George Boyle
Indian weddings are often multi-day affairs with multiple events, each with its own dress code. It is important to dress modestly and respectfully, honouring the history and cultural significance of the occasion. For women, traditional Indian wedding attire includes saris, lehengas, and Anarkali suits with intricate embroidery or embellishments. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories. It is important to avoid wearing red, white, or black, as these colours hold cultural significance. Guests are encouraged to embrace traditional Indian clothing and express their personal style through patterns, fabrics, and jewellery. Comfort is also key, as Indian weddings are full of dancing and celebrations!
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
What to wear to a Mehendi ceremony
Mehendi is a pre-wedding ceremony in Indian culture, where the bride, her family, and guests have their henna tattoos applied. It is a celebratory event, with music and dancing, and guests are encouraged to wear bright colours.
For women, a lehenga, a skirt and dupatta set, is a popular choice, and can be customised with vibrant colours and embellishments. A kurta set is another option, which is a fusion of traditional and modern styles, with the look and feel of pants. A saree is also a good choice, and can be accessorised with gold bangles. If you would prefer to wear a dress, a colourful maxi dress or a brightly coloured skirt and blouse combination are good options. It is also important to consider the length of your sleeve, as you don't want it to interfere with your henna design.
For men, a kurta is a great choice.
It is important to remember that Indian weddings are quite traditional, so wearing revealing or casual attire can leave guests feeling out of place. It is also important to be respectful of the culture and religion of the couple, so avoid wearing red, as this is typically the colour worn by the bride, and is considered inauspicious. Black and white should also be avoided, as they are associated with mourning and death.
If you are unsure of the dress code, it is always best to ask the couple or other guests for advice.
Enhancing Your Wedding Dress with Tulle
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to dress for a Sangeet
The Sangeet is a joyful celebration of the union of two families, with music, dance, and lots of fun. While there is no strict dress code, it is a chance to embrace unique colours and traditional styles to honour the couple and their culture.
For women, a lehenga (a long skirt with a crop top and scarf/dupatta) or a salwar kameez/anarkali would be perfect if you want to go the traditional route. You can also opt for a more Western-style long skirt paired with an embroidered top. Embellished anarkalis are a good option as they can be both comfortable and elegant, just ensure they are not too long. If you want to wear a dress, go for a Western-style with a hint of colour and flare. You could also wear palazzo pants with a dressy blouse. Avoid anything too delicate or heavy, and remember you need to be able to dance freely!
For men, a kurta-pajama (a long tunic with loose-fitting pants) is a great option for the Sangeet. You can also combine traditional Indian styles with Western looks, such as Indo-Western dress pants with a blazer. If you want to wear a jacket, make sure what you wear underneath looks good too as you'll likely get warm and want to take it off. A simple but elegant kurta pajama is always a good choice, and jodhpuris with a short kurta are a fashionable option.
In terms of colours, it's best to avoid black, white, and red. Instead, opt for cheerful, bright, festive colours like jewel tones or lagoon blue. You can also embrace funky prints, especially if it suits the theme. Remember to avoid anything too delicate or heavy, and wear something breathable, especially if it is a hot summer wedding.
Black Wedding Dresses: A Bride's Unique Style Statement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$134.96 $149.95
$74.99 $79.99
$43.99
Colours and styles to avoid
Indian weddings are a vibrant affair, with guests encouraged to wear bright, colourful and lively outfits. However, there are some colours and styles that should be avoided.
Firstly, it is important to avoid wearing red to an Indian wedding. Red is traditionally worn by the bride, so wearing red as a guest could be seen as trying to outshine her.
Black and white should also be avoided, as these colours are associated with mourning and sadness. While white is often linked to mourning, black symbolises loss and is considered inauspicious.
In addition to these specific colours, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Indian weddings are traditional and religious affairs, so casual clothing such as jeans, t-shirts and revealing outfits should be avoided. It is also important to be mindful of the different dress codes that may apply to the various events that make up an Indian wedding.
When it comes to style, it is generally recommended to wear traditional Indian clothing, such as a saree, lehenga or salwar kameez for women, and kurta-pajama, sherwani or Indo-western outfits for men. While Western clothing may be worn, it should be formal and respectful, with modest fits and coverage.
Revamping Mildew: Recycle Your Old Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$127.46 $149.95
Dressing for a Haldi ceremony
The Haldi ceremony is a fun-filled pre-wedding ritual celebrated in many Indian cultures. It involves applying a special paste made from turmeric to the bride and groom's bodies, which is believed to bring a natural glow to the skin, ward off evil spirits, and symbolise purity and good fortune. The atmosphere is lighthearted and festive, often taking place outdoors or in beautifully decorated settings with marigold flowers, fairy lights, and colourful drapes.
When it comes to dressing for a Haldi ceremony, it's important to choose something comfortable and playful. As a guest, the dress code is typically informal, with women having many options, including:
- Light and breezy sarees in fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or organza with delicate embroidery, floral prints, or subtle shimmer.
- Salwar kameez sets in cotton or silk featuring intricate threadwork, mirror embellishments, or gota patti detailing.
- Palazzo sets paired with a crop top.
- Anarkali dresses or suits with ethnic motifs.
- Indo-western outfits such as a cape with a jumpsuit or a dhoti-style pant set.
- Pastel-coloured sarees, salwar suits, or dresses.
For brides, yellow is the traditional colour of choice for the Haldi ceremony, symbolizing positivity, happiness, and prosperity. However, pastel shades, whites, creams, greens, baby blues, and pinks are also popular. Brides can choose from a variety of outfit styles, including:
- Sleeveless salwar suits.
- Lightweight lehengas.
- Crop tops and sharara pants.
- Bralettes and lehenga skirts.
- Gowns.
- Simple yellow cotton sarees.
- Yellow dresses with light mirror work.
- Matching outfits with the groom, such as a cotton saree with a dhoti and short kurta.
Accessories also play a crucial role in enhancing the overall look. Floral jewellery, such as maang tikka, earrings, and bracelets, can complement the vibrant colours of the ceremony. Fresh flower garlands or hair accessories add a touch of freshness and elegance.
Courthouse Wedding: Dressing for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$116.96 $129.95
What men can wear
Indian weddings are often vibrant, colourful, and steeped in tradition. If you're a man attending an Indian wedding, here are some outfit options to consider:
Kurta
The kurta is a versatile and comfortable choice for men at Indian weddings. It is a long, loose-fitting tunic that can be paired with churidars or pyjamas. Kurtas come in various styles, from simple solid colours to intricate embroidery and prints. For daytime events like the Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies, a light-coloured kurta is appropriate. For the wedding, you can opt for a more embellished or "heavier" kurta, and for summer weddings, cotton kurtas are a good choice. If you want to stand out, consider a Pathani kurta, which is characterised by its long length, loose fit, and stand collar.
Sherwani
Sherwanis are regal and classy, often heavily embroidered and embellished. They are a traditional choice for the groom, who might wear a longer version, while guests can opt for floral printed or short Sherwanis. For a modern twist, the jacket sherwani features a structured jacket paired with trousers or churidars, allowing you to experiment with contrasting colours or prints. Velvet Sherwanis are perfect for winter weddings.
Bandhgala Suit
The Bandhgala Suit, also known as a Jodhpuri, is a formal ensemble for men, similar to a Western suit without the pleated collar. It adds a regal touch to your wedding attire and is perfect for the Baraat.
Nehru Jacket
A Nehru Jacket can be paired with a kurta pyjama for a sophisticated look, especially in summer. For a bulkier frame, consider pairing it with bulkier fabrics like velvet, brocade, or silk.
Western Suit
While Indian wedding attire is encouraged, Western suits are also appropriate, especially for the reception or the final Phere ceremony. A suit can be paired with a Safa, a hat made from a long colourful scarf, which holds cultural and religious significance.
Remember, the most important part of the dress code for an Indian wedding is to embrace colour, especially bright, festive hues. Avoid wearing red, as it is traditionally worn by the bride, and black, which is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures.
Addressing Checks: A Guide for Newlyweds
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is customary for guests to dress formally for each ceremony they are invited to. You can either wear traditional Indian wedding attire or choose formal Western outfits in rich jewel tones or classic neutrals. Traditional Indian wedding guest ensembles for women include a saree, a lehenga choli, or an Anarkali suit with intricate embroidery or embellishments. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, a churidar, or pants.
Yes, it is best to avoid wearing red, white, and black to an Indian wedding. These colours hold cultural significance and are typically worn by the bride or associated with mourning and inauspiciousness.
Pre-wedding events like the Mehendi (henna application), Sangeet (music night), and Haldi (turmeric ritual) have a more relaxed dress code. For women, salwar kameez or Indian wedding attire like Anarkali suits or flowy kurtis work well. Men can wear suits and tuxedos.
