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What to wear to Indian wedding for non Indian guests?


Indian weddings are recognized for their vibrant colors, music, dance, customs, and, of course, the glamorous attire. In India, weddings are grand affairs that can last for several days; hence it is critical to dress appropriately for each event.

It is common for non-Indian guests to attend Indian weddings and may feel overwhelmed by the dress code for each event. However, wearing customary attire is encouraged in Indian weddings to honor the bride and groom and their culture. In this blog, we will discuss what to wear to Indian weddings for non-Indian guests.

The Mehendi Ceremony

The Mehendi ceremony is usually held a day before the wedding day. It is a celebration of the bride and groom getting ready to tie the knot. Mehendi is applied on the hands and feet of the bride and female guests attending the event. It is a fun-filled function where attendees watch the bride getting adorned in customary Indian finery.

For the Mehendi, non-Indian guests can wear ethnic wear with vibrant colors and traditional designs. A trendy sari would be an excellent choice to wear to the ceremony. Traditional Indian attire, such as lehenga choli, Anarkali suit, salwar kameez with dupatta, or a ghagra choli, are also great options for non-Indian guests. Comfortable Indian footwear such as jutti or mojari can be paired up with the outfit.

The Sangeet Ceremony

A Sangeet function is typically held the day before the wedding day. This ceremony is an opportunity for the bride, groom, and their families to celebrate and dance with each other. Sangeet is a cultural dance and singing event where you eat, drink, and dance to the beat of Bollywood music.

Non-Indian guests can wear traditional Indian attire such as lehenga choli, Anarkali suit, or a salwar kameez. Some non-Indian guests prefer to wear a long dress that is flowy and embellished with beautiful Indian embroideries. Jhumkas, chandbalis, and bangles complement the outfit well, and stilettos, heels, or sandals are suitable footwear choices.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the most formal event held during an Indian wedding. It is a solemn affair where the bride and groom take their marital vows to each other. The dress code for this event is formal wear that carries a traditional touch.

For non-Indian guests, a saree is an excellent choice to wear for the wedding ceremony. Traditional Indian attires like Anarkali suits or lehenga-choli are also suitable for this event. Colors such as blue, green, yellow, and red are widely accepted choices, but you can wear other colors that suit you as well. For footwear, heels or stilettos paired with traditional jewelry makes for an elegant look.

The Reception

The wedding reception is the final function, held after the wedding ceremony. It is a formal event where the bride and groom’s family invite their friends and relatives to celebrate. This event is a massive celebration with music, dance, a feast, and attendees dressed like royalty.

For non-Indian guests, a gown or cocktail dress is an excellent choice for the reception. A long gown could carry a hint of Indian embroidery or prints. You could also wear Indian outfits such as sarees and salwar kameez that are embellished with embroidery or beading paired with traditional jewelry. Stilettoes or pumps are a great choice to match the outfit.

Conclusion

In summary, a non-Indian guest attending an Indian wedding should dress appropriately based on the event’s dress code. Mehendi, sangeet, wedding, and reception are the four vital functions of an Indian wedding, and they all have a specified dress code. Traditional Indian attire is widely accepted for all events and is an excellent way to show respect to the bride and groom’s culture. Most importantly, choose whatever outfit makes you feel confident and comfortable, and you are guaranteed to have a great time at the event!

FAQ

What do American guests wear to an Indian wedding?

Attending an Indian wedding can be an incredible and exciting experience, but it can also be confusing when it comes to what to wear. It is important to recognize that different cultures have different customs, traditions, and etiquette, and dressing appropriately is a sign of respect for the host and their culture.

When it comes to dressing for an Indian wedding, guests should aim for something embellished, colorful, and not too revealing. Traditional outfits such as sarees or anarkalis are a great option, but it is also completely acceptable to wear outfits that are not of traditional Indian origin. It is recommended that guests avoid wearing red, as it is the traditional color of the bride and spreading too much red in the wedding leads to the competition with the bride, which is not at all appropriate. Also, guests should avoid wearing black, as it is associated with mourning and sadness in Indian culture.

It is important to note, however, that different regions of India have different customs and traditions, meaning that the specific dress code may vary depending on where the wedding is taking place. If you are unsure what to wear, it is always a good idea to ask the bride or groom or their family members for advice.

Guests attending an Indian wedding should aim for colorful and embellished outfits, avoid red and black, and respect the customs and traditions of the host’s culture. By dressing appropriately, guests can show their appreciation and respect for the occasion, and fully enjoy the experience of attending an Indian wedding.

Is it OK to wear black to an Indian wedding?


In Indian culture, weddings are an important and joyous occasion that brings family and loved ones together, and it is essential to follow certain customs and traditions. One of the common questions that people may ask is whether it is acceptable to wear black to an Indian wedding.

Firstly, it is important to note that black is not a traditional color for Indian wedding dresses. In fact, the traditional color for Indian bridal wear is red, which symbolizes auspiciousness and good luck. Hence, wearing red to an Indian wedding is generally avoided by female guests as a sign of respect to the bride, who is likely to be wearing a red or maroon-colored outfit.

Additionally, black is generally reserved for mourning or formal events in Indian culture and is not associated with weddings. Therefore, wearing black to an Indian wedding may be viewed as inappropriate or inauspicious. It is believed that black is associated with negativity and dark energies, which can bring bad luck to the couple.

However, it is also important to consider the region and specific family’s traditions and preferences. Some families may not mind if guests wear black, while others may find it offensive or inappropriate. Therefore, it is always best to ask the bride or groom’s family about their dress code expectations and preferences to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.

Wearing black to an Indian wedding is generally not recommended as it is not a traditional color and can be viewed as inauspicious. Red is reserved for the bride, and other colors are considered acceptable for female guests to wear. It is always best to consult with the family hosting the wedding to determine the appropriate dress code and show respect for their culture and traditions.

How much money do you give for an Indian wedding?


When it comes to attending an Indian wedding, one of the first questions that comes to mind for guests is, “How much money should I give as a gift?” The answer to this question is not so simple as there is no fixed amount of money that needs to be given as a gift. It largely depends on a few factors such as your relationship with the couple, your finances, and your cultural background.

In Indian culture, it is customary for guests to give a cash gift rather than any other material objects. The amount of the cash gift, however, varies and is personal to each guest. While some may be comfortable giving $50 as a cash gift, others may give $100 or more, depending on their financial situation.

When it comes to giving cash gifts at an Indian wedding, it’s important to keep in mind that most Indian families prefer giving odd denominations. 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. This is because the number 1 is considered auspicious and signifies a new beginning, which is important at the start of a new marital journey.

Another factor to consider when deciding how much to give as a gift is the relationship you have with the couple. If you are a close family friend, a relative or part of the immediate family, then you could give a higher amount as the gift. However, if you’re not as close to the couple or if you’re unable to afford a large amount, then it’s perfectly fine to give a smaller amount.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the amount that you give should not put you under any financial burden. Guests should never feel pressured to give more than they can afford, regardless of their relationship with the couple.

There is no set rule for how much money to give as a gift at an Indian wedding. The amount depends on several factors, including the guest’s relationship with the couple, their financial well-being, and personal beliefs. However, it is a common tradition to give cash gifts in odd denominations, with amounts usually ending in “1.” it’s important to remember that the gift you give should come from the heart and be given with joy, love, and blessings for the couple’s future.