If you’re lucky enough to be invited to an Indian wedding, one of the first thoughts that likely comes to mind is: “What am I going to wear?” Thanks to the beautiful, made-to-order approach of clothing that’s often considered appropriate for Indian wedding guest attire, it’s a very reasonable question.
“The minute you get the save-the-date from the couple, start working on the clothes,” advises Nisha Kundnani, founder and creative director of Bridelan, a luxury wedding styling company in India. ”The idea is to look like you really understood the culture and you put in the effort to participate in the celebration as a guest, which means that one has to work months in advance to curate and hand-pick Indian clothes to attend the wedding. The clothing goes back to ancient history, so it will take you time to research and fully understand its form and functionality. You will have to spend some time understanding what a sari means, how to walk in one, and how to drape it.”
The formality, legacy, and elaborate detailing of traditional Indian garments adds an exciting element to the pre-wedding prep for any attendee. “For me, dressing as a guest for an Indian wedding goes beyond making a bold fashion statement,” explains Jessel Taank, founder of the retail platform OUSHQ. “Indian weddings are deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, with every element—from the rituals to the attire—serving as a powerful expression of our heritage and values.” Wearing appropriate attire not only serves as a sign of respect, but adds to the overall aesthetic of a celebration. “What truly captivates me is when a guest s fashion statement becomes an extension of the wedding s narrative, seamlessly resonating with the atmosphere and reflecting the couple s vision,” shares wedding photographer Mili Ghosh. “I’m drawn to capture not just the garments but the stories they tell—the way they breathe life into a celebration, honoring the past while embracing the present.”
Whether you’re traveling to India for a wedding or simply attending a local celebration of a friend of Indian descent, don t fret about dressing the part. Read ahead to learn from the experts how to respectfully (and fashionably) choose your outfit for wedding events.
Keep It Traditional
If you have a dress code dictating traditional Indian wedding attire, it is essential that you follow suit. “At an Indian wedding, the attire for guests should be clothing that is traditional and honors the history and cultural significance of clothes,” says Kundnani. “It is extremely important for guests and family to be dressed authentically and play up to the occasion.” The traditional wedding guest ensembles for women consist of a sari, a lehenga choli, or an Anarkali suit with intricate embroidery or embellishments. Men usually wear a sherwani or a formal suit paired with traditional Indian accessories like a kurta, a churidar, or pants. Kundnani does note that the exact formal attire guidelines can differ by region, so it’s best to clarify any specifics.
When choosing between a sari or lehenga, the decision comes down to what feels right for you. “Both are culturally significant and usually beautifully constructed, but there have definitely been plenty of times where my sari has fallen apart,” notes Taank. “Lehengas are usually easier to wear and allow freedom of movement. They also have a modern elegance about them and come in a variety of silhouettes! On the flip side, a sari is just so timeless and is created using the most gorgeous of fabrics such as silk georgette or chiffon. If draped correctly, a sari can be extremely flattering.”
Go Glam
When styling your look for an Indian wedding, consider it an opportunity to go all out. “Even in the olden days of kings and queens, the people around the monarchy were almost always equally ornate,” shares Kundnani. “Being a little extravagant and hand-picking clothing made in pure silk with hand-embroidered details and wearing Indian couture is a normal thing at an Indian wedding. Grandness is very important; beauty, ornate, and larger-than-life detailing is quite a regular norm.”
Don’t forget that glamorous details can also be found in your accessories. “Bring out your finest jewels—less is more is not a thing at Indian weddings,” says Kundnani. Donning bangles, a refined necklace, and statement earrings are the norm with a sari or lehenga. “To elevate the look even further, adding a tikka headpiece is the perfect finishing touch,” explains Taank. “Each piece not only complements the outfit but also adds a layer of elegance and tradition that makes the entire look unforgettable.”
What Not to Wear to an Indian Wedding
Following any wedding dress code is always a must, but Indian planners and stylists emphasize that if you’re going to an Indian wedding ceremony or reception, expect to dress formally. “I think the only time when an Indian wedding is less formal is when it’s multicultural, kept intentionally low key, or is termed as a small intimate wedding,” says Kundnani. “The attire can steer towards minimalist choices—less extravagant, more chic, and pulled back.” Your wedding outfit should also be respectful, shying away from overly revealing pieces. Cleavage and legs should be covered, yet showing midriff is often acceptable with certain styles of sari.
Just as you wouldn’t wear white at a Western wedding, there are hues to shy away from at a South Asian affair as well. “Avoid wearing red because it is the traditional color worn by the bride,” warns Amrit Dhillon-Bains from Anaïs Events. While many brides choose to wear different hues on the day, it’s still considered a faux pas for a guest to don the shade. She adds black and white are also considered inappropriate as they are associated with mourning.
Kundnani notes that wearing extremely bright hues is not considered au courant at Indian weddings today. “Just thinking that ‘it’s an Indian wedding, so let’s wear color’ is a bit of an old-fashioned approach,” she says. “Modern Indian weddings are aesthetically curated and are intentional about color choices. The biggest trend at Indian weddings is no longer bold vibrant colors, [but] softer, romantic and elegant pastels.”
While you can brave wearing stilettos with your ensemble, most will emphasize that comfort is key when it comes to footwear at events full of dancing. “Indian attire can be quite heavy, so consider those morning press-ups your secret weapon! It’s essential to choose outfits that allow you the freedom to move and enjoy every moment,” adds Taank. “When you feel comfortable, you’ll look and feel your best—no matter how intricate or elaborate the design.”
How to Dress for Pre-Wedding Events
If you’re going to an Indian wedding, you should not expect a one-day affair. Events like a haldi, sangeet, and mehndi can all be on the itinerary. Dhillon-Bains says looking at the wedding website or invitations can help guide you with the attire guidelines for these events, which are usually less formal than the ceremony and reception. “Guests should aim to dress respectfully and elegantly for each pre-wedding event, while also considering the cultural significance and traditions associated with Indian weddings,” she says.
“A haldi is a big colorful party where turmeric is splashed and smattered on the bride and groom and even the guests,” explains Kundnani. “Your clothing can get spoiled, so one can keep it casual in linens and cottons. Generally, couples keep the mehndi and sangeet as elaborate affairs—the events are traditional and involve a lot of singing and dancing. So keep the clothing traditional with lehengas and pre-draped saris to add ease and comfort. If you wear a kurta, add a silk or embroidered vest. Play with your fashion, accessories, and glam it up.”
How to Shop for Indian Wedding Guest Attire
When it comes to shopping for Indian wedding attire, fit is everything. “One of the key things to understand about Indian fashion is that everything is pre-order or made to measure,” says Kundnani. “Be it the top Indian festive-wear designers, bridal couture designers, or young talented designers, everything in India is custom-made for an individual. It is best to shop in person—get help from an Indian friend who can guide you or look for a stylist.” She advises that since tailoring takes time, it’s best to begin thinking about your outfits the minute you receive a save-the-date.
The biggest designer name in Indian wedding fashion is Sabyasachi. “Think of him as the Vera Wang or Oscar de la Renta of India,” says Kundnani. “Even though Sabyasachi is the first choice of an Indian bride and groom-to-be, the brand offers various wardrobe solutions for guests attending an Indian wedding. Be it Indian clothes, east-meet-west separates, or accessories, Sabyasachi’s products are considered an investment rather than an indulgence.” She also says Anita Dongre and KYNAH are great brands with a presence in the United States if you’re looking to shop in person. If you live in a region that has a “Little India” neighborhood, you can often find traditional clothing stores that can help you find and tailor a wedding guest look.
If you don’t have access to an Indian clothing store near you, shopping for your guest ensemble on the internet is possible. “If you are going to do it online, technology can become your best friend if you know where to look,” advises Kundnani. “Get recommendations and ask the host couple to give you a good list of both physical and digital stores to shop from. Even if the shopping can be done virtually, the care given by the stores and brands should be very real.”
“I like Indian multi-designer stores as they have a lot of practical and modern solutions for guests in various price points,” shares the stylist. “One of the oldest and most important Indian multi-designer brands is Ensemble India by Tina Tahiliani. The founder is one of India’s foremost fashion curators who brought Indian fashion together for 37 years. Her brand Ensemble is spread out all over India with physical stores and now a big digital presence with worldwide shipping options.”
Taank says her e-commerce platform OUSHQ is working to standardize sizing to simplify the process and eliminate these hurdles. However, she notes, “Personally, I always size up and then have a tailor make precise adjustments to ensure the fit is flawless. If you re worried about sizing, I highly recommend opting for a sari. The blouse can be tailored to perfection, and the sari itself is incredibly versatile and easily draped to flatter any body type.”
