.
For those who prefer a more versatile option, salwar suits can be a comfortable and stylish choice for Indian winter weddings. Salwar suits typically consist of a kameez (tunic), salwar (loose trousers), and a dupatta (scarf). They can be found in various fabrics, including silk, velvet, and cotton blends, offering warmth and elegance. Salwar suits often feature intricate embroidery, zari work, or printed designs, allowing you to blend tradition with modernity. When styled with stylish jackets or elegant shawls, salwar suits can easily transition from daytime ceremonies to evening receptions, providing both comfort and versatility.
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Kurtas and suits for men
For men attending an Indian winter wedding, a kurta is a versatile and comfortable choice. The kurta is a long, loose-fitting tunic that is typically paired with churidars or pyjamas. It can be a simple, solid colour or have intricate embroidery and prints. For a winter wedding, deep, rich colours such as maroon, emerald green, or royal blue are a good choice. You can also add a dupatta or stole draped over the shoulders for extra warmth and elegance.
If you want to wear a suit, a Bandhgala suit is a regal and flattering option. It adds a royal grace to your look and is perfect for a winter wedding. You can also opt for a Jodhpuri suit, which is perfect for engagement ceremonies, reception parties, and cocktail events.
For a more traditional look, the Dhoti Kurta is a unique and classic choice. This outfit consists of a long kurta tunic with a dupatta, which is a long colourful scarf, draped over the shoulders. You can also add a turban or a Safa, which is a type of headwear that holds cultural and religious significance in Indian weddings.
For a modern twist, you can pair your kurta with slim-fit trousers or churidars for a streamlined look. Complete the ensemble with traditional Indian footwear such as juttis or mojaris, which are slip-on shoes with intricate embroidery, beadwork, or metallic accents.
Remember to pay attention to the dress code and any specific requests from the couple. Indian weddings often have multiple events, each with its own dress code. Avoid wearing black, white, or red, which are considered inauspicious or disrespectful.
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Avoid white, black, and red
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and multiple events, each with its own dress code. It is crucial to select the right colours for an Indian wedding as each hue holds cultural significance.
White is considered a big no-no for guests at Indian weddings, symbolizing mourning and sadness rather than celebration. It is best to avoid wearing an all-white ensemble or a pure white suit or dress. Instead, consider adding touches of white to an otherwise colourful outfit.
Black is also considered inauspicious and linked to loss and mourning rather than fresh starts or celebrations. It is best to avoid wearing black to any Indian wedding events, especially religious ceremonies.
Red is traditionally the bride's colour in Indian weddings, associated with love, joy, luck, and commitment. Guests should avoid wearing red out of respect for the bride and to avoid any confusion or overshadowing on her special day. Red also symbolizes prosperity, and wearing it might seem like an attempt to upstage the couple.
Instead of these colours, opt for vibrant yet respectful shades and lively patterns that fit in with the vibrant spirit of Indian weddings. For pre-wedding events, light-weight traditional outfits are recommended, while post-wedding events call for a more formal dress code.
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Layer up with capes and jackets
Layering up with capes and jackets is a great way to balance style with comfort at an Indian winter wedding. It is an art that allows you to stay warm without compromising on glamour.
For women, capes can be a good alternative to dupattas, providing a chic, modern twist to your ensemble. Opt for an ethereal cape that drapes gracefully over the shoulders. You can also pair a bold shawl with a subtle lehenga to create contrast in your outfit. A pashmina shawl, for instance, is a timeless accessory that is lightweight yet warm. It comes in vibrant colours, intricate embroidery, and stunning patterns that can elevate your wedding look. You can also layer a pashmina shawl over a velvet dupatta and a long jacket to keep the chill at bay. For the jacket, choose versatile colours like gold, beige, or maroon to complement multiple outfits.
Embroidered or woven jackets with metallic details can add a fusion of modern and traditional aesthetics, making them perfect for the sangeet or cocktail night. A long jacket paired with a lehenga or Anarkali is a showstopper. You can also layer a velvet salwar kameez or sari with a stole. For pre-wedding events like the haldi or mehendi ceremonies, woollen jackets are ideal. Choose short, cropped jackets in neutral tones or embroidered patterns to layer over sarees or kurtas.
For men, printed ethnic blazers can add some quirk to the outfit.
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Embrace sparkles and sequins
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and you'll want to dress the part. Embrace sparkles and sequins for a glamorous look that will make you stand out at the wedding.
Sequins salwar suits are a popular choice for women who want to wear Indian ethnic wear. These elegant suits can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile option for wedding guests. You can also opt for a sequinned saree or a lehenga choli, which is a form of ankle-length skirt paired with a top. If you're looking for something more modern, try a fusion outfit like a cape and skirt set or an embroidered saree gown.
For pre-wedding events like the Sangeet, a dance-filled evening celebration, sparkly outfits are often encouraged. You can also wear sparkles during the day, as long as you opt for lightweight traditional outfits. Just be mindful of the colour palette—avoid wearing red, as it's often worn by the bride, and stay away from black and white, which are considered inauspicious and mourning colours, respectively. Instead, opt for bold yet regal colours like royal blue, berry wine, or charcoal grey.
If you're looking to buy sparkly Indian wedding outfits, online stores like Mirraw, Utsva, Amazon, and Panash India offer a wide range of options. You can also try borrowing from Indian friends, who may have good suggestions for where to find the perfect outfit. With so many celebrations to look forward to, you'll definitely want to embrace sparkles and sequins for at least one of your Indian wedding outfits!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to avoid wearing white (associated with mourning), black (inauspicious), and red (bridal) to an Indian wedding.
Female guests are expected to dress in Indian outfits, such as a saree or lehenga. It is recommended to wear full-sleeved blouses to keep warm.
Male guests can wear suits or kurtas. They will usually be provided with a Safa, a hat made from a long colourful scarf.
Yes, Indian weddings often have multiple events across several days, and each will have its own dress code. For pre-wedding events, it is recommended to wear lightweight traditional outfits as they may involve staining with haldi (turmeric) or henna. For post-wedding events, it is recommended to stick to a formal dress code.
