COURTSEY PRIYANCA RAO PHOTOGRAPHY
DRESS TO THE NINES THIS WEDDING SEASON
As the weather cools, we steadily approach the festive and colourful Indian Wedding season. Jubilant celebrations and proud traditions lie ahead, and an expansive wardrobe is in order for the much-awaited occasion. Several pre-wedding functions precede the main wedding ceremony, each with its signature vibe and dress code. From regal lehengas to Indian fusions, from ornate designs to minimalist motifs, there are a lot of fabrics, styles, and dresses to choose from. Here are some suggestions for wedding-guest outfits you can wear that are just as illustrious as the celebration.
MEHENDI CEREMONY
The Mehendi ceremony, traditionally reserved for the bride-to-be and her family and friends, has evolved into a revelry on its own with henna – adorned hands, the scent of eucalyptus oil in the air, music, drinks, and the groom’s side of the family included as well.
The main focus of the event is the application of henna which requires one to remain seated for hours while it dries, so you can forgo the heavy gowns and lehengas and instead opt for something graceful and comfortable. Playful and colourful outfits like anarkalis, shararas, or light sarees are apt for this event. We recommend bright colours or pastel palettes and floral motifs to match vibrant hues and happy tones of the event.
COURTSEY TARUN TAHILIANI
THE SANGEET
Sangeet is a pre-party for the wedding that rivals exuberance of the D-Day. Friends and family break out into various musical and dance performances and celebrate with great jolly.
Since the Sangeet is all about glitter and dancing, you should be comfortable enough to spin around in, and feature some shimmering bling to dazzle everyone. From Ethnic formals to stylish fusion outfits, a Sangeet night is the time to play dress up. We recommend clothing with embellishments, or ornate sequined designs, and deeper tones for the evening function.
COURTSEY SABYASACHI
HALDI CEREMONY
Days before the wedding, the couple will participate in the Haldi ceremony: a purification ritual meant to bless the soon-to-wed. Messy but delightful, the event involves applying yellow turmeric paste on the bride and groom, praying for blessings and other rituals.
Yellow is the official colour code for this ceremony and flowers are the official accessory. Choose an outfit carefully as you’re sure to go back with some haldi stains. Avoid very flowing dresses. We recommend semi-formal anarkalis, palazzo suits or lehenga cholis.
COURTSEY ANITA DONGRE
THE WEDDING
The much anticipated day is finally here with all the band baaja and baraat. The grooms family enters the event with a cacophony of music, merriment and dance, called the baraat. The main ceremony begins with Ganesh puja and includes rituals such as varmala and pheras, ending with the vidaai.
This is the most glamorous and lavish event of all and demands you to dress the part. Embrace the traditional Indian look and give it your all.
“You are never overdressed at an Indian wedding, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your ensembles, jewellery, and makeup!” - Arpita Mehta, Bridal, fusion, and Indian prêt wear designer.
Since Indian brides tend to wear red or pink for the wedding, steer clear of those hues. Black and white are also best avoided on this day. We recommend elegant and dressy sarees or extravagant lehenga cholis.
COURTSEY RITU KUMAR
THE RECEPTION
The Reception is usually the “fanciest” of the events with dinner, dancing, and speeches. This event introduces the newly-weds as an official couple.
The dress code for this is usually formal attire. You can choose between ethnic formals and black-tie classics. We recommend you to let go of the ethnics this time and attend in classy and polished gowns.
COURTSEY NEETA LULLA