Your Indian friend is getting married and you are very excited to attend the colourful extravaganza. Indian weddings are enchanting and lavish. Elaborate ceremonies and traditions, which last at least for three days, fascinate with their vibrancy. The traditional dress code complements the grandeur of the Indian weddings. And for sure you would want to dress appropriately with an Indian wedding outfit to completely enjoy the fun-filled affair.
Is the question – what to wear to the wedding so that you do not hurt the sensibilities of the host and other guests – just popped into your head? Here’s a guide about what to wear as a guest at various ceremonies of an Indian wedding.
Engagement
Engagement (mangani/sagai) is the ceremony when the soon-to-wed couple exchanges the rings, and seeks blessings of elders of the family. As a guest, you can wear a designer saree or a floor-length anarkali suit. The work on the ensemble could be thread or zari embroidery embellished with sequins or stones. The fabric you could go for are georgette, net, chiffon or silk. Team the outfit with traditional jewellery including maang tikka and a pair of jhumkis. Tie your hair in a nice bun, carry a designer clutch and you are ready to turn heads at the engagement.
Mehendi
Mehendi ceremony is a traditional ritual in which the bride-to-be and other women get their hands and feet tattooed with henna in elaborate traditional patterns. This ceremony is all about having fun while the intricate designs are being adorned on the hands of bride-to-be. The mehendi artist hides the name of the groom-to-be on the hands of the bride-to-be and later he is asked to search his name. Also after removing the dried mehendi, the darkness of the colour is believed to depict the intensity of the love between the couple after marriage. On this occasion, you can don a mehendi green attire. It could be a palazzo suit or a designer salwar kameez. Team it with medium high heels to be comfortable.
Haldi
Haldi ceremony marks the auspicious ritual in which a paste of haldi (turmeric), along with other ingredients, is applied to the bodies of soon-to-be bride and groom. The anti-bacterial properties of haldi leave the skin smooth, radiant, healthy and glowing so this ritual has scientific significance as well. The color yellow is also considered auspicious; it ushers in prosperity and happiness and is a symbol of purity. Considering the theme, you must go for an embroidered churidar suit or salwar kameez in yellow colour for this occasion. Keep the jewellery minimal. Tie your hair in a neat or messy updo as per your choice.
Sangeet
Sangeet is the musical night when everybody including the soon-to-wed couple dances to the tunes of hit Bollywood numbers. The relatives of both the sides hire a choreographer for a stage-breaking dance performance. On sangeet night, you could prefer to wear a designer anarkali or a lehenga choli. We would suggest a fusion of the two styles where one outfit has an anarkali style top, teamed with a lehenga. Complete your look with a matching dupatta, and you are all set to rock the sangeet ceremony! We would suggest you to let you hair down, and shake a leg or two on the Bollywood tunes or dhol to make it a memorable affair.
Wedding
So the big day is here! The couple would dress to look their splendid best. Bride will be dressed in the auspicious colours and groom’s outfit will complement the colour of her wedding lehenga or saree. Family, friends and relative attending the wedding too would leave no stone unturned to look their stunning best. So why you would want to be left behind! Exquisite ethnic lehenga choli is the perfect ensemble to flaunt at any Indian wedding. You would never go wrong with it. The traditional outfit is extremely popular at weddings for its aesthetic appeal. A heavy anarkali or lehenga style saree can also be opted. Accessorise your look with some traditional Indian jewellery like a maang tikka, chandbalis, kundan necklace.
Reception
Reception is the dinner party post wedding. At the reception, you could keep it a bit simple yet traditional and elegant. You can choose to wear a banarasi silk saree. It looks graceful. An ethnic anarkali suit is another option, you can go for. Fusion anarkali gown would look amazing. Choose a colour to complement your skin tone. Thread or zari embroidery adds some ethnic charm to the outfit. Team it with a designer clutch to complete your fusion look.
I am sure, this guide will help you in deciding what to wear at your Indian friend’s wedding. Any Indian outfit you choose will add a touch of vibrant sophistication to your individual style. That’s the charm of Indian outfits. Hope you will have a gala time at the wedding and will get to know the Indian culture up, close and personal!
[su_note note_color=”#efefef”]Also Read: What can men wear to an Indian Wedding?[/su_note]
