An Indian wedding is a series of rituals and celebrations, each with its own dress code, colour palette, and level of formality. The main Indian wedding functions are: mehndi, haldi, sangeet, wedding ceremony (pheras), reception, and post-wedding celebrations. Each function calls for a distinct outfit.
Mehndi Function Outfit Ideas
The mehndi is a vibrant, joyful pre-wedding celebration. Outfits are typically colourful, light, and comfortable because you may be sitting for extended periods as mehndi is applied.
- Best choice for guests A printed kurta set or light sharara in green, yellow, orange, or pink
- Best choice for the bride A yellow, green, or white lehenga or anarkali with floral accessories
- Fabric Cotton, georgette, or light silk; avoid heavily stiff or embellished outfits
- Accessories Floral jewellery, minimal or easily cleaned pieces
Sangeet Function Outfit Ideas
The sangeet is the most glamorous pre-wedding function a night of music, dance, and performances.
- Best choice for guests Heavily embellished lehenga, sequinned anarkali, or embellished saree with a statement blouse
- Fabric Velvet, heavy silk, net, sequin georgette
- Colours Jewel tones, metallics, or bold festive colours
- Accessories Statement chandbali or chandelier earrings
Wedding Ceremony Outfit Guide
For the Bride
- Colour Red is most traditional; contemporary brides also choose maroon, blush, ivory, gold, or peach
- Fabric Bridal silk, velvet, raw silk, or heavy net with elaborate embroidery
- Embellishment Zardosi, gota patti, kundan, or bead embroidery
For Wedding Guests
- Best choices Silk or georgette saree, embellished lehenga, or heavily embroidered anarkali
- Colours Any festive jewel tone; avoid wearing red and avoid white or ivory
- What to avoid White, ivory, all-black, and the same colour as the bride's bridal lehenga
Reception Outfit Ideas
The reception is typically the most glamorous function.
- Best choices A heavily embellished lehenga in jewel tones, a designer silk saree with a contemporary blouse, or an ethnic gown
- Colours Bold jewel tones, metallics, sequin and glitter fabrics are all appropriate
- Accessories This is the occasion for your most statement jewellery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should a woman wear to an Indian wedding as a guest?
A: As an Indian wedding guest, wear a silk or georgette saree, an embellished lehenga, or a heavily embroidered anarkali suit in a festive jewel tone or bold colour. Avoid wearing white or ivory, avoid red (reserved for the bride), and avoid all-black outfits at traditional weddings.
Q: What is the difference between what to wear to a mehndi vs a sangeet?
A: Mehndi calls for lighter, colourful ethnic wear kurta sets, light lehengas, or shararas in yellow, green, or orange. Sangeet is the most glamorous pre-wedding function and calls for heavily embellished lehengas, anarkalis, or sequinned sarees in bold jewel tones or metallics.
Q: What colours should I avoid wearing to an Indian wedding?
A: As a wedding guest, avoid wearing: white or ivory (associated with mourning in Hindu tradition), red or maroon (traditionally reserved for the bride), and all-black outfits (considered inauspicious at Hindu weddings, though it is increasingly accepted at urban receptions).
Q: Can I wear the same outfit to multiple wedding functions?
A: Different functions call for distinctly different outfits in Indian wedding culture. Within a single wedding, it is customary to wear a different outfit for each major function mehndi, sangeet, wedding ceremony, and reception.
Q: What should the bride's mother wear to an Indian wedding?
A: The bride's mother traditionally wears a rich silk saree often a Kanjivaram, Banarasi, or Paithani saree in a colour that complements but does not overshadow the bride's outfit. Gold-toned or jewel-toned silk sarees are most appropriate.
