Junior Rasmussen
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, spanning multiple days of celebrations, rituals, and traditions. The attire is an important part of the festivities, with guests encouraged to wear traditional and colourful outfits to honour the couple and their culture. For women, this could include a lehenga, saree, or anarkali suit, while men usually wear a sherwani or kurta paired with trousers. The exact attire may depend on the specific events, such as the haldi, sangeet, or mehndi, with some ceremonies calling for lighter colours or fabrics to avoid staining from turmeric or henna. Ultimately, guests should aim to dress respectfully and comfortably while embracing the vibrant and glamorous nature of Indian weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Bright, vibrant, and festive colours are typical, with yellow, orange, and green being popular choices. Red, white, and black should be avoided. |
| Style | Traditional Indian clothing is often favoured, such as sarees, lehengas, kurtas, sherwanis, and bandhgala suits. Western outfits can be worn but should be modest and respectful. |
| Accessories | Gold jewellery is a common choice for women, while grooms can coordinate their outfits with accessories like a Safa or Kantha mala. |
| Occasion | Indian weddings often span multiple days with various events such as Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, and Phere, each with their own dress codes and traditions. |
| Comfort | Given the length and nature of Indian wedding celebrations, comfort is essential. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing colours
Indian weddings are known for their extravagant and colourful attire. When choosing colours for an Indian wedding, it is important to consider the type of event, the time of day, and any dress codes suggested by the couple. Here are some tips for choosing colours for an Indian wedding:
Mehendi
The Mehendi ceremony is usually held during the day and is filled with bright colours, especially shades of green. Guests can wear light-coloured clothing, such as linens and cottons, as there is a possibility of staining the outfit with henna.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is a festive evening celebration with dancing and stage performances. Guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits, and men can wear suits and tuxedos.
Haldi
The Haldi ceremony involves splashing turmeric on the bride, groom, and guests, so it is recommended to wear light-coloured clothing that can get stained. The colours yellow and orange are appropriate, as "haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi.
Phere
Phere is the final religious ceremony where the couple takes their wedding vows. Guests should avoid wearing red, white, and black. Women usually wear Indian outfits such as sarees or lehengas, and it is customary for the bride to wear red.
When choosing colours for an Indian wedding, it is essential to opt for bright and festive shades. Colours like gold and white are popular choices for grooms' outfits, while guests can embrace the culture by wearing traditional colours and avoiding black and red out of respect for the bride.
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Traditional vs. modern
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, vibrant celebrations, and unique clothing. The attire for guests should be clothing that is traditional and honours the history and cultural significance of clothes. However, it can be tricky to decide whether to go for a traditional or modern look. This guide will help you decide what to do with your Indian wedding dress.
Traditional
Indian weddings are deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element—from the rituals to the attire—serving as a powerful expression of heritage and values. Wearing traditional attire is a sign of respect and adds to the overall aesthetic of a celebration. Traditional Indian wedding guest dresses include lehenga choli, saree, sharara suits, anarkali gowns, gharara dresses, embellished Nehru jackets, and Jodhpuri Suits. Sarees can be traditional, such as pure silk, Kanjivaram, or Banarasi sarees, or contemporary, such as net or Patola sarees. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, a churidar, or pants. The groom's outfit is usually paired with that of the bride to look seamless as a couple.
Modern
Indian weddings are quite traditional in nature, and wearing revealing and casual attire can leave guests feeling out of place. However, some guests and even newlyweds may change into less traditional reception looks after the ceremony. For the Sangeet or reception, you can combine traditional Indian styles with Western looks. For example, women can wear an evening gown, and men can wear suits and tuxedos. For pre-wedding ceremonies and more casual events, a kurta-pajama, a long tunic with loose-fitting pants, is a great option.
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Accessories
Jewellery
Jewellery is a must-have accessory for any Indian bride. Indian bridal jewellery is often a stunning symbol of tradition, culture, and love, with intricate designs and precious materials. When selecting your jewellery, consider the neckline, colour, and style of your wedding dress. Opt for pieces that complement the neckline and enhance the overall aesthetic. For example, a statement necklace can be paired with subtle earrings, or vice versa. You can also match your metal accessories, such as gold or rose gold, to create a cohesive and elegant look. Don't forget to choose jewellery that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident.
Some popular Indian bridal jewellery pieces include the maang tikka, a type of headpiece, and toe rings. Bridal sets are also available, which typically include a necklace, earrings, mathapatti (a type of headpiece), hand harness, and nose ring. These sets can be in gold or silver tones and create a regal and captivating look.
Hair Accessories
Your hairdo is another important accessory. Soft curls, a sleek bun, or a classic braid can be decorated with flowers or hair ornaments. A floral veil is a choice of some Muslim brides for their Nikaah. A well-placed bindi can also complete your look, with options ranging from stick-on to Chandan, depending on your cultural sensibilities and wedding makeup look.
Footwear
Shoes are an essential accessory, combining comfort and fashion. Embroidered mojaris, heels, or juttis are popular choices, and matching your shoes to your clothing gives a coordinated appearance.
Dupatta
A dupatta, or scarf, can be draped in various ways to change your look. Brides might experiment with multiple dupatta drapes for a regal appearance, while guests can opt for pleated or side-swept fashions for a modern yet traditional touch.
Mehndi
Mehndi, or henna tattoos, are a common accessory for brides, often applied during the pre-wedding ceremonies. As a guest, you may also want to apply mehndi, but keep in mind the potential for staining your outfit.
These accessory options can help you elevate your Indian wedding dress and create a memorable look for your special day.
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Dressing for multiple events
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, and vibrant celebrations. They are not just a one-day affair, with celebrations lasting multiple days and packed with traditional ceremonies, dancing, and gorgeous attire. This means you will need an array of Indian wedding dresses for every event.
For pre-wedding events, such as the Mehendi, Haldi, and Sangeet, opt for lightweight traditional outfits. These events are usually less formal than the ceremony and reception, so you can keep it casual in linens and cottons. For the Mehendi, bright colours are often suggested, such as shades of green. For the Haldi, the dress code often involves shades of yellow and orange, as "Haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi. The Sangeet is a dance-off with stage performances, so guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits. If you don't want to wear an Indian outfit, an evening gown or suit and tuxedo are also appropriate.
For the wedding ceremony, select bright, vibrant, and celebratory colours. The most important part of the dress code for an Indian wedding is to wear colour. Traditional wedding guest ensembles for women include a saree, 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. If you haven't worn a saree before, it may be uncomfortable, so consider pairing a six- to nine-yard drape with a blouse. A lehenga choli is also a good option, as bridal lehengas are the most common Indian wear for brides.
After the ceremony, some guests may change into less traditional reception looks. You can combine traditional Indian styles with Western looks. For example, a kurta-pajama, a long tunic with loose-fitting pants, is a great option for more casual events.
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Where to buy
There are several online retailers that offer Indian wedding dresses. Here are some options:
Andaaz Fashion
Andaaz Fashion offers a range of Indian wedding dresses, including Indo-Western dresses that combine modern cuts with traditional embroidery. They also offer classic salwar kameez, which are known for their comfort and elegance, and are embellished with hand embroidery and beaded embellishments.
Koskii
Koskii offers an extensive range of Indian wedding guest dresses, including simple salwar suits, resplendent Indian sarees, and royal Anarkali suits. They also offer bridal lehenga cholis, bridal salwar kameez, and contemporary Indian gowns that fuse Indian and Western styles.
B Anu Designs
B Anu Designs offers a range of traditional Indian bridal lehengas, including various colour variants such as burnt orange, deep burgundy, and berry red. They also offer a made-to-order clothing service, allowing you to customise ready-made bridal lehengas or create a completely new design.
Panash India
Panash India is an online shopping store for Indian clothes, offering quality fabrics, detailed work, and stylish designs worldwide. They have a dedicated section for Indian wedding outfits for women, including sarees, lehenga cholis, salwar suits, and designer gowns.
KALKI Fashion
KALKI Fashion offers a curated collection of bridal lehengas, showcasing a blend of India's cultural heritage and artistry. They offer customisation options, allowing you to alter the fit, select fabrics, and add special touches to your bridal lehenga. They also suggest considering the weather and location of your wedding when choosing your outfit.
Utsav Fashion
Utsav Fashion offers a wide range of Indian wedding outfits for both women and men. Their collection includes lehenga cholis, sarees, Anarkalis, and men's sherwanis, kurta pajamas, and dhoti kurtas. They emphasise the importance of knowing your exact size before shopping online to ensure a perfect fit.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to wear clothing that is traditional and honours the history and cultural significance of Indian clothes. Bright, vibrant and colourful outfits are common at Indian weddings, but it is important to avoid wearing red, black or white. For women, a lehenga, skirt, blouse and dupatta (scarf) or an Anarkali suit are good options. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories.
The Mehendi ceremony usually takes place during the day, so it is recommended to wear light-coloured clothing. The dress code often refers to shades of green, the colour of Mehendi.
The Sangeet is a dance-off with stage performances, so guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits. If you don't want to wear an Indian outfit, an evening gown or suit and tuxedo are also appropriate.
The Haldi ceremony involves splashing the bride, groom and guests with turmeric, so your clothing can get stained. It is therefore recommended to wear casual clothing made from linens and cottons. Shades of yellow and orange are often suggested as "haldi" translates to "turmeric" in Hindi.
Gold jewellery is a simple but appropriate addition to an Indian wedding dress, whether you are wearing a traditional saree or formal Western attire.
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