So you’ve been invited to an Indian wedding ceremony! First off, congratulations. You’re in for a vibrant and celebratory weekend that is sure to be remembered.
But if you’re not a bridesmaid or groomsman, you might be feeling at a loss for what to wear. The truth is that the options are kind of limitless when it comes to Indian fashion. Indian wedding outfits rarely follow one set style or trend, but they are never boring.
There are lots of choices to be made. First, we have material — organza, brocade, chiffon, oh my! Then add in draping styles to embellishments, and your world lights up. Never mind the fact that Indian weddings usually include multiple events.
If you're wondering what (on earth) you should wear, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips and suggestions on Indian wedding outfits that are both stylish and appropriate for the occasion. Whether you're a man or a woman, we'll cover everything from traditional Indian fashion to modern wedding wear.
10 of the Best Dresses To Wear to an Indian Wedding
You probably know what to expect from bridal wear. Most brides are wearing red (so avoid that color!) and often sport mehendi designs on their hands, arms, and feet.
But what about a wedding guest outfit? Here are our top ten suggestions.
1. For Women: 3-Piece Salwar Kameez
Let’s start with a classic like a salwar kameez. These three-piece ensembles generally include a pair of loose, often wide-legged pants, a tunic, and a scarf or dupatta. A salwar kameez is perfect for winter weddings when you want to show off a little less skin.
We’re especially big fans of this Red and Green Floral Printed Pant Style Anarkali. It’s mesmerizing to the eye with a gorgeous velvet material outlined in bold and heavy zari embroidery.
2. For Men: Kurta Pajama
Western men may only have to decide on their suit or tux color, but Indian men have far more options when it comes to wedding attire.
Not to be confused with women’s kurtis, a kurta pajama set is one of the most traditional choices for men at weddings. While Western cultures may use the word “pajama” differently, we assure you it’s not loungewear. Simple but sophisticated, a kurta pajama set consists of a large tunic that falls just under the knees and a pair of tailored trousers. These pants can be a different color than the kurta, but make sure you’re never caught clashing.
This Kurta Pajama Set Collection would be perfect for a spring wedding.
3. For Men: Embroidered Sherwani
Taking it one step up on the sophistication scale are embroidered sherwanis, which have become pretty popular in recent years.
A sherwani swaps out the tunic kurta and swaps in a heavier, more structured jacket. These can get ornate, like this Peachy Pink Hand Embroidered Velvet Sherwani. Just look closely at the flowers and vine motifs spread throughout the jacket: It’s a showstopper.
4. For Women: Lehenga Choli
Perhaps one of the most popular looks, especially for young women, is the lehenga choli. Made popular in Bollywood films, this midriff-baring look features a crop top, a wide skirt, and a dupatta for draping on top.
There are so many directions you can take a lehenga choli, but we love ones that feature pastels, like this Soft Lilac Embroidered Net Lehenga. It’ll have you feeling like you’re floating all day and night long.
5. For Men: Nehru Jacket
Nehru jackets are total classics in Indian fashion. Essentially, this look consists of a tailored jacket that ends right at the hip, layered over a kurta, plus a pair of smart pants.
The Nehru jacket is a great way to nod toward traditional Indian fashion and to put your own spin on it, like with this Maroon and Off White Nehru Jacket Set. It features a small chest pocket detail and golden buttons for a breath of fresh air in an iconic style.
6. For Women: Anarkali Suit
If you’d prefer something closer to a dress, then you can’t go wrong with an anarkali suit. Anarkalis can range from long, maxi dresses to short, tunic-esque dresses. They generally include a pair of tailored pants underneath them if they’re shorter.
A great example is this Navy Blue and Green Embroidered Velvet Anarkali. With elaborate embellishments up and down the dress, plus the combination of organza and net material, it’s a total winner.
7. For Women: Sequin Saree
The saree is a wedding standby. While many are probably familiar with the silk saree, we are big fans of the Indo-Western influence over this style, resulting in contemporary takes. For example, who doesn’t love a sequin saree with mirror work?
Is there anything more chic than this Beige Multicolor Sequins Embroidered Saree? The key here is to drape the sari over the front of your body. This accentuates your figure and reflects light every time you turn.
8. For Women: Skirt and Blouse With Dupatta
When approaching your Indian wedding guest look, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the building blocks of a perfect outfit. A blouse, a wide skirt, and a dupatta are really all you need to both blend in and stand out, depending on your color and material choice.
If you want something feminine and eye-catching, go for this Teal Floral Printed Lehenga. There’s a lot to love about this look, but we’re especially fond of the dainty lace and dramatically embroidered borders.
9. For Women: Georgette Palazzo Suit
Next up is the georgette palazzo suit. Georgette is a gorgeous material to work with. It’s light, breathable, and graceful, all words that also describe the palazzo suit style, which is known for its elegance.
Take, for example, this Cream and Light Green Embroidered Palazzo Suit. What looks simple is actually far more elaborate, with silver embellishments, threadwork booties, and silver sequin accents. This is the very essence of a winter wedding, but it can also help keep you feeling cool and refreshed during the hot weddings of summer.
10. For Women: Sharara Suit
Last but not least, our final recommendation for women guests is the sharara suit. This permanently trendy look comes in so many shapes and sizes, so it’s really an opportunity to show off your style and personality.
This Light Green Embroidered Sharara Suit would be perfect for anyone looking to brighten up a room. With ruffle pants and stonework hanging off of the kameez, it’s sure to attract many compliments. Rock it in springtime or summer weddings to put the sun to shame.
Festive Wedding Styles From India
Indian weddings are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate love, family, and culture. With the right inspiration and guidance, you can look and feel your best on the big day. Both men and women have lots of options to choose from, but it’s important not to feel overwhelmed by all the outfit ideas.
At the end of the day, you want to choose something stylish, comfortable, and appropriate. Don’t forget: Party wear is for parties!
Picking out traditional Indian wedding attire should be fun, first and foremost. Whether you go for the traditional, pleated saree look or a more contemporary lehenga choli, the most important thing is to remember to have a blast and enjoy the celebration.
Sources:
What to Wear to an Indian Wedding as a Guest | Brides
7 Go-To Outfits Men Can Never Go Wrong With At An Indian Wedding | Bollywood Shaadis
What to Expect at an Indian Wedding: Traditions & Customs | The Knot