Indian weddings are multi-day, multi-outfit affairs — and the pressure to dress appropriately for each event is real. Too casual and you'll feel out of place; too bridal and you risk upstaging the bride. This guide takes you through every event, from the first mehendi to the final reception, with specific outfit recommendations and styling tips.
Whether you're attending your first Indian wedding or your tenth, bookmark this guide. Browse our full collections for ready-to-order options for every occasion.
Vibe: Daytime, casual, joyful, colourful
Best outfits: Bright salwar kameez or sharara suits, casual lehengas, printed cotton kurtas with palazzos
Colours to wear: Yellow, orange, green, pink, coral — anything vibrant
Colours to avoid: White and red (traditionally bridal)
Tip: You'll be sitting on the floor, dancing, and getting mehendi — choose comfort. Avoid heavy embroidery or anything you'd be heartbroken to stain.
Vibe: Evening, festive, glamorous — this is the party night
Best outfits: Heavily embroidered anarkali suits, lehenga choli, draped sarees, sharara sets
Colours to wear: Jewel tones — deep teal, royal blue, emerald green, magenta, burgundy
Styling tip: This is your night to shine. Statement jewellery, bold makeup, and a structured blouse with an embellished lehenga is a winning combination.
Vibe: Semi-formal to formal, religious, daytime or evening
Best outfits: Silk or georgette sarees, elegant lehengas, formal anarkalis
Colours to wear: Rich jewel tones, pastels for daytime, deeper hues for evening
Colours to avoid: Red (bride's colour in most traditions), white (mourning in some traditions)
Tip: If you're not sure of the religious tradition, err toward modest coverage and avoid red or white. When in doubt, ask the family.
Vibe: Glamorous evening event, cocktail-adjacent
Best outfits: Heavily embellished lehengas, draped sarees with statement blouses, contemporary Indo-Western ensembles
Colours to wear: Anything bold and luxurious — gold, silver, black, wine, navy
Tip: Receptions are the most flexible event for guests. Indo-Western styles work well here for non-Indian guests or those who prefer a modern look.
If you're a non-Indian guest attending for the first time, embrace the tradition! Indian families love seeing guests in Indian attire. A simple salwar kameez or anarkali suit is always appropriate and appreciated. Avoid Western formal wear (cocktail dresses) unless explicitly told the dress code is Western.
Our styling team specialises in helping guests dress appropriately for Indian weddings. Book a free style consultation or WhatsApp us at +1-215-341-9990 with your event details and budget — we'll curate a shortlist for you.