Indian weddings are known for being one of the most extravagant and colorful celebrations in the world. From the decorations to the food, everything about an Indian wedding is bright and beautiful. When attending an Indian wedding as a white person, it can be tricky to navigate what to wear. You want to be respectful of the culture and traditions, but you also want to feel comfortable and stylish. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what white people should wear to an Indian wedding.
Understanding Indian Wedding Attire
Before we dive into what you should wear, it’s important to understand the basics of Indian wedding attire. In India, weddings are multi-day celebrations that include several ceremonies, each with their own dress code. The main ceremony is the wedding itself, which is typically held in the morning. The reception follows later in the evening.
For the wedding ceremony, men traditionally wear a Sherwani, which is a long coat-like jacket that is worn over trousers. Women typically wear a saree, which is a long piece of cloth draped around the body, or a lehenga, which is a long skirt and blouse set. For the reception, the dress code is generally more relaxed, and Western formalwear is acceptable.
What to Wear as a Male
As a white male attending an Indian wedding, you have several options when it comes to what to wear. The most traditional option is a Sherwani, which is a long, formal jacket worn over trousers. Sherwanis come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that suits your personal style. If you don’t want to wear a Sherwani, a suit is also a suitable option. Stick to bright colors and avoid the more earthy tones. Weddings are celebrations, so the brighter the better! Speaking of colors, there are a few to avoid. Much like Americans tend to avoid wearing white to a wedding, Indians avoid wearing red. Red is seen as the color of the bride, so it’s important to avoid it.
What to Wear as a Female
As a white female attending an Indian wedding, you have a lot of options when it comes to what to wear. The most traditional option is a saree or a lehenga. Sarees are long pieces of cloth that are draped around the body and come in a variety of colors and designs. Lehengas are long skirts and blouse sets that are also available in a variety of colors and designs. If you’re not comfortable wearing an Indian outfit, a formal dress is also a suitable option. As with men, stick to bright colors and avoid earthy tones. When it comes to jewelry, the more the better! Indians love to accessorize, so don’t be afraid to add some bling to your outfit.
What Not to Wear
Now that we’ve covered what you should wear, let’s talk about what not to wear. As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to avoid wearing red. This is the color of the bride, and you don’t want to upstage her on her special day. You should also avoid wearing black, as it is seen as a color of mourning in Indian culture. Additionally, it’s important to avoid wearing anything too revealing. Indian weddings are conservative affairs, and it’s important to be respectful of this.
Conclusion
Attending an Indian wedding as a white person can be a fun and exciting experience. By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate the dress code with ease and ensure that you’re respectful of the culture and traditions. Remember to stick to bright colors, avoid red, and avoid anything too revealing. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to celebrate in style at your next Indian wedding.
FAQ
What is appropriate to wear to an Indian wedding as a white person?
Attending an Indian wedding can be an exciting and unique experience for a non-Indian person. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the dress code for such an event is quite different from typical Western weddings. When it comes to dressing for an Indian wedding as a white person, it’s important to pay attention to cultural norms and dress accordingly.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is modesty. Traditional Indian wedding guest attire covers the shoulders, legs and sometimes all of the arms. This is because revealing clothing is considered inappropriate attire for such a formal and traditional event. As a white person attending an Indian wedding, you should strive to dress modestly, even if you’re not wearing traditional Indian clothing.
When it comes to color choices, it’s important to be mindful as well. In India, red and gold are considered the traditional colors of weddings, while white is typically worn for funerals. While this might not be a strict requirement, it’s still a good idea to avoid wearing white to an Indian wedding, as it can be seen as culturally insensitive. Instead, opt for brighter colors such as pink, purple, or blue, or traditional Indian colors like red or gold.
If you’re unsure about what to wear to an Indian wedding, you can always ask the host for guidance. They may be able to provide you with advice on what would be considered appropriate attire for the event. There are also many blogs and websites that offer advice on what to wear to Indian weddings as a non-Indian person. These resources can be especially useful if you’ve never attended an Indian wedding before and are feeling unsure about what to expect.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when dressing for an Indian wedding as a white person. Dressing modestly and avoiding revealing clothing is crucial, and you should avoid wearing white as well. It’s also a good idea to seek guidance from the hosts or do research to ensure that you’re dressed appropriately for the event. By following these tips, you can show respect for the cultural traditions of an Indian wedding and fully enjoy the unique experience.
Is it OK for a white woman to wear a sari to an Indian wedding?
In short, it is completely acceptable and appropriate for a white woman to wear a sari to an Indian wedding. However, it is important to take cultural sensitivity into consideration and ensure that you are following appropriate customs and traditions.
Wearing Indian attire to a wedding, such as a sari, is a sign of respect for the culture and its traditions. It shows a willingness to embrace and appreciate the traditions of the Indian community and to participate in the celebration. In fact, it is not uncommon for white women, as well as other women of various backgrounds, to don Indian attire at Indian weddings.
Moreover, wearing a sari can enhance the overall experience of attending an Indian wedding, especially if you take the time to learn how to wear it correctly. The sari is a beautiful and elegant garment, and when worn properly, can be a stunning addition to any wedding outfit. It can also help you to feel more immersed in the culture and traditions of the wedding celebration.
However, it is important to approach the situation with cultural sensitivity in mind. If you are unsure about the customs and traditions of the specific wedding you are attending, it is always best to ask the bride or groom or someone with knowledge of the culture for guidance.
It is also important to ensure that you are wearing the sari appropriately and respectfully. For example, it is customary for women to cover their heads with a dupatta or shawl when in the presence of elders or in religious settings. Additionally, certain styles and colors of attire may be more appropriate for specific events or occasions within the wedding, such as the Mehendi ceremony or the reception.
Wearing a sari to an Indian wedding as a white woman is completely acceptable as long as it is done with respect and cultural sensitivity in mind. It is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the culture and traditions of the Indian community, and can enhance the overall experience of attending the wedding celebration.
Is it OK to wear white in India?
In the Indian culture, the color white is typically associated with mourning and funerals. This is why it is not appropriate for one to wear white to an Indian wedding or any other celebratory occasion. The Hindu tradition, which is the dominant religion in India, teaches that those attending weddings or other celebrations should instead wear vibrant and colorful attire as a symbol of joy and auspiciousness.
While it may not be entirely forbidden for foreigners or non-Hindus to wear white in India, it is still considered disrespectful and insensitive towards the cultural traditions of the country. Additionally, white is often viewed as a color for religious leaders and ascetics, so wearing it in an inappropriate context could be deemed inappropriate or even offensive.
It is worth noting that the taboo against wearing white to an Indian wedding is not universal across all cultures or faiths practiced in India. In some regions, such as parts of the Sikh community or in Christian weddings, white is considered a perfectly acceptable color for guests to wear. However, it is important to research the specific cultural norms of the region and community you will be visiting before making any decisions on how to dress.
While it may not be strictly forbidden to wear white in India, culturally it is seen as inappropriate and disrespectful to the traditions of the Hindu faith. Visitors to India are encouraged to do their research on local customs and dress codes to ensure they are respecting the rich cultural heritage of the country.
