You’ve received an invite to an Indian wedding, and you’re super excited about the three day festivities that usually take place. Now the next step to preparing to attend the wedding is clothes. Anyone who is attending an Indian wedding for the first time will be faced with the perplexing question: What do you wear to an Indian wedding as a guest? Lashkaraa breaks it down for you.
Indian Weddings and their Special Significance
Indian weddings hold special significance and are deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social traditions. They are considered sacred and celebratory occasions that symbolize the union of two individuals and the coming together of their families. Further, attending an Indian wedding is a joyous and festive occasion that calls for a traditional attire. With elaborate and vibrant celebrations that showcase the rich cultural traditions and rituals of India, there’s a reason it’s called the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’. They are known for their grandeur, joyous atmosphere, and the coming together of families and friends to celebrate the union of two individuals.
From the pre-wedding rituals to the actual wedding and the celebrations in between – sangeet, haldi, mehendi, post wedding cocktail party, reception, needless to say, your Indian wedding wardrobe better be ready to take on the multiple changes of clothes that happen for each function. Here are some suggestions on what to wear to an Indian wedding.
The Traditional Dress Code for the Wedding Party
The traditional dress code for the wedding party in an Indian wedding varies depending on the specific customs and cultural traditions of the region and community. The bride traditionally wears a saree or a lehenga on her wedding day. These Indian wedding dresses are typically heavily embellished and adorned with intricate embroidery, zari work, or other embellishments. The colors chosen for the bridal attire can vary, but red is considered auspicious and is commonly seen.
Lashkaraa’s Bottle Green Embroidered Lehengais the perfect bridal lehenga for the ones who want to stray away from shades of red and pink for their wedding. Punjabi or Muslim brides often prefer to wear a sharara or gharara style for their wedding day. Our Red and Maroon Embroidered Sharara Suit is a style statement and apt for the bridal party. Complement these with elaborate jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, bangles, and other accessories.
The groom typically wears a sherwani or a suit for the wedding ceremony. A sherwani is a long coat-like garment, often made of silk or other luxurious fabrics, paired with churidar pants. The sherwani is usually embellished with intricate embroidery, zari work, or other decorative elements. Lashkaraa’s best picks for men? Our Light Grey Hand Embroidered Velvet Jodhpuri Set is ideal for the day functions. The same Jodhpuri set in Light Green is also a great one to pick. The groom’s attire is completed with a turban, matching footwear, and traditional accessories like a brooch or a sword.
Ideas for Guests on What to Wear to an Indian Wedding
When it comes to guest attire for Indian weddings, bridesmaids play a significant role in complementing the bride's outfit. They may wear sarees, lehengas, or Anarkali suits in colors that coordinate with the wedding theme or the bride’s attire. Bridesmaid outfits can be similarly embellished or simpler in design, depending on the overall wedding aesthetic. Lashkaraa’s Soft Lavender and Purple Embroidered Lehengafrom the ‘Hoor’ collection, is the perfect choice for bridesmaids that is lightly embellished. Another one from the same collection is the Yellow Embroidered Peplum Style Lehenga is a bright coloured option that would go well for both day and night functions.
Groomsmen usually wear coordinating outfits with the groom. They may wear sherwanis or suits in similar colors and styles, complementing the groom’s attire. Family members of the couple often wear traditional attire that reflects their cultural traditions. Indian wedding outfits for men, such as sherwanis, suits, or region-specific traditional ensembles, embody the attire choices for fathers and other male family members in a wedding celebration.
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom typically wear sarees, salwar kameez, or lehengas in elegant designs and colors. Lashkaraa’s extensive range of sarees and other cultural attire for Indian weddings include our best picks like the Dusty Purple Embroidered Sharara, Teal Green and Pink Embroidered Patiala Suit and the Lavender Embroidered Saree.
Indian Wedding Attire Etiquette
It’s acceptable to wear a formal gown for the engagement party, cocktail night, or reception but stick to traditional or fusion Indian looks for the other events. The Mehendi (henna party) can be more playful and colorful while the sangeet (a dance-centric event) calls for formal Indian occasion wear (jewel tones and metallics are never amiss). Indian brides tend to wear red or pink for the main wedding ceremony so steer clear of those hues so as to not upstage the bride.
Stylish Accessories for Men and Women Attending an Indian Wedding
Complete your wedding attire with the right accessories. Women can adorn themselves with intricate jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, nose rings, bangles, and anklets. Men can accessorize with a turban, brooch, pocket square, and a traditional watch.
Do's and Don’ts when it Comes to Dressing for an Indian Wedding
Remember to consider the dress code specified on the wedding invitation, as it may provide guidance on specific colors or styles. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing white or black, as these colors are traditionally associated with mourning in Indian culture. Every Indian wedding is unique, and customs and traditions may vary across regions and communities. It's always best to respect and follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the hosts regarding the cultural etiquette and dress code for their wedding.
Lastly remember, attending an Indian wedding is an opportunity to embrace the vibrant colors, rich fabrics, and intricate designs of traditional Indian attire. Dressing in traditional Indian garments adds to the festive atmosphere and allows you to fully experience the cultural celebrations.
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