Everything you've heard about Indian weddings—including events spanning multiple days, exotic destinations, sizeable guest lists, and bursts of colors—is true. These celebrations are known to be larger than life, whether the venue is the bride’s backyard or a private island. So if you've been invited to attend this type of affair, it's important to place a lot of thought and effort into the outfits you choose to wear.
That's why we tapped Indian designers Manish Malhotra and Arpita Mehta to break down everything you need to know when it comes to getting dressed for an Indian wedding. Be sure to take notes and leave your LBD at home!
Meet the Expert
- Manish Malhotra is a leading Indian couturier, costume stylist, and revivalist.He launched his eponymous label in 2004 and has since become one of the top Indian couture designers of all time.
- Arpita Mehta is a bridal, fusion, and Indian pret-wear designer. Her designs have been seen on Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and Sonam Kapoor, to name a few.
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How to Decide What to Wear to an Indian Wedding
Given that most Indian nuptials include a main wedding, in addition to various pre-wedding events, guests should be prepared to sport several outfits throughout the entire celebration. And according to Malhotra, gone are the days when guests are asked to stick with traditional Indian looks for every event.
“Don’t hide your individuality,” he explains. “In fact, wear your personality, play with silhouettes, and style pieces together interestingly. The current mood in Indian wear is to recycle existing things from your closet and mix them with something new.” That said, it is important to follow the dress code and signature vibe outlined by the couple.
Mehta also suggests multi-functional and comfortable clothing, as there is ample dancing and drinking involved at most Indian celebrations. The designer adds, “You are never overdressed at an Indian wedding, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your ensembles, jewelry, and makeup! Most guests show up in colorful outfits, but choose a palette that resonates with you.”
You can easily wear a brocade skirt with an interesting top or an embroidered jacket with slim pants. However, Malhotra does recommend a traditional Indian weave or silk outfit for the main wedding day as a nod to the culture.
General Fashion Rules to Follow
While it's acceptable to wear a formal gown for the engagement party, co*cktail night, or reception, stick to traditional or fusion Indian looks for the other events. For instance, the Mehendi (henna party) calls for more playful and colorful pieces, while the sangeet (a dance-centric event) allows for formal Indian occasionwear (jewel tones and metallics are never amiss). Indian brides also tend to wear red or pink for the main wedding ceremony, so steer clear of those hues to avoid matching with the bride.
Outside of those "rules," be sure to have fun with your fashion. Go ahead and let your lace bustier work double duty as a sari blouse. Own a taffeta maxi skirt? Pair this with a white shirt and uncut diamond jewelry for a modern Indian look everyone will love.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire
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Indian Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Below, we highlight the best styles men and women should consider when putting together a wardrobe for an Indian wedding.
Women's Attire
For the Mehendi, opt for a billowing printed cape with tulip pants, flared palazzos, or a draped skirt. (Just be careful to not get henna stains on your outfit.) Women can also turn to a lehenga worn with an embellished top for the sangeet, which can be sequined or embroidered, off-shoulder or ruffled, cropped, or peplum. A classic Indian sari with ruffled detailing will also do the trick, but be sure to buy a pre-stitched one so you aren’t hunting for pleating tutorials on the day of the event. Since the sangeet is all about dancing, make sure your outfit is easy to move around in, too.
As for the main wedding ceremony, opt for a traditional Indian look, like a lehenga or sari in an Indian handloom. When it comes to what color to wear, stick to dusty pastels for day weddings and deeper tones for the evening, and be sure to avoid wearing black and white on the big day. What's more, pack a few kaftans and kurtis that you can wear for the after-parties, high teas, or in-between events.
Men's Attire
The Mehendi is your chance to have fun with prints and colors, but the preferred attire for this event is typically a kurta and slim pants (known as churidars). The sangeet calls for a black or navy bandhgala jacket with formal trousers (or breeches if you are feeling more experimental) with your pocket square adding a pop of color. A smart dinner jacket or three-piece suit is another option, though we recommend the former. Lastly, choose a pastel kurta for the wedding day and add a waistcoat to dress it up even further.
