Indian weddings are not a single-day affair. The haldi can be in the morning, the colourful mehendi, the fun-filled sangeet, the wedding and the glamorous reception. Obviously, it is not quite clear what to wear to each one, particularly to an Indian wedding for the first time. Fortunately, you don’t have to have a completely new wardrobe for each function. The right outfit, jewellery, footwear and handbag will enable you to wear styles that are festive but not over the top.
The perfect Indian wedding guest outfit is determined by the event, time of day and individual comfort. A light and simple sharara can be ideal for a daytime mehndi, and an intricately embroidered saree or lehenga can be an excellent choice for a wedding evening reception. Accessories are no exception. A handmade potli, an eye-catching pair of earrings or a smart pair of jutties can make all the difference in transforming an ensemble.
Start with the wedding function
Take the time to find out what event you’re going to before you pick an outfit.
The mood of the function is different and the attire should be different.
For example:
- Haldi: Haldi should be bright, easy and comfortable to move in
- Mehendi: Colours, fun and frolic
- Sangeet: Glamorous with a bit of drama
- Wedding ceremony: Normal and elegant
- Reception: Polished and sophisticated
It’s not important that you follow these rules, but they may help you limit your options.
What to wear to a haldi?
Haldi ceremonies are usually energetic, vibrant and somewhat messy. Select an option that will provide plenty of room to manoeuvre.
A simple kurta set (in yellow, green, orange or a pastel color) looks good. Alternatively, you can opt for a light saree or sharara. Avoid wearing heavy fabrics or lots of jewelleries that can be adjusted all the time.
This is especially the case when it comes to comfort.
Mehendi Outfit Ideas
Mehendi celebrations allow you to have more fun with the colours.
Sharara, lehenga (mirror-work), colourful Anarkali, or lightweight saree can be a beautiful Indian wedding guest outfit to wear.
This is also a good opportunity to play with accessories. Try:
- Colourful earrings
- Floral jewellery
- Embroidered potli
- Juttis
- Stacked bangles
Even a simple, handmade potli can make a bright statement in an outfit without it appearing too formal.
The Sangeet’s attire
The sangeet is usually the evening where you can have a little more fun with your look.
Consider shimmer, motion and interesting silhouettes. A sequin saree, embellished lehenga, velvet sharara and modern Indo-western wear also look stunning.
You’ll likely be dancing, so wear shoes that can be walked in and danced in. If those gorgeous heels after 30 minutes get too uncomfortable, what is the point?
What to wear at a wedding ceremony?
Traditional Indian clothes are always in fashion to wear during the main wedding ceremony.
You could wear:
- Silk saree
- Banarasi saree
- Embroidered lehenga
- Anarkali
- Sharara set
- Saree fabrics are either chanderi or organza.
You don’t need to dress like the bride. In fact, it’s usually better to avoid extremely bridal colours, heavy jewellery, or very elaborate outfits unless the couple has specifically requested a traditional dress code.
Reception Outfit Ideas
Generally, the reception is a more formal setting. A structured saree, a beautiful lehenga, a decorated gown or a fine Indo-Western style dress can be used.
That’s where you can add a bit of style through your accessories. Some jewellery that’s designed to add some sparkle, such as a metallic potli, statement earrings or a few layered items.
Wearing the Correct Potli or Handbag
Your handbag should be practical, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
A handcrafted potli is a great idea for Indian style attire as it provides enough space to place small accessories and will make it look traditional.
Depending on your outfit, consider:
- Zari potli for silk sari
- Potli, Lehengas’ embroidered attachment
- Mehendi outfit collections of mirror-work potli
- Neutral potli for pastel look
A potli is also a great choice if you’re looking to make your Indian wedding guest outfit stand out from the pack.
Don’t Forget Your Jewellery
You don’t have to wear all the jewellery you have.
Instead, select one or two items that will fit in with the outfit.
For instance, wear a plain sari with eye-catching jewellery. In case of a lehenga with heavy embroidery, a simple necklace and earrings will do the job.
Popular options include:
- Jhumkas
- Chandbalis
- Kundan sets
- Pearl jewellery
- Statement rings
- Bangles
Balance is the key.
Choose Comfortable Footwear
Weddings can go for hours!
Juttis, embellished flats, block heels and comfortable sandals are all sensible choices. For those who like heels, block heels are easier to deal with than very high stilettos.
Invest in new shoes and break them in before the wedding.
You’ll be glad you did for your feet later on.
Take into consideration the location and time
Outfits should also be appropriate for the setting.
This is because a heavy velvet suit might not be suitable for a day wedding in the outdoors during warm weather. Likewise, a very lightweight cotton outfit is not going to provide you the sort of polished finish you want in a formal evening reception.
Think about:
- Weather
- Inside or outside event venue
- Time of day
- Dress code
- The duration for which you will be there
These practical considerations can have a significant impact.
Keep Your Look Personal
This does not, however, apply to buying an expensive outfit to be worn for one event only.
Many guests prefer a less heavy look and would go for a nice and classic simple Saree with earrings embedded with elegance, whereas those who want a pop of colour would go with a vibrant lehenga, where they’d choose to wear the accessories minimally. Yet another person might invest in some Indo-western attire where they may even carry a potli to elevate the look.
It totally depends upon the wedding and what works for you in Indian Wedding guest outfit.
Why Choose Handcrafted Accessories from Kirat Tjori?
Wedding outfits can often be defined by the personality given by accessories. Kirat Tjori, with meticulous handiwork, helps to infuse traditional Indian craftsmanship into modern-day festivities with its artisanal potlis and accessories.
Its designs feature rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, zari work and artisan workmanship in a style that seamlessly integrates into contemporary clothing styles. A Kirat Tjori potli can be the finishing touch for those attending a wedding who are looking for a unique accessory rather than the traditional clutch.
Conclusion
There is no rocket science involved in picking an Indian wedding guest outfit. Always begin with the function, take into account the atmosphere, the weather and then add items to a piece of clothing you are comfortable wearing. Include jewellery that works with your outfit, not against it; wear shoes that you can wear and add a final accessory to your outfit, such as a handbag or a handcrafted potli that you’ve carefully selected. Kirat Tjori’s traditional handmade accessories will make your wedding look complete with a traditional Indian handiwork shot of an Indian style and look.





