What to Wear to an Indian Wedding as a Guest
Indian matrimonial ceremonies are renowned for their magnificence, opulent customs, and lively festivities. It is crucial that, if extended an invitation to an Indian wedding, you comprehend the dress code and select appropriate garments that embody the event’s cultural significance. This all-encompassing guide will cover every aspect of what guests attending an Indian wedding ought to wear.
Understanding the Dress Code
Indian nuptials frequently encompass several days and comprise an assortment of pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals. Every ceremony is distinguished by its own set of cultural significance and attire code. Although conventional Indian attire is generally favoured, fusion and modern ensembles are also acceptable. The following general principles will assist you in respecting the dress code for various occasions:
The Mehendi Ceremony
As part of the pre-wedding Mehendi ceremony, henna is utilized to adorn the hands and feet of the lady. This event encourages the wearing of vibrant and whimsical attire. Printed billowing capes paired with tulip trousers, flared palazzos, or draped skirts are all viable options for women. It is essential to select comfortable attire that permits unrestricted movement and dancing.
The Sangeet
A tumultuous occasion, the Sangeet is replete with dance and music performances. Women are permitted to don a lehenga, which is a two-piece ensemble comprising a skirt and a halter top, for this occasion. In addition to sequins or embroidery, the lehenga may feature a variety of necklines, including off-the-shoulder or pleated. The iconic Indian saree with ruffled details is an additional option. Invest in a pre-stitched saree in order to prevent emergency pleating situations. The long shirt kurta, when paired with churidars, which are slim trousers, is an option for men.
The Wedding Ceremony
Formal attire is demanded for the primary wedding ceremony, which is traditional Indian in nature. Lehenga and saree options for women are available in Indian handloom fabric. Daytime nuptials are more suitable for dusty pastel hues, whereas evening events are more suitable for deeper tones. Red and pink should be avoided, as these hues are conventionally associated with the bridal. Men can achieve a more formal appearance by donning a waistcoat and donning a pastel kurta.
Post-Wedding Events
After the primary wedding ceremony, post-wedding events such as high teas and after-parties are common. Women are encouraged to choose kaftans and kurtis, which combine comfort and style, for these occasions. Men have the option to don sophisticated casual attire, such as tailored shirts accompanied by pants or breeches.
Tips from Indian Designers
In order to acquire additional knowledge regarding Indian wedding attire, we conducted interviews with esteemed Indian fashion designers Manish Malhotra and Arpita Mehta. What they had to say was as follows:
It is essential, according to Manish Malhotra, to experiment with various silhouettes and wear outfits that reflect your individuality. He recommends combining new items with previously owned garments from your wardrobe in order to construct captivating ensembles. Nevertheless, it is imperative to adhere to the dress code and ambiance specified by the couple. As an homage to the culture, Malhotra suggests selecting a traditional Indian weave or silk attire for the main wedding day.
Comfortable and versatile attire is emphasized by Arpita Mehta as essential for Indian nuptials. Guests are encouraged to adorn themselves extravagantly with jewelry, cosmetics, and attire, as overdressing is not an acceptable practice at an Indian wedding. Mehta recommends that patrons select a color scheme that corresponds with their individual tastes and fashion sense.
Fashion Do’s and Don’ts
Although formal gowns are permitted for the engagement party, cocktail night, and reception, for the remaining events, it is advisable to adhere to traditional or fusion Indian attire. To ensure proper attire for the bride, refrain from donning red or pink, as these hues are customarily allocated for her. Conversely, incorporate vivid hues and jewel tones that embody the exuberant ambiance of Indian matrimonial ceremonies.
Feel no qualms about incorporating playful elements into your fashion selections. By combining and matching various components from your inventory, you can generate outfits that are both distinctive and fashionable. For instance, for a contemporary Indian style, a lace bustier can be worn as a sari blouse, or a taffeta maxi skirt can be paired with a white shirt. Simply remember to adhere to the event’s dress code and cultural observances.
Where to Shop for Indian Wedding Attire
Several options are available if you are uncertain where to locate the ideal Indian wedding attire. Indian-wear boutiques located in the area can provide an extensive selection of both traditional and modern ensembles. Online marketplaces such as Riya Collective, Royal Indian Closet, and Maneka’s Closet offer a curated assortment of Indian wedding attire in a convenient purchasing environment.
For individuals desiring to explore various styles without making a permanent investment, rental services such as Rent the Runway, Saris, and Things provide the opportunity to borrow conventional ensembles for a designated period of time. Furthermore, ASOS has recently introduced a line of conventional South Asian wedding attire catering to the needs of both male and female guests.
Final Thoughts
Being a visitor at an Indian wedding provides an exceptional opportunity to fully engage in a profound cultural experience. Through comprehension of the dress code and adherence to the recommendations put forth by Indian designers, one may select an ideal ensemble that not only mirrors their individual style but also pays homage to the event’s customs. Whether one chooses to don traditional Indian garb or a fusion ensemble, it is imperative to commemorate the jubilant occasion in style, while also ensuring enjoyment and comfort.
