What to Wear to an Indian Wedding as a Guest: A British Guide

Attending an Indian wedding for the first time can feel daunting when it comes to choosing the right outfit. With multiple events spanning several days, each with its own dress code and atmosphere, knowing what to wear is half the battle. This guide is written specifically for guests in the UK, whether you are part of the British Indian community or attending as a friend or colleague, to help you dress appropriately and confidently for every celebration.

Understanding the Events

Indian weddings are not a single event. They are a series of celebrations, each with a different mood and dress code. Here is what to expect:

Mehndi and Sangeet

These pre-wedding celebrations are festive, colourful, and relatively relaxed. The mehndi (henna ceremony) and sangeet (music night) are about fun and celebration. Think vibrant colours, lighter fabrics, and a party atmosphere.

The Main Ceremony

This is the most formal event. For Hindu weddings, the ceremony is often held under a mandap and can last several hours. Dress formally and comfortably. Sikh ceremonies take place in a gurdwara, where modest, respectful attire is essential and head covering is required for all guests.

The Reception

The reception is typically the most glamorous event. Think of it as a formal dinner and party. This is the occasion to wear your most elegant outfit.

What Men Should Wear

For the Mehndi and Sangeet

• A bright or pastel kurta with churidar or straight trousers
• A short kurta with jeans for a smart-casual fusion look
• A printed or textured Nehru jacket over a plain shirt

For the Main Ceremony

• A formal kurta pyjama set in rich fabrics like silk or jacquard
• A sherwani if you are a close family member or part of the wedding party
• A well-fitted suit is also acceptable, particularly for non-Indian guests

For the Reception

• A Nehru jacket with tailored trousers is a popular contemporary choice
• An Indo-Western bandhgala suit
• A dark, well-tailored Western suit is also perfectly appropriate

What Women Should Wear

For the Mehndi and Sangeet

• A colourful salwar kameez or anarkali suit
• A lehenga skirt paired with a crop top for younger guests
• A maxi dress in vibrant prints or bold colours

For the Main Ceremony

• A saree is always appropriate and elegant
• A formal salwar suit or anarkali in rich fabric
• A lehenga for those who want a more elaborate look

For the Reception

• A glamorous saree with statement jewellery
• A designer lehenga or gown
• An evening dress in jewel tones with Indian-inspired accessories

Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Embrace colour. Indian weddings celebrate colour. Bright, rich hues are always welcome.
• Dress modestly for religious ceremonies. Cover your shoulders and avoid very short hemlines, especially in gurdwaras and temples.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Ceremonies can be long, and you may need to sit on the floor or remove your shoes.
• Accessorise. Indian weddings are an occasion to wear bold jewellery and embellished pieces.
• Ask the couple if unsure. Most couples are happy to guide guests on dress codes.

Don't

• Wear white or black to the ceremony. White is traditionally associated with mourning in Indian culture, and black is considered inauspicious by some families. Save these colours for the reception if at all.
• Wear red. Red is traditionally reserved for the bride. Avoid bright red, though maroon, wine, and burgundy are generally fine.
• Underdress. Indian weddings are formal celebrations. Casual clothing is rarely appropriate.
• Wear leather items in a gurdwara. Leather belts, bags, and shoes should be avoided in Sikh places of worship.

Tips for Non-Indian Guests

If you are not of Indian heritage and have been invited to an Indian wedding, the couple has invited you because they want you there. Do not worry about getting every detail perfect. Here are some practical tips:

• You do not need to wear Indian clothing, but it is always appreciated if you make the effort. A Nehru jacket over a Western shirt is an easy entry point for men.
• Visit a specialist shop like Venisons where our staff can guide you through the options and find something that suits you, even if you have never worn Indian clothing before.
• If buying Indian clothing feels like too big a step, a colourful, formal outfit is perfectly acceptable.
• Cover your head in a gurdwara. A scarf or handkerchief will do if you do not have a turban or dupatta.

Where to Shop

If you are based in London or the wider UK, Ealing Road in Wembley is the best destination for Indian occasion wear. Venisons has four stores along Ealing Road, offering sherwanis, kurtas, sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits for every event and budget. Our experienced team can help you put together a complete look, from outfit to accessories.

Visit us at 134-136 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4TH, or shop online at venisons.com.