Indian weddings are known for their opulence, grandeur, and the wide variety of rituals that take place over several days. From colorful mehndi ceremonies to lavish receptions, everything about an Indian wedding is a true reflection of the country’s rich heritage and diverse culture. One of the most important aspects of an Indian wedding is the dress code, which can vary depending on the region, religion, and personal style. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the attire for an Indian wedding and what to wear to each event.
The Mehndi Ceremony
The mehndi ceremony is one of the most vibrant and colorful events of an Indian wedding. Held one or two days prior to the wedding, the mehndi ceremony is a time for the bride and her female friends and family members to get henna designs on their hands and feet. For this occasion, women usually wear bright and cheerful ethnic wear that reflects the mood of the ceremony. A simple yet elegant salwar kameez or anarkali suit in vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, pink, or green is the perfect attire for the mehndi ceremony. Accessorize with colorful bangles, jhumkas, and a pair of juttis to complete the look.
The Sangeet Ceremony
The sangeet ceremony is a musical evening that takes place the night before the wedding. This event involves a lot of dancing, singing, and music, and is a chance for both the bride and groom’s families to get to know each other. For this occasion, it’s best to wear something that’s comfortable and easy to move around in, such as a flowy lehenga or anarkali suit. You can choose a vibrant color for your outfit, but avoid wearing anything too heavy or elaborate. Pair your outfit with some statement jewelry and high heels to complete the look.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony itself is a grand affair that usually takes place in the morning or afternoon. For the bride, this is the most important day of her life, and she’ll likely wear the most elaborate and ornate outfit of the entire wedding. The most traditional Indian wedding outfit for the bride is a red and gold lehenga, but other colors such as pink, maroon, and peach are also popular. A saree is another popular option for the bride, especially in South India. The groom, on the other hand, usually wears a sherwani or a 3-piece suit in muted colors such as beige, cream, or gold. Accessorize with heavy jewelry, such as a maang tikka, nose ring, and bracelets.
The Reception
The reception is usually the final event of an Indian wedding, and it’s a time for the newlyweds to celebrate their union with their friends, family, and guests. For this occasion, the attire can vary from formal to semi-formal, depending on the venue and the time of day. Men can wear a suit or a sherwani with a stole, while women can opt for a cocktail dress, a gown, or a lehenga in more subdued colors such as navy, black, or silver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the attire for an Indian wedding can vary depending on the event, the region, and the personal preferences of the bride and groom. From vibrant and colorful ethnic wear to elegant and ornate bridal outfits, the attire for an Indian wedding is a true reflection of the country’s diverse culture and rich heritage. Whether you’re attending a mehndi ceremony, a sangeet, the wedding ceremony itself, or the reception, make sure to choose an outfit that’s comfortable, stylish, and reflects your personality.
FAQ
What is the dress code for traditional Indian attire?
India is a country with a diverse culture and a vivid history, and traditional Indian clothing plays a vital role in representing these cultural values. The Indian dress code varies from region to region, and every outfit is a unique reflection of the cultural heritage of that particular region. Indian traditional attire is colorful and vibrant, which adds to the beauty and charm of the clothing.
Traditional Indian attire for men includes Achkan/Sherwani, Bandhgala, Lungi, Kurta, Angarkha, Jama, Dhoti or Kurta Pajama. The Achkan or Sherwani is a long coat that is buttoned up to the neck and tailored to fit the body shape of the person wearing it. It is commonly worn during weddings, religious ceremonies, and formal events. The Bandhgala is a shorter coat that is similar to a modern-day blazer. It is typically worn with formal trousers and is suitable for occasions such as office parties or receptions.
The Lungi is a traditional Indian garment that is made from cotton or silk, and it is typically worn in Southern India. It is a rectangular piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and legs, and it is similar to a sarong. The Kurta is a long shirt or tunic that is worn by men in India. It is usually made from cotton or silk and can be either plain or embroidered. The Kurta is paired with a loose-fitting pair of trousers and is considered a casual form of traditional attire.
The Angarkha is a traditional Indian garment that originated in the northern region of India. It is a long tunic that is tied at the waist like a wrap-around skirt. It is usually made from cotton, silk, or wool. The Jama is another type of traditional Indian attire worn during formal events. It is a long coat that is worn over the Kurta and is typically made from silk or wool.
The Dhoti, also known as veshti, is a rectangular piece of cloth that is draped around the waist and legs. It is typically made from cotton or silk and is common attire for Indian men during religious ceremonies. The Dhoti is often paired with a Kurta for a formal look, and it is also worn with a vest.
Recently, western clothing such as trousers and shirts have been accepted as traditional Indian dress by the Government of India. This acceptance is due to modernization and globalization. However, despite this trend, traditional Indian attire remains an important part of the country’s culture and is still widely worn during religious ceremonies, weddings, and other formal events.
Traditional Indian attire for men is diverse and represents the cultural values of various Indian regions. The range of fabrics, colors, and patterns make it a unique and vibrant form of clothing. Additionally, it reflects India’s diverse culture and heritage and remains an essential aspect of Indian culture.
How much do you give at an Indian wedding?
When it comes to attending an Indian wedding, one of the most common questions that come to guests’ minds is, how much cash gift should one bring? The traditional Indian wedding is a grand celebration and a time of joyous festivity. It’s a cultural event that is often associated with lavish displays of food, music, dancing, and elegant clothing. More often than not, guests are expected to bring a gift of cash or check, commonly known as a “shagun” to present to the newlyweds as a token of their blessing.
The amount of the cash gift varies and is personal to each guest. Whereas you might think of nice round numbers like $50, $70, or $100, in Indian culture, we never give a gift ending in 0. The amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101. The reason behind this is to signify the start of a new beginning in the couple’s life. Indian people believe that the number zero symbolizes a lack of completeness or wholeness, while the number one represents unity and a fresh start in life.
Aside from the preference to avoid numbers ending in zero, the amount you give depends on various factors, including your relationship with the couple, the type of event, and your financial situation. If you are a close friend or family member of the couple, you may choose to give more than if you were an acquaintance. It is also essential to consider the location and scale of the event. For instance, a wedding held in a grand ballroom with hundreds of guests may warrant a more substantial gift than a more intimate, casual affair.
In Indian weddings, it is common for guests to give between $50 to $150, depending on their financial ability. However, some guests choose to give more, depending on their generosity and relationship with the couple. Regardless of the amount you decide to give, presenting the gift in an elegant envelope with a thoughtful note is crucial. It is customary to address the envelope to the bride and groom or their parents with a message of well wishes or a special note for the couple.
In Conclusion, the amount of money you give at an Indian wedding is ultimately up to you and dependent on your financial situation and the nature of your relationship with the couple. It is always preferable to give something that is heartfelt and means something to the couple over something that is extravagant or showy. As long as you give with sincere love and blessings, your contribution will always be valued.
What should I wear to my friends wedding Indian male in summer?
Attending an Indian wedding is an amazing experience and a chance to experience the richness of Indian traditions, culture, and fashion. But choosing the right attire for an Indian wedding, especially when you’re a male, can be a bit tricky, especially in the summers.
The first thing to consider while selecting Indian wedding attire is the theme or dress code. Traditionally, an Indian wedding requires formal attire, with most guests wearing traditional Indian clothing such as Kurta Sets, Sherwanis, Kurtas, or Nehru Jackets.
One of the most popular choices for Indian men’s wedding attire is the Kurta Set. Kurta Sets typically come with a knee-length shirt known as the Kurta, paired with either Churidar pants or draped trousers such as Dhoti. These outfits are made from light cotton or linen fabrics that are perfect for summer weddings.
Sport coats and blazers can be another great option for summer weddings. You can pair them with formal cotton or linen trousers, and a nice dress shirt to complete the look. However, make sure to avoid heavy materials like wool or tweed as they can be uncomfortable for outdoor weddings.
Sherwanis are another popular choice for Indian male wedding attire. These ethnic outfits are long coats that are adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments. They are typically worn on special occasions such as weddings or receptions. For summers, you can choose lighter fabrics for Sherwanis such as cotton or linen.
If you’re looking for a more casual and relaxed wedding attire, you can opt for a waistcoat paired with a pair of lightweight chinos or dress pants. You can also pair a Nehru jacket with some nice fitting trousers for a classic Indian look.
Choosing the right wedding attire as an Indian male can be tricky, especially in the summers. But if you follow the traditional dress codes and go for comfortable fabrics such as cotton or linen, you can look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time.