What to Wear to an Indian Wedding as a White Person?

What to wear to an Indian wedding as a non Indian guest? If this question has left you confused or concerned, you are not alone, and we hear you! 

Indian weddings are a vibrant world in themselves, like a deep dive into an ocean of tradition, culture, rituals, and food. Multiple events, elaborated traditions, cultural outfits, the riot of colors and a rally of delicacies.

Amongst all the interesting new rituals to learn from, the most pressing question can be; What does a non Indian guest wear to an Indian wedding? That’s the question that got you to reading this, isn’t it?

Let us streamline the elaborated Indian wedding details, one information at a time.  In this blog, we present a comprehensive collection of things you would want to and love to know about like; what to wear in an Indian wedding in US. Ready to dive all in?

Understanding Indian Wedding Culture:

The multi-day celebrations is a uniquely beautiful concept of Indian weddings. Beyond the boundaries of nations Indians are known to follow various celebrations on the auspicious occasion of a wedding. That’s how, what to wear to an Indian wedding as a non Indian guest becomes a matter worth pondering. 

Pre-wedding Events

Haldi – Mehendi – Sangeet: These pre-wedding events call for lighter fabrics filled with fun, masti, dancing and singing is on the cards. Comfort and style are clubbed in these occasions.

Wedding and Post Wedding Events

Wedding Ceremony & Reception: These call for a more formal and heavier look. Wedding is all about rituals and the main Pheras. Reception is a beautiful opportunity to bless the newly wed with much closer interaction.

What to Wear to an Indian Wedding as a non Indian guest?

It is the ‘D’ day for the couple and the grandest of celebration in terms of rituals and gathering. Elders shower blessings and the young friends and family shower admiration.

Women: what should a female guest wear to an Indian wedding?

Saree or Lehenga Choli: Elegant and traditional, available in easy-to-drape versions for beginners Saree or Lehenga choli are iconic Indian traditional outfits that elevate your look in no time. Pair them with the right metal jewelry and matching footwear to steal the show. Lehengas made of art-silk, velvet, satin look beautiful. While, saree fabrics like, silk, jacquard, Banarasi, patolas are perfect for a wedding occasion. Pre-stitched sarees are most widely chosen due to their ease of draping.

Anarkali Suit or Salwar Kameez: Comfortable and festive If you’re attending the wedding of a distant acquaintance, an Anarkali or salwar suit strikes the perfect balance of grace and comfort.  While picking your outfit ensure you chose bright festive colors that add to the energy and positivity of a wedding. Pair it with light pearl or oxidized jewelry.

Western-Eastern Fusion Outfits: Long skirts with embroidered tops, Indo-Western gowns Indo-western outfits have always been a part of Indian traditional celebrations. If you prefer a chic look, go for a mix of Indian with your choice of flowy skirt and you are all set to go.

Right colors for the main wedding events

The auspiciousness of a wedding demands us to don, bright and positive shades of red, green, yellow are the most common choice for Indian weddings. For men beige and off white are considered perfect. 

Men: what should a male guest wear to an Indian wedding?

Identifying what should a male guest wear to an Indian wedding is far easier than pinning on the answer for what should a female guest wear to an Indian wedding. The outfit options are clear and crafted perfectly for men, let’s check them out.

Kurta Pajama or Sherwani: Traditional yet comfortable This is the best outfit to give a traditional vibe while maintaining the comfort factor. Sherwani is more suited for the close friends and family members.

Fusion Wear: Kurta with Nehru jacket or paired with dress pants When paired with a Nehru jacket or a shawl the overall look is highly elevated. Fusion of a stylish kurta with a dhoti pant also creates a style statement of its own.

Western Suit (for reception only): Preferably in rich colors Reception is a more formal occasion. Wearing a western suit in rich, celebratory colors like navy, maroon, or emerald works beautifully for a formal reception.

Accessories & Footwear Tips:

Women: what should a female guest wear to an Indian wedding in terms of jewelry and footwear can also overwhelm you, but we have got you covered.

Jhumkas and Chandbalis (earrings) :These are the large and grand pieces of beauty that eliminate the need for a necklace when rightly chosen.

Bangles : These hand accessories add the clinging sound of positivity to the outfit. Sarees and lehengas command matching set of bangles to complete their stylish look.

Potli bags : These are a creative replacement for hand-bags. They are made from the fabric that matches your saree or lehenga to gel in perfectly.

Juttis or Sandals : Footwear has to blend well with a traditional outfit to complete the look. Juttis and some styles of sandals can do that. Juttis are made from fabric and embroidery to maintain the festive theme.

Men: what should a male guest wear to an Indian wedding is a legitimate question as men hardly have as many varieties as women do.

Mojaris and Embroidered loafers : These are the perfect footwear for men donning in a kurta pajama, sherwani or dhoti. They are made of fabric or even leather material, embroidery on it compliments the traditional outfits.

Simple jewelry like brooch or chain : A simple gold chain and a matching brooch can add a royal touch to a man’s traditional Indian attire. The design of the brooch can be chosen in combination with the footwear embroidery for better coordination.

Summing up on What to wear in an Indian wedding in US:

Looking our best, every single day is a basic desire we all should have. Especially, when it comes to events and functions, we love to pay extra attention to our choice of outfits and accessories.

With globalization of culture and events, what to wear in an Indian wedding in US is such a common question you might be faced with. Out of all the various occasion wise suggestions covered in this blog, ensure, you choose what you love to don the most. 

Fashion is all about looking your best in what makes you feel confident. Check out the collection of Cbazaar to see which Indian outfit makes you smile the most and feels like it is designed for you. Go on and check it out here.