Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours, elaborate celebrations, and rich traditions. When you receive an invitation to an Indian wedding, one of the first thoughts is often, "What should I wear?" Indian weddings are unique in their grandeur, and guests are expected to reflect the event’s festive spirit through their clothing.
Whether you're attending a traditional or modern Indian wedding, understanding the dress code is essential. This guide will help you decide what to wear as a guest, ensuring you blend in beautifully while respecting cultural norms.
Let’s get straight to the point
Indian weddings are colourful, elaborate, and deeply traditional, requiring guests to dress in vibrant and appropriate attire. Popular options for women include sarees, lehengas, suits, and evening gowns, with vibrant colours like royal blue, pink, and green being ideal (except for red, reserved for the bride).
Men can opt for traditional outfits such as Sherwanis, Kurta Churidar with Nehru Jackets, or a Western 3-piece suit for more modern events. ‘Key rules include avoiding black and white, not overdressing, and choosing modest yet festive clothing.
Henna and Mehndi events call for comfortable, bright outfits and simple footwear. Dressing appropriately for an Indian wedding celebrates the joy and traditions of the occasion while respecting cultural customs.
What to Wear to an Indian Wedding (for Women)
Attending an Indian wedding offers the perfect opportunity to wear traditional and colourful clothing. While cultural appropriation is a topic of discussion today, Indian culture generally welcomes guests who appreciate and respect their customs, including wearing traditional attire. Here's a breakdown of popular options for women attending an Indian wedding:
1. Traditional Saree
The saree is a timeless and elegant choice for any Indian wedding. This two-piece ensemble comprises a fitted blouse and a long fabric draped gracefully around the body. Sarees come in various materials, from silk to chiffon, and the colour combinations are endless. Choose vibrant hues like emerald green, royal blue, or hot pink, but avoid red as it's traditionally reserved for the bride.
2. Suit
Another popular option for women is the traditional suit. You can choose between styles such as the Anarkali, Patiala suit, or Kurta with Churidar. These are comfortable and easy to wear and come in various fabrics and colours, making them versatile for wedding events.
3. Lehenga
A Lehenga is a classic wedding outfit highly popular at Indian weddings. It comprises a long A-line skirt, a fitted crop top, and a dupatta (scarf). This outfit is perfect for guests who want something elaborate yet easy to wear. Lehengas come in various styles and colours, offering endless customisation options.
4. Salwar Kameez
For a slightly more relaxed but still stylish look, the Salwar Kameez is an ideal choice. This comprises a long top (Kurta) paired with loose-fitting trousers (Salwar). It's comfortable and appropriate for pre-wedding events or smaller ceremonies.
5. Palazzo Pants
Palazzo pants have gained popularity at Indian weddings in recent years. Paired with a stylish Kurta, they create a modern yet traditional look perfect for daytime events or after parties.
6. Evening Gowns
An elegant evening gown is a great option for those who prefer a more Westernised approach to wedding attire. Opt for a gown with intricate embroidery or embellishments to sync with the event's grand theme.
Custom-Made Indian Clothes
If you're attending a large wedding and want a more personalised outfit, consider having your traditional Indian clothes tailor-made. Start by choosing vibrant colours such as royal blue, orange, or hot pink. Your tailor can customise the fit and style of the blouse, skirt, or pants to suit your preferences. For those unfamiliar with wearing sarees, having a pre-stitched saree (stitched into a skirt) can save time and effort while ensuring you look your best.
Dress Rental Options
Renting wedding outfits is another option for guests who want to experience traditional Indian attire without making a large investment. Many online and in-person stores offer full ensembles, including sarees, lehengas, and jewellery, for rent, making it easier for guests to find a fitting outfit for the occasion.
What To Wear To An Indian Wedding (For Men)
Men attending an Indian wedding also have numerous options, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. Depending on the event and your role in the wedding, you'll want to choose an outfit that reflects both the event's grandeur and style.
1. Mangni Outfit: Kurta Churidar with Nehru Jacket
For an engagement ceremony (Mangni), a Kurta Churidar paired with a Nehru Jacket is a classic choice. This combination is elegant and comfortable, with the jacket adding a formal touch to the outfit. Choose navy blue, maroon, or pastel shades for a balanced look.
2. Haldi Outfit: Yellow Kurta and Dhoti
The Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom, calls for more casual attire. A simple yellow Kurta with a Dhoti or loose-fitting Pyjama is the perfect choice. Since Haldi is known to be messy, wearing something you don’t mind staining is advisable.
3. Barat Outfit: Sherwani with Paagdi
For the main wedding event, men are encouraged to wear a Sherwani. This long coat-like garment is worn over a Kurta and paired with Churidar pants or a Dhoti. A Paagdi (turban) and Jutis (traditional shoes) are worn to complete the look. This outfit is traditional and regal and highly recommended for male guests at Indian weddings.
4. Indian Jodhpuri Suit for Reception
The Jodhpuri Suit is a stylish option for the reception. This outfit consists of a tailored jacket with matching trousers, often worn with a vest. It’s a refined and modern take on traditional Indian wear, making it suitable for evening receptions.
5. Western 3-Piece Suit
If you prefer Western attire, a classic 3-piece Suit is always an appropriate option for the wedding reception. Choose a well-tailored suit in neutral tones like grey, navy, or black, and pair it with polished leather shoes to complete the look.
Designer Attire to Stand Out
For guests looking to make a bold fashion statement, opting for a designer Sherwani or a unique Pathani Suit can set you apart. Look for outfits with intricate embroidery, bold colours, or statement accessories like floral jackets or embroidered scarves to elevate your look.
What Not to Wear to an Indian Wedding
While Indian weddings are a celebration of colour and luxury, there are a few clothing rules to keep in mind:
1. Avoid Black and White
In Indian culture, black and white are associated with mourning and funerals. As a guest, you should avoid wearing these colours to wedding events.
2. Don’t Overdress
While it’s important to dress up for an Indian wedding, you don’t want to outshine the bride and groom. Stick to elegant but understated outfits, and avoid overly flashy jewellery or accessories that might draw attention away from the couple.
3. Choose Modest Attire
While Indian weddings celebrate fashion, modesty is key, especially for women. Avoid revealing or overly tight clothing and opt for outfits that are stylish yet respectful of the cultural setting.
What To Wear To A Henna Or Mehndi Party
Henna or Mehndi parties are festive events held before the wedding, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. Guests may also have the opportunity to get their hands decorated. Here's how to dress for this pre-wedding celebration:
- Bright Colors: Opt for a colorful outfit in comfortable fabrics like cotton or silk.
- Jewellery: While you can still wear earrings and necklaces, it is best to avoid bracelets if you plan on getting henna applied to your hands.
- Footwear: Since you’ll likely need to remove your shoes at the entrance, sandals or flat shoes are the most practical option.
Conclusion
Dressing for an Indian wedding as a guest is an exciting opportunity to embrace a rich cultural experience. Whether you choose a traditional saree, a sleek lehenga, or a sharp sherwani, the key is to wear something colourful, elegant, and appropriate for the occasion. Indian weddings are celebrations of love, family, and tradition; your outfit should reflect that joy. Follow the guidelines, respect cultural norms, and enjoy the festivities while looking your best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Men are encouraged to wear a sherwani, which is a long coat-like top. "Traditional weddings can be broken up into different categories and different regions in India. Say if the family is from the west side of India, they have a different attire from the women's, which is traditionally a saree.
Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords.
The rule of thumb when attending a traditional Indian wedding ceremony as a guest is to dress anything but formal or casual. Traditional Indian weddings are indeed gala affairs where the outfits need to suit the occasion. For this reason, wearing simple cotton suits and kurtas is not an option.
A typical Indian wedding timeline stretches about three days. The Hindu wedding ceremony, which takes place on the third day, usually lasts one-and-a-half to two hours and is followed by a reception. The whole day clocks around 16 hours.
Most Indian weddings today have alcohol at least at one or more events. However, there are some exceptions. If any wedding events are hosted in a temple, there won't be alcohol there. That said, you'll usually find only alcohol at a pre-wedding event and a reception.