What to Wear to an Indian Wedding: A Guide for Women

Indian weddings are grand and vibrant celebrations filled with cultural rituals, making them the perfect occasion for women to showcase a wide array of exquisite ethnic attire. These weddings provide a unique opportunity to wear stunning outfits that blend tradition with style. Choices like sarees, lehenga cholis, anarkali suits, and fusion gowns allow women to express their individuality while adhering to the cultural significance of the event. The attire worn at an Indian wedding is not just about fashion, but also about respecting the ceremony's customs, whether it's the intricate embroidery of a Banarasi saree, the playful flares of a lehenga, or the modern elegance of a fusion gown. Each outfit enhances the joy and grandeur of the wedding, making it a memorable experience for both the bride and the guests.

1. Sarees: Timeless Elegance

A saree is the epitome of grace and elegance, making it a popular choice for women attending Indian weddings. Among the many varieties, the Kanjeevaram saree, woven with rich silk and golden threads, is a quintessential selection for traditional South Indian weddings. For North Indian weddings, the Banarasi saree, renowned for its intricate zari work, is a timeless favorite. The Paithani saree, originating from Maharashtra, dazzles with its vibrant colors and peacock motifs, perfect for adding a touch of royal charm. For a more subtle yet classy look, the Chikankari saree, with its delicate embroidery, exudes sophistication. To complete the ensemble, pair your saree with a heavy blouse, traditional temple jewelry, and a bold bindi for a classic look, or experiment with a modern draping style for a contemporary twist.

• Types of Sarees for Weddings:
• Kanjeevaram Saree: Richly woven with silk and golden threads, these sarees from Tamil Nadu are ideal for traditional South Indian weddings.
• Banarasi Saree: Known for intricate zari work, Banarasi sarees are a staple for North Indian weddings.
• Paithani Saree: Originating from Maharashtra, these sarees are known for their vibrant colors and peacock motifs.
• Chikankari Saree: For a more subtle yet classy look, opt for a Chikankari saree with delicate embroidery.
• How to Style: Pair your saree with a heavy blouse, temple jewelry, and a bold bindi for a traditional look. Choose a modern draping style for a contemporary twist.

2. Lehenga Choli: The Showstopper

Lehengas are one of the most glamorous and stylish choices for Indian weddings, particularly for receptions and sangeet ceremonies, offering a blend of elegance and drama. The Traditional Lehenga is characterized by intricate embroidery, mirror work, or zari details, making it perfect for cultural and ceremonial occasions. The Flared Lehenga features a voluminous skirt with pleats, ideal for twirling on the dance floor and creating a dramatic effect. For a universally flattering silhouette, the A-Line Lehenga is fitted at the waist and gradually flares out, making it suitable for all body types. The Fish-Cut Lehenga is a more modern, figure-hugging option that flares out below the knees, adding a contemporary twist to the traditional attire. To style your lehenga, pair it with a sequined or embroidered choli and drape a matching dupatta. Enhance your look with statement jewelry, such as a maang tikka and chandelier earrings, for a truly glamorous finish.

• Types of Lehengas:
• Traditional Lehenga: Features heavy embroidery, mirror work, or zari details, perfect for traditional ceremonies.
• Flared Lehenga: A voluminous skirt with lots of pleats, ideal for twirling on the dance floor.
• A-Line Lehenga: Fitted at the waist and flares towards the hem, suitable for all body types.
• Fish-Cut Lehenga: A figure-hugging option that flares out below the knees, adding a modern touch.
• How to Style: Team your lehenga with a sequined or embroidered choli and a dupatta. Complement it with statement jewelry like a maang tikka and chandelier earrings.

3. Anarkali Suits: Regal and Comfortable

Anarkali suits effortlessly blend the comfort of a salwar suit with the grandeur of a gown, making them a versatile and elegant choice for weddings. The Floor-Length Anarkali is ideal for evening functions, often featuring heavy embroidery or zari work that enhances its royal appeal. The Layered Anarkali, with its multiple flared layers, creates a dramatic effect, perfect for those looking to make a statement. For a contemporary twist, the Jacket-Style Anarkali incorporates a long, embroidered jacket, offering a modern fusion look that is both stylish and regal. To complete the ensemble, pair your Anarkali with jhumkas, a sleek clutch, and either embroidered juttis or heels, ensuring a balanced and sophisticated look.

• Popular Styles:
• Floor-Length Anarkali: Best for evening functions, adorned with heavy embroidery or zari work.
• Layered Anarkali: Features multiple flared layers for a dramatic effect.
• Jacket-Style Anarkali: Includes a long, embroidered jacket, offering a modern fusion look.
• How to Style: Pair your Anarkali with jhumkas, a sleek clutch, and embroidered juttis or heels.

4. Sharara Sets: Effortlessly Chic

Sharara sets are a trending and stylish choice for modern weddings, offering a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary fashion. The outfit typically consists of a short kurti paired with wide-legged, flared pants, creating a chic and flowy silhouette. Sharara sets are often embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, or mirror work, adding a touch of glamour and luxury. To style your sharara set, opt for layered necklaces and oversized earrings to elevate the look, while a potli bag adds a charming and traditional touch, completing the ensemble with elegance and flair.

• Features:
• A short kurti paired with wide-legged flared pants.
• Often embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, or mirror work.
• How to Style: Style your sharara set with layered necklaces and oversized earrings. A potli bag adds a charming touch.

5. Gowns: Indo-Western Glam

Indo-western gowns are an excellent choice for cocktail parties or receptions at Indian weddings, offering a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Cape gowns are particularly popular, featuring a flowy cape that adds a dramatic flair and enhances the overall look. One-shoulder gowns are a sleek and modern option, often with minimal embellishments for a sophisticated vibe. For a more intricate design, embroidered gowns combine ethnic embroidery with a western silhouette, creating a fusion of cultures. When styling an Indo-western gown, opt for minimal jewelry to allow the gown to stand out, and pair it with soft curls or a sleek bun for a polished, elegant appearance.

• Popular Options:
• Cape Gowns: Feature a flowy cape for a dramatic effect.
• One-Shoulder Gowns: A contemporary choice with minimal embellishments.
• Embroidered Gowns: Combine ethnic embroidery with a western silhouette.
• How to Style: Go for minimal jewelry and let the gown stand out. Opt for soft curls or a sleek bun for a polished look.

6. Designer Kurtis with Skirts: Subtle Sophistication

For smaller ceremonies like mehndi or haldi, a designer kurti paired with a flared skirt offers a classy yet comfortable option, perfect for celebrating in style. The outfit is typically crafted from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or georgette, which provide both ease of movement and a graceful drape. Embellishments such as gota patti, sequins, or intricate thread work add a touch of elegance without being too heavy. To style this look, add a statement belt to define your waistline, and complete the ensemble with oxidized jewelry and mojris, creating a boho-chic vibe that’s both trendy and traditional.

• Features:
• Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or georgette.
• Embellishments such as gota patti, sequins, or thread work.
• How to Style: Add a statement belt to define your waistline. Pair with oxidized jewelry and mojris for a boho-chic vibe.

7. Floor-Length Dresses: Fusion at its Best

Fusion wear, like floor-length dresses featuring Indian prints or embroidery, is a fantastic choice for pre-wedding events, offering a blend of tradition and modern style. Silk dresses with Indian motifs combine the comfort of silk with the rich cultural aesthetics of Indian prints, making them both stylish and comfortable. Asymmetric hem dresses add a modern twist to the traditional wedding look, creating an edgy yet elegant vibe. To style these outfits, keep accessories minimal to allow the dress to shine. A pair of statement earrings and open-toed heels complement the look perfectly, striking the right balance between sophistication and trendiness.

• Styles to Try:
• Silk Dresses with Indian Motifs: A perfect blend of comfort and style.
• Asymmetric Hem Dresses: Add a modern edge to your wedding look.
• How to Style: Keep accessories minimal with these outfits. A pair of statement earrings and open-toed heels work well.

Key Tips for Choosing Wedding Outfits:

Color Palette:

• When selecting colors for your outfit, it’s important to consider the occasion. For formal or festive events like weddings or celebrations, rich, vibrant colors such as maroon, gold, royal blue, and emerald green are perfect. These shades exude elegance and sophistication, ensuring you stand out while maintaining a regal appearance.
• On the other hand, pastel shades like soft pink, lavender, mint, or light peach are ideal for daytime events or more casual gatherings. These colors create a delicate, airy feel and are especially suitable for events like brunches or outdoor gatherings. The key is to choose colors that complement the mood of the occasion.

Fabric Choices:

• The fabric you choose plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and feel of your outfit. Opt for silk, which is renowned for its smooth, glossy finish and luxurious feel. Silk fabrics add depth to the color and give your attire a flowing, graceful look.
• Velvet is another excellent choice, particularly for evening events or winter celebrations. Velvet has a rich texture and deep colors, making it perfect for creating a dramatic, opulent effect.
• Brocade, with its intricate, raised patterns, brings a regal touch to your outfit. It’s often used for more formal events, such as weddings or festivals, where you want to create a grand and sophisticated look. The luxurious textures of these fabrics can elevate your overall appearance, giving you a refined, polished look.

Accessories:

• Jewelry is the finishing touch that completes your look. However, it’s important to strike a balance between your outfit and accessories. Rather than overloading on multiple pieces, opt for one statement piece that becomes the focal point of your accessories. This could be a bold necklace with intricate detailing or a pair of statement earrings that draw attention to your face.
• The key is to choose jewelry that complements your outfit in terms of color and style, without overwhelming the look. For example, if you're wearing a heavily embellished outfit, it’s best to go for a more subtle piece of jewelry. Conversely, if your outfit is simple, you can experiment with a more intricate piece to add flair.

Footwear:

• Footwear is a key element of your outfit, contributing to both style and comfort. For formal or traditional occasions, consider opting for embellished heels, which offer a mix of sophistication and glamour. Embellishments like stones, beads, or embroidery can tie your entire outfit together, making your footwear a beautiful addition to your ensemble.
• Juttis and kolhapuris are excellent traditional footwear options that work well for both casual and festive occasions. These shoes often feature intricate embroidery or embellishments, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style, especially for cultural events or celebrations.
• The footwear should complement the style and color palette of your outfit, adding a cohesive, polished look from head to toe. It’s also essential to consider the occasion and venue, ensuring that your shoes are comfortable enough for long hours of wear, without sacrificing elegance.

Conclusion

Indian weddings are a magnificent blend of tradition, culture, and style, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your personality through your attire. Whether you embrace the richness of classic traditions or infuse a contemporary twist, your outfit should reflect the joy and grandeur of the occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and striking accessories to create a look that is not only timeless but also unforgettable. Remember, the magic of an Indian wedding lies in the details, and by combining the best of both worlds—traditional and modern—you can create a truly memorable ensemble that celebrates the spirit of the celebration.