Being a wedding guest is easy to get wrong. Wear the wrong colour, and you may clash with the bride. Wear something too formal or too casual, and you may feel out of place. These dos and don'ts will help you look polished without drawing the wrong kind of attention.
The Dos
- Do check the dress code. Many couples share a theme or colour palette for functions.
- Do dress for the function. Haldi is bright and casual, the ceremony is traditional, the sangeet is festive and the reception is dressy.
- Do pick comfortable footwear. You will be standing, dancing and walking on uneven floors.
- Do carry a stole or shawl. Winter evenings and air-conditioned halls get cold.
- Do plan for the weather and the venue. Lawns call for block heels or flats.
- Do keep a safety kit. Pins, a small sewing kit and a handkerchief help.
The Don'ts
- Don't wear the bride's colour. If you do not know it, ask someone from the family. Red is usually the bride's colour.
- Don't wear all white or all black to ceremonies. Many families avoid both at auspicious events.
- Don't overdress for a small event. A heavy bridal-style lehenga is for the bride.
- Don't wear something you cannot sit in. Very tight or stiff outfits become uncomfortable fast.
- Don't try a new outfit for the first time on the day. Do a trial first.
Function-by-Function Guide
| Function | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Haldi | Yellow or pastel cotton or georgette saree | Light cotton kurta |
| Mehendi | Green, orange or bright colours | Printed or pastel kurta set |
| Sangeet | Lehenga or embellished saree you can dance in | Koti set or Indo-western |
| Wedding ceremony | Silk saree in traditional colours | Silk kurta, jodhpuri or sherwani |
| Reception | Heavy saree, gown or lehenga | Suit, jodhpuri or Indo-western |
Picks from VJV Now
- Green Wedding Style Dola Silk Saree with Weaving Work – ₹4,600
- Light Pink Dola Silk Saree with Designer Weaving Work – ₹4,600
- Men's Cream Designer Embroidery Kurta Pajama Set – ₹4,600
- Men's Mehandi Green Embroidered Kurta Pajama Set – ₹4,600
For detailed outfit ideas, read wedding guest outfits for women, wedding guest outfit ideas for men and sangeet outfit ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear red to an Indian wedding?
It is best to avoid red as a guest, since it is usually the bride's colour. Choose maroon, wine or another colour unless the family says otherwise.
Is it okay to repeat an outfit at a multi-day wedding?
Yes, if you change the blouse, jewellery and styling. Nobody expects a completely new outfit for every function.
What should I wear if I do not know the dress code?
Choose a festive Indian outfit in a rich but not bridal colour and ask the host or a family member.
