There’s no doubt that Indian weddings are extravagant affairs. While the wedding day is usually the main event, pre-wedding ceremonies like the Haldi hold significant importance as well. If you’re invited to attend this auspicious ceremony, you might be wondering what to wear.
The Haldi ceremony is a tradition where a paste made of turmeric is applied to the bride and groom’s body. This yellow paste is said to purify the body and provide a natural glow to the skin. As a guest, dressing appropriately for the occasion adds more meaning and respect to the event. In this blog post, we share some tips on what to wear for the Haldi ceremony.
Understanding the Dress Code for the Haldi Ceremony
As a guest, you want to ensure that you’re dressed appropriately for the event. Haldi ceremonies are typically held in the morning, and the atmosphere is one of casual fun and celebration. The dress code, therefore, is casual, comfortable, and functional.
When choosing what to wear, keep in mind that the turmeric paste that’s applied to the bride and groom might end up on your clothes. So keep it modest and avoid heavy silks or expensive clothing that you don’t want to ruin.
What to Wear for Women
For women, opting for Indian traditional wear for the Haldi ceremony is a great idea. You can opt for a simple cotton saree or a suit that’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to move around in. The outfit doesn’t need to be too embellished or grand since the ceremony vibe is relaxed and casual.
If you’re not comfortable wearing traditional Indian clothing, a simple Boho skirt paired with a crop top is a great alternative that’s both comfortable and stylish.
It’s important to note that since the Haldi ceremony takes place in the morning, you want to choose outfits that are in pastel and light colors to keep the outfit subtle and easy on the eyes.
What to Wear for Men
Just like for women, Indian traditional wear is a great option for men attending a Haldi ceremony. A simple lightweight Kurta or Nehru Jacket paired with matching pants in light pastel shades is an excellent choice. Accessorize with a dupatta or a stole for added style and grace.
Western casual wear is also an option. Wear simple cotton pants and pair it with a printed shirt or t-shirt. Avoid denim and opt for lightweight fabric that’s breathable and comfortable.
Dressing Appropriately for the Haldi Ceremony
When attending the Haldi ceremony, keep in mind that it is a traditional ceremony. While the dress code is casual, you still want to dress appropriately and modestly. Avoid wearing clothing that’s too revealing, too tight, or too short.
It’s important to dress comfortably and functionally since the ceremony often involves standing or sitting on the floor. You can opt for comfortable sandals that you can remove before entering the Haldi ceremony.
Lastly, the Haldi ceremony is a religious event, so we encourage you to dress appropriately to show respect for the cultural customs and traditions.
Conclusion
When preparing for the Haldi ceremony, choosing the right outfit is just as important as attending the ceremony. As a guest, you want to ensure that you’re appropriately dressed while keeping in mind that the ceremony is casual.
Indian traditional wear is often the best choice, but you can also opt for comfortable and functional western casual wear. Since the ceremony takes place in the morning, choose light and pastel shades that are easy on the eyes.
Remember that while the event is casual, it’s still a religious event, so we encourage guests to dress modestly and appropriately to show respect for cultural customs and traditions.
FAQ
What is the best dress code for haldi function?
Haldi function is one of the most important ceremonies of the wedding pre-parties in India. It is also known as pithi in some regions of the country. During the Haldi ceremony, a yellow-coloured paste is applied on the bride and groom’s face, neck, hands, and feet. This is followed by a fun-filled session of dancing, singing, and clicking pictures.
Traditionally, yellow is the dominant colour of Haldi function attire. The reason behind this is that yellow is considered an auspicious colour and signifies happiness, prosperity, and positivity. However, with the changing times, people nowadays prefer to experiment with different colours as well.
When it comes to the dress code for the Haldi function, you can opt for a lot of options varying from lehenga to a bright saree or a kurta or any other ethnic outfit. For the bride, yellow saree or lehenga is an ideal choice for the Haldi ceremony. It is best to keep the outfit simple and easy to move around in. The Haldi ceremony involves a lot of running around and getting the yellow paste all over the clothes, so it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to wash.
You can also experiment with different styles for Haldi function, including crop tops and shararas, dhoti-style pants, Anarkali or silhouette, or floor-length Anarkali dress. Keep the Haldi ceremony outfit light and subtle. Also, you can add some floral jewelry accessories for a more traditional look. You can also experiment with different hairstyles and makeup looks that complement your outfit and the decor.
For men, a kurta pajama or a simple shirt and jeans combination is appropriate for the Haldi function. One can also experiment with Nehru jackets, bright-coloured kurtas or jackets, and dhoti pants to add a touch of traditional charm to the attire.
The best dress code for the Haldi ceremony is something that is comfortable, easy to move around in, and also reflects the traditional significance of the event. The dominant yellow colour may be present but you can experiment with different colours and styles to add a touch of your own personality in the attire.
Can you wear an Indian wedding dress if you are not Indian?
Yes, you can definitely wear an Indian wedding dress even if you are not Indian. In fact, it is quite common to see people of different cultures and ethnicity wearing Indian dresses in weddings and other occasions.
Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and richness in tradition, where the bride and groom are dressed in exquisite and elaborate outfits. These bridal outfits are not only limited to Indians, but are also available for purchase and wear by non-Indians as well. Wedding dresses today have evolved to represent free-spirited and more unconventional designs inspired from Western wear when it comes to Indo-western fusion attire.
Some Indian weddings have themes or dress codes, making it easier for non-Indians to choose what to wear. However, it is important to make sure that you dress appropriately according to the theme and respect the Indian culture and customs. A saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez are some common Indian dresses that you can choose from. Men can wear a kurta pyjama or a sherwani suit. Indian attire can be rented, purchased or even tailored to suit your needs.
It is important to note that Indian wedding dresses hold a lot of symbolism and cultural significance. Wearing Indian attire is not just about putting on a pretty dress, but rather a way of celebrating and honoring Indian culture and traditions. It is important to remain respectful and mindful of the cultural significance while wearing Indian attire.
It is completely acceptable to wear an Indian wedding dress if you are not Indian. Just make sure to choose an appropriate dress according to the theme, and respect the cultural significance of the attire. With the vast array of designs available today, you are sure to find an outfit that suits your personality and style while still being respectful of the traditions.
How much money do you give for an Indian wedding?
In Indian culture, giving money as a gift is the norm for most occasions, especially weddings. The amount of money given as a wedding gift in India varies, and it’s usually personal to each guest and the couple’s relationship with them. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the amount of money to give as a wedding gift. However, it is generally expected that the gift should reflect the guest’s financial position and relationship with the couple.
If you are attending an Indian wedding as a guest, you should give what you feel comfortable giving. It’s important not to feel pressured or obligated to give more than you can afford. It’s better to give a small amount that you can afford rather than nothing at all. Most people usually give anything from $51 to $251, depending on their financial situation and how close they are to the couple. It’s important to note that in Indian culture, we never give a gift ending in 0. The amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101.
It’s also worth mentioning that some guests prefer to give gifts instead of money. If you decide to go this route, make sure you give something practical or something that the couple can use and appreciate. Examples of practical gifts include household items such as cookware, bedding, towels, or appliances.
There’S no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much money you give as a wedding gift in Indian culture. The amount you give is usually personal to each guest and their relationship with the couple. The most important thing is to give what you can afford and what you feel comfortable giving. Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the couple’s love and have a great time at the wedding ceremony.
