What to Wear to An Indian Wedding: Dress Codes

So, you've received an invitation to a Indian wedding. We're happy for you; one thing you'll be sure to have is fun. Indian weddings are often fun-filled, unforgettable events. So, make sure to go along with your dancing shoes.

Your very first question will, of course, be on what to wear to an Indian wedding as a guest. You're in the right place, then. While there may be some dress code cues on your invites, it's often better to have a general idea of the traditions and customs. You don't want to end up making a mistake. So here are some things to keep in mind when attending a Indian wedding.

• Plan for More Than One Event

Most Indian weddings occur over multiple days. Think, various ceremonies and events over two or three days. There will most likely be a traditional ceremony and an English version that will be a lot more familiar. So, make sure you have attires for at least two ceremonies planned.

• Consider Traditional Wear

If you're attending an Indian wedding, for instance, you could wear Indian traditional clothes as part of your attire. A colourful Saree would do just fine for women, and you can use it to cover your head during the religious ceremony. For men, a long-sleeved tunic and pants would do just fine. You'll love the saturated colours, patterns and prints available to you.

• Covering Your Head and Wearing Colour Is A Good Idea

White as a colour is often associated with funerals in India, so you should avoid this colour for the wedding. Black is also a bad idea, especially if it's a Hindu ceremony. All other colours you can think of are acceptable as a wedding guest. You should, however, have something with which to cover your head at the ceremony. Sikh or Hindu ceremonies, in particular, insist on this. You may also have to take off your shoes. This often the case if the wedding is happening in a house of worship, so be prepared for this.

• Avoid Showing Too Much Skin

For Indian weddings, the shoulders, legs and arms are best covered. If you aren't wearing traditional clothes, make sure the regular ones you go for do the same. Dresses that show cleavage are frowned upon, and so are clingy dresses or dresses that do not cover the knee. Long pants and long shirts are what is most acceptable for men.

• Do Your Best to Be Comfortable

There is going to be lots of dancing and celebration at the Indian wedding you attend. So, if you're a friend of the groom, make sure you wear comfortable clothes. As the processional goes to meet the bride's side, it's a party with lots of dancing.

Sikh weddings also have guests sit on the floor. If your clothes are too tight or too short, you might encounter a problem at that point. Just keep in mind that you might have to sit cross-legged for an extended period. Indian weddings also last for quite a bit. For the ceremony, wear something simple that you will be comfortable in. You can then go all out for the wedding reception.

• Accessorise Accessorise Accessorise

Sparkling accessories are the key to an Indian wedding. So, even if you dress in non-traditional attire, don't be scared to go all out with your accessories. Jewelleries and body adornments are often the order of the day, especially for women. Think colourful and metallic gold bangles, brightly coloured purses, and dazzling jewellery. You can never go wrong with those at an Indian wedding. Don't be afraid to accessorize.