Call me biased, but there’s nothing like attending an Indian wedding.
The rituals, the noise, the multi-day spectacle. The food. It’s such a sought-after experience that tourists can pay for a spot on some guestlists when visiting the Subcontinent. It sure beats sightseeing on a hop-on/hop-off bus.
But economic crisis or not, I can’t see a trend for ticketed weddings taking off in the UK, so if you’ve been invited to upcoming nuptials, you’d be mad to miss it.
The question of what to wear to an Indian wedding can be a challenge, even if, like me, it’s part of your culture. While you can wear an appropriate Western wedding guest dress to some of the events, you may want to join in with the celebrations with something more traditional for the ceremony.
What to wear depends on the sort of wedding you’re attending. Indian wedding is a broad term that typically spans Hindu, Sikh and sometimes Muslim ceremonies, each with its own dress codes, customs, decoration and details.
Then there are cultural differences depending on family roots. For instance, in Gujarat, a north Indian state, women drape their saris differently than Tamil ladies from the south. If you want to get your outfit just right, it’s best to consult the betrothed couple or their families (Indian aunties are a font of knowledge and always keen to help/ interfere) but broadly speaking for one, one of the options below should tick most dress codes:
- Sari: The iconic Indian garment comes in more colours, embellishments and styles than you could possibly dream of. It consists of an underskirt or petticoat, a cropped blouse with a hook-and-eye front fastening or a side-zip, and the sari (sometimes spelt saree) itself, a rectangular length of about five or six metres that needs expert tying, pinning and draping.
- Lehenga: A cropped blouse and high-waisted maxi skirt is the choice for younger guests, who usually wear it without a dupatta which is a scarf-like length that can be draped around the neck or shoulders and to cover the head. It’s a nice choice for summer dos and receptions.
- Salwar Kameez: A longer tunic worn with matching trousers and a dupatta, it’s a comfortable choice for pre-wedding events like the mehndi (henna) party or a haldi blessing where the couple is smeared in turmeric paste as a beauty ritual (it can get messy).
The only major rule? Steer well clear of red, a traditional colour for Indian brides, or white, which is usually worn at funerals.
For men, the dress code is much simpler. A kurta or sherwani jacket paired with light trousers so that you can sit cross-legged on the floor, as some ceremonies may require, or dance long into the night at the reception.
The world of South Asian fashion can be bamboozling, especially for a newbie - but have no fear. Our edit is here to guide, inform and inspire.
Shop below
TRENDMALLS Women's Silk Satin Embroidery Saree with Unstitched Blouse
It's hard to put a foot wrong in a lush green hue. This satin and silk-blend sari is a lovely look for the henna party, wedding or reception and is finished with intricate embroidery and stone work across the border. The blouse comes unstitched, so you'll need to take it to a tailor or seamstress to fit your proportions.
Buy now £59.00, Amazon
Raishma Alina Bright Floral Loose Shirt
If you're looking for a fun alternative to a co-ord kurta set, Raishma London's floral shirt offers a party look that you can wear long after the nuptials. The piece is best paired with the matching trousers, also available at John Lewis. Both pieces are cut generously making them ideal for summertime events.
Buy now £135.00, John Lewis
Mahima Mahajan Blue Corset Embroidered Anarkali Set
If you have doubts about whether you can pull off a sari or Indian couture, an Anarkali offers a great solution. It’s a long elegant dress that comes with a coordinating dupatta (scarf) to drape around the shoulders or over the head. This blue floral design comes with a corset-type top half and a full pleated skirt that’s perfect for dancing.
Buy now £528.00, Amrika
Kanya London Bridesmaid Saree co-ord set in olive
Surprised to find that ASOS has a South Asian wedding fashion collection? The selection may be small but we’re pleased the fashion giant has become more inclusive because it means you can pick up festival fashion and race day outfits alongside Indian wedding apparel.
It has this simple Kanya London number (with a blouse sizing up to UK16) that’s free from embroidery or frills - so you can go to town on the accessories. A fun, easy win for reception parties.
Buy now £85.00, ASOS
TRENDMALLS Women's Georgette Embroidery Kurta Lehenga Suit Set Stitched
Ideal for the wedding reception when black is more acceptable, this design consists of a long jacket worn over a full maxi skirt and finished with a dupatta. The black and cream is lifted by gold embroidery and sequins.
Available in S - 3XL.
Buy now £48.68, Amazon
VredeVogel Women's Chanderi Modal Butti Kurta with Stretchable Leggings & Organza Dupatta Set
A cute piece for the henna party or the haldi blessing, this three-piece set in buttercup yellow comes with a 3/4 sleeve top dress, matching leggings and a dupatta crafted from organza and embroidered. Available in sizes to 3XL but be sure to measure first so that it's as fitted or free flowing as you prefer.
Buy now £40.44, Amazon
Basil Leaf Mustard floral printed lehenga set
Notting Hill-based store Aashni+Co carry some of the biggest labels in South Asian couture, making it one of the best places in the city to shop for Indian wedding clothes. This Basil Leaf lehenga is ideal for wearing to lavish multi-day weddings; save it for the sangeet, a pre-wedding party night full of singing and dancing.
Available in M, L and XL sizes.
Buy now £411.18, Aashni + Co
JIVRAJ FASHION Peach Color Designer Bridal Wear Stitched Blouse Lehenga
Florals are universal for weddings, Indian ones included. This jewel-toned lehenga comes with a stitched blouse and matching dupatta, all finished with beautiful sequins and embroidery that will catch the light when you move.
Buy now £119.99, Amazon
Mahima Mahajan Blush Organza Sari
Floral patterned and embroidered, this stunning sari comes with a matching blouse and is available in S - XL sizes. The bordered sari is ornate enough to wear on its own, but a great pair of statement earrings and a clutch complete the look.
Buy now £561.00, Amrika
Gopi Vaid Pink Hand Embroidered Kurta Set
This pale pink kurta set is ideal for summer weddings and destination events when the temperature rises. It's breezy enough to feel comfortable in all day but with enough embroidery and detail to feel part of the celebrations. Available in sizes up to 3XL.
Buy now £281.00, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop
