What to wear to an Indian wedding
Rich, bright colour and traditional dress are welcome: a saree, lehenga or anarkali suit for women, a kurta with a jacket or a sherwani for men. Avoid white and black, and ask the family which outfit fits each event.
Three outfits that work
Silk saree with embroidered blouse
- teal silk saree
- gold embroidered blouse
- gold flat sandals
- embroidered potli bag
A saree in a jewel colour is the classic choice for the ceremony; ask a friend or a relative for help draping if you have not worn one.
Kurta with a Nehru jacket
- ivory-gold kurta
- green Nehru jacket
- cream churidar
- tan mojari shoes
A kurta with a jacket looks festive and is easy to sit, stand and dance in all day.
Long anarkali suit with a dupatta
- magenta long anarkali suit
- gold dupatta
- cream churidar
- embroidered flats
A long suit with a dupatta covers the arms and legs, suits temple or gurdwara visits, and still looks celebratory.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light silk or cotton blends, breathable layers, and a bag for a handkerchief and water. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A shawl or a light jacket for the evening, and shoes that are easy to take off. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A shawl or a wrap over the outfit, and warm socks for entrances where shoes come off. |
Do and don’t
- Wear colour: jewel tones, pink, orange, yellow, green
- Ask the hosts what is planned for each event
- Choose shoes that slip off easily
- Carry a dupatta or shawl for temples or gurdwaras
- Accept help with draping or jewellery
- Wear white, ivory or black in a traditional Hindu context unless the family says it is fine
- Wear red or bridal-style heavy gold in full if you are not the bride’s close family
- Wear shoes into a temple or the prayer space
- Show bare shoulders or midriff in religious spaces without a cover
Check the night before
- Ask which events you are invited to and the dress for each
- Try on and practise sitting in the outfit
- Pack spare safety pins and a small mirror
- Prepare easy-off shoes and a shawl
- Bring a gift as the family prefers, often cash in an envelope
Questions people ask
What colours should I avoid at an Indian wedding?
White and black are often avoided at Hindu weddings, and red is often kept for the bride. Families differ, so check with the hosts.
Do I need to wear Indian clothes?
No. Guests of any background are welcome in Western formal wear in rich colour, but many enjoy wearing Indian dress and are warmly helped to do so.
Can I wear a suit?
Yes, in a rich colour, for men. A plain dark suit with a bright pocket square or tie works for some events.
How many outfits do I need?
If you attend several events, plan one outfit per event. For a single day, one outfit is enough.
Pick Indian wedding in FeinLens and see what you already own
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