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Event-by-event guideAn Indian wedding can run across several days, each with its own mood. Here is exactly what to wear to the mehndi, haldi, sangeet, ceremony and reception.
Quick answer
Indian weddings span several events, each with its own dress code. Wear light outfits in green for the mehndi and yellow for the haldi (turmeric stains, so nothing precious), glamorous jewel tones and sparkle for the sangeet, traditional lehengas or sarees for the ceremony, and modern or metallic looks for the reception.
Not every wedding includes every event, and the invitation usually tells you which functions you are attending. The common ones are the mehndi (henna), the haldi (turmeric), the sangeet (music and dance), the main ceremony, and the reception. Here is how to dress for each.
The mehndi is a relaxed, daytime celebration where the bride and often the guests get henna applied. It is festive but not formal.
Wear: a light lehenga, a sharara set or a pre-draped saree in a fresh colour. Greens are traditional, along with other bright tones. Keep sleeves and fabrics comfortable, since you may be sitting for a while.
The haldi involves turmeric paste being applied to the couple, and yellow is the signature colour. Turmeric stains permanently, so this is not the day for a precious outfit.
Wear: a simple cotton or linen salwar kameez or kurti in yellow, orange, beige or light green. Choose something you do not mind getting marked.
The sangeet is the glamorous, high-energy night of music, dance performances and celebration. This is the event to dress up for.
Wear: a statement lehenga or a richly embroidered outfit in jewel tones, with sequins, mirror work or gold. Pick something you can move and dance in. Browse preloved lehengas.
The ceremony is the most traditional event, and full Indian attire is expected and appreciated.
Wear: a saree or a lehenga in an elegant, respectful colour such as royal blue, green, peach, pastel or maroon. Avoid bridal red, white and black. For religious ceremonies, you may be asked to cover your head, so carry a scarf or dupatta.
The reception is usually the most modern event, and you have more freedom here.
Wear: a glamorous lehenga or saree, or a fusion or indo-western look. Metallics, navy, deep wine, emerald and silver all work, and black is sometimes acceptable if the family is comfortable with it.
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From a yellow set for the haldi to festive colour for the sangeet.
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Good to know
The questions guests and search assistants ask most.
Wear a light, festive outfit such as a lehenga, sharara or pre-draped saree, traditionally in green or another bright colour. Keep fabrics comfortable since the event is relaxed and you may be seated for henna.
Wear yellow, or orange, beige or light green, in a simple cotton or linen outfit you do not mind staining, because turmeric paste marks fabric permanently.
The sangeet is the glamorous dance night, so wear a statement lehenga or richly embroidered outfit in jewel tones with sparkle. Choose something you can dance in comfortably.
Receptions are usually the most modern and glamorous event. A dressy lehenga, saree or indo-western look in metallics or deep jewel tones is ideal, and black is sometimes acceptable here.
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