Dress Code

General notes

Indian clothing is optional for every event, including the Shaadi. Western attire is always welcome, and you'll be in good company either way. The information about Indian attire here is only if you wish to wear it.

Most Indian wedding events are colorful, lively, and photographed heavily, so don't be shy about wearing something with more flair than you might to a typical Western wedding! Bright colors, patterns, and metallics are not only welcome but encouraged. In fact, black and white are traditionally avoided at Indian weddings; black is associated with mourning, white with funerals. Black and white are fine at the Sangeet and the Reception but please skip them for the actual Shaadi ceremony.

Indian weddings tend to run a touch more modest than American formal events, especially at the religious ceremonies. We'd suggest steering away from plunging necklines, very short hemlines, or anything backless or strapless - particularly for the Shaadi. You don't need to cover up head-to-toe; just lean a little more covered than you might at a typical American wedding.

Indian formalwear primer

For women

A saree is a long piece of fabric draped over a fitted blouse and petticoat. A lehenga is a long embroidered skirt paired with a fitted top and scarf - be careful not to get a look that is too bridal (see below) for the actual Shaadi. A salwar kameez is a long tunic worn over loose or fitted pants. There are also fusion or Indo-Western outfits that don't fall into these categories. All four are appropriate for formal events; sarees and lehengas are the most common choices for the Shaadi and Reception. When in doubt, fabric and embellishment are the main signals - cotton and minimal embroidery read casual; silk, sequins, and heavy beadwork read formal.

Some examples:

For men

A kurta is a long tunic, typically paired with fitted pants (churidars) or looser pajama-style pants. A sherwani is a more formal, knee-length embroidered coat, usually reserved for the most formal events like the Shaadi or Reception. A Jodhpuri is a tailored suit with a stand-up collar and button-front jacket - more structured than a sherwani. There are also fusion/Indo-Western options for men as well.

Some examples:

Where can I get Indian formalwear?

Indian outfits can be ordered online from sites like Hatkay, Kalki Fashion, and Lashkaraa (which also has a good Indian style guide). Even Amazon has good options.

You may also shop in India if you get there early enough - just be sure to bring backup options if you don't find anything you like!

What counts as 'too bridal' for Shaadi? (what to avoid wearing as a guest)

At the Shaadi, the bride typically wears red, deep maroon, or a similar rich crimson, usually with heavy gold embroidery. To keep her clearly the star of the event, we'd ask guests to avoid wearing solid red or maroon outfits, especially with heavy gold work. Red as an accent (a sash, a border, a print with red mixed in) is totally fine - it's just full red-and-gold ensembles that read "bridal" in this context. For men, avoid the "groom" look of a red, white or off-white sherwani, especially with gold embroidery.

Dress code by event

Welcome dinner — Business casual

Western: Slacks and a button-down, or a simple dress.

Indian: A simple kurta or casual salwar kameez is sufficient, but it's also fine to dress up more.

Haldi — Hues of yellow or sunshine

(Note: wear something you don't mind staining - turmeric paste may be involved)

Western: Anything in yellow, gold, or sunny tones.

Indian: A light cotton kurta or simple salwar kameez in yellow tones is sufficient, but it's also fine to dress up more.

Sangeet — Glitz and glam, indo-western

Western: Cocktail attire with extra sparkle - sequins, metallics, jewel tones. You'll be dancing, so pick something you can move in.

Indian: Lehengas, embroidered sarees, sherwanis, or ornate kurtas. The night for sequins and mirror work. Fusion looks also work well.

Shaadi / Ceremony — Indian traditional

Western (acceptable despite the title): A suit and tie, or a cocktail or floor-length dress. Lean toward bright or jewel tones; avoid black and white.

Indian: Sarees or lehengas for women; sherwanis or formal kurtas for men. Bright colors and jewel tones are traditional.

Reception — Formal

Western: Suits, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns.

Indian: Formal lehenga, saree, jodhpuri, or sherwani. Fusion looks also work well.

All other events — Casual

Whatever you'd wear to a relaxed brunch. Indian or Western, whichever you're most comfortable in.