Attending an Indian wedding as a Westerner can be a truly magical experience. From the vibrant colors, intricate decorations, delicious food, and rich cultural traditions, Indian weddings are a feast for the senses. However, one aspect that can be overwhelming for Westerners is choosing the right attire.
Indian weddings are known for their elaborate and ornate dress codes, and it can be challenging to know what to wear without feeling out of place or disrespectful. In this guide, we provide tips and suggestions on what to wear to an Indian wedding as a Westerner.
1. Traditional Indian Attire
The easiest way to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for an Indian wedding is to wear traditional Indian attire. For women, this means a saree, salwar kameez, or lehenga choli. A saree is a long piece of fabric draped around the body, while a salwar kameez is a two-piece outfit consisting of a long tunic and loose pants. A lehenga choli is a long skirt paired with a blouse and a scarf.
For men, traditional Indian attire includes a sherwani or a kurta pyjama. A sherwani is a long jacket worn over a kurta (long shirt) and churidar (fitted pants), while a kurta pyjama is a long shirt paired with loose pants.
2. Western Formal Attire with an Indian Twist
If you are not comfortable wearing traditional Indian attire, you can opt for Western formal attire with an Indian twist. For women, this could mean wearing a maxi dress with Indian-inspired embroidery or accessorizing your outfit with traditional Indian jewelry.
For men, you can wear a suit or a blazer with trousers, but add an Indian twist by wearing a Nehru jacket, which is a collarless jacket inspired by traditional Indian attire. You can also accessorize your outfit with a turban or a stole.
3. Comfortable Shoes
Indian weddings can last for hours, and you will be expected to dance and participate in various ceremonies. Therefore, it is important to wear comfortable shoes that you can dance in. For women, this could mean wearing flats or wedges, while men can wear comfortable dress shoes or traditional Indian footwear such as juttis.
4. Respectful Attire
It is important to remember that Indian weddings are religious and cultural ceremonies, and as such, it is essential to dress respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing with inappropriate slogans or images. Additionally, it is customary for women to cover their heads during religious ceremonies, so consider carrying a scarf or shawl with you.
5. Dress for the Season
Indian weddings take place throughout the year, and it is essential to dress appropriately for the season. If you are attending a wedding during the summer months, opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen. For winter weddings, wear warmer fabrics such as wool or silk.
Conclusion
Attending an Indian wedding as a Westerner can be a beautiful and enriching experience. By following these tips and suggestions, you can ensure that you are dressed appropriately and respectfully, while still showcasing your personal style. Whether you choose to wear traditional Indian attire or Western formal attire with an Indian twist, remember to have fun, be respectful, and embrace the vibrant culture of India.