What to Wear to an Indian Wedding: A Guide

When it comes to weddings, there is no such thing as too much color.

However, when attending an Indian wedding as a guest, there are certain colors you should avoid wearing out of respect for the culture and traditions.

This article will cover everything you need to know. 

So let’s get started. 

What to Wear to an Indian Wedding: A Guide

Traditional Clothing for Women

When it comes to Indian weddings, there is a wide range of traditional clothing that women can wear. While it is not necessary to wear Indian clothing to an Indian wedding, it is definitely a popular choice!

If you are wondering What to wear to an indian wedding, here are some traditional clothing options for women:

1. Sari:

A sari is a traditional Indian garment that consists of a long piece of cloth that is draped around the body. Saris are usually very colorful and ornate, and they can be worn in a variety of different ways.

2. Lehenga:

A lehenga is another traditional Indian garment that is similar to a sari, but it is worn differently. A lehenga is a long skirt that is worn with a blouse and dupatta (scarf).

3. Anarkali:

An anarkali is a type of dress that is worn by women in India. It is a long, flowing dress that is often decorated with intricate embroidery or beadwork.

4. Kurta:

A kurta is a loose-fitting shirt that is worn by both men and women in India. Kurtas are usually made of cotton or another light fabric, and they can be either long or short.

5. Salwar Kameez:

A salwar kameez is a two-piece outfit that consists of loose-fitting pants (salwar) and a tunic top (kameez). This outfit is very popular in India, and it is often worn by women of all ages.

Hopefully, this list of traditional clothing options for women has given you some ideas of what to wear to an Indian wedding. Remember, there is no set dress code for Indian weddings, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Key Takeaway: Women can wear a variety of traditional clothing to an Indian wedding, including a sari, lehenga, anarkali, kurta, or salwar kameez.

Traditional Clothing for Men

Wear traditional Indian clothing or go the more modern route and wear a suit. If you’re attending an Indian wedding as a groom, it’s important to know what the traditional clothing options are so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

For many grooms, the choice to wear traditional Indian clothing is more about honoring their culture and heritage than anything else. If that’s the case for you, then you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the correct clothing.

Traditional Indian clothing for men typically includes a dhoti, a sherwani, or a kurta. The dhoti is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and then draped over the legs.

The sherwani is a long coat that is worn over the dhoti. And the kurta is a loose-fitting shirt that is worn over the sherwani.

Of course, you don’t have to wear all three pieces of clothing. If you’re not comfortable in a dhoti, you can always just wear the sherwani or the kurta.

And if you really want to go for a more modern look, you can always ditch the traditional clothing altogether and just wear a suit. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what you’re comfortable in.

If you’re attending an Indian wedding, make sure you take the time to consider all of your options so that you can look and feel your best on the big day.

Key Takeaway: For grooms attending an Indian wedding, it’s important to know the traditional clothing options (e.g., dhoti, sherwani, kurta) and decide what you’re most comfortable in.

Appropriate Footwear

First and foremost, avoid black and white clothing.

White is considered to be a mourning color in India, and is thus inappropriate for weddings. You should also avoid wearing black, as it is considered to be unlucky.

Instead, opt for brightly colored clothing. Reds and oranges are considered to be particularly auspicious.

When it comes to footwear, avoid open-toed shoes or sandals. Indian weddings are often held outdoors, and you will likely be doing a lot of walking.

Closed-toed shoes will be more comfortable and will protect your feet from the hot sun.

Accessories

When it comes to wedding attire, there are certain accessory must-haves regardless of what you’re wearing. If you’re attending an Indian wedding, you may be wondering what kind of accessories you should wear to complete your look.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. A Dupatta or Scarf.

A dupatta is a long scarf that is typically worn with a salwar kameez, which is a traditional Indian outfit consisting of loose pants and a tunic top.

If you’re not wearing a salwar kameez, you can still drape a dupatta over your shoulders or wear it as a headscarf.

2. Bangles.

Bangles are colorful bracelets that are worn by Indian women on their wrists. They are typically made of metal, glass, or plastic, and they make a beautiful and festive addition to any outfit.

3. Bindi.

A bindi is a small dot that is worn in the center of the forehead. It is traditionally worn by Hindu women, but it has become popular among women of all religions in India.

Bindis come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that matches your outfit or that you simply think is pretty.

4. Earrings.

Indian earrings come in a wide range of styles, from simple studs to elaborate chandelier earrings. If you’re not used to wearing big and bold earrings, you may want to stick to a more understated pair for an Indian wedding.

5. Necklace.

A necklace is the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your outfit. Again, there are many different styles to choose from, so you can pick something that is simple or more elaborate.

With these suggestions, you’ll be sure to look your best at an Indian wedding.

Key Takeaway: Indian weddings are colorful and festive occasions where guests typically dress in traditional clothing, including a dupatta or scarf, bangles, bindi, earrings, and necklace.

FAQs in Relation to What to Wear to an Indian Wedding

What do I wear to an Indian wedding as a guest?

As a guest, you should wear traditional Indian clothing. This could include a sari, shalwar kameez, or lengha.

If you are unsure of what to wear, it is best to ask the bride or groom for guidance.

How much money do you give at an Indian wedding?

It is customary to give a gift of money at an Indian wedding. The amount of money given depends on the relationship of the guest to the bride and groom.

What do you wear to an Indian wedding invitation?

For men, it is customary to wear a sherwani, which is a long coat-like garment, often made of silk or another luxurious fabric. Women usually wear a sari, which is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the body in a specific way.

Both men and women often wear traditional Indian jewelry as well.

Conclusion

What is the general dress code for an Indian wedding?

Guests attending an Indian wedding should dress in traditional Indian clothing. For men, this typically includes a kurta (a loose, collarless shirt) and dhoti (a long, loose piece of fabric wrapped around the waist and legs).

Women usually wear a sari, a long piece of fabric wrapped around the body, or a salwar kameez, a loose tunic top

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