When attending an Indian wedding as a Westerner, it is important to dress appropriately out of respect for the host and the culture. For women, a floor-length or knee-length skirt, a modest top, and a shawl or cover over the arms is appropriate.
Shoes should be closed-toe and heels should be low and comfortable. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Alternatively, an elegant sari may be worn if the invite specifically states guests should dress traditionally.
For men, the most common choice is to wear a suit and tie. Khakis and a dress shirt, usually with a blazer, are also acceptable. Shoes should be dressy, such as dress shoes or loafers. Some Indian weddings may call for a traditional Punjabi or Jodhpuri suit.
Regardless of the attire chosen, bright colors should be avoided, as they are more suited to traditional Indian dresses and are cultural no-no’s.
Can a non Indian wear an Indian wedding dress?
Yes, absolutely! While traditional Indian wedding dresses are usually worn by brides of Indian ethnicity, there is no hard and fast rule that prohibits non-Indians from wearing an Indian wedding dress.
The individual and their partner can decide for themselves what type of wedding dress they want to wear. Many brides of non-Indian ethnic backgrounds choose to wear an Indian wedding dress to honor their partner’s Indian heritage, or simply because they love the style and ornate beauty of these traditional Indian ensembles.
Non-Indian brides may customize their Indian wedding dress to suit their own unique style, as there are multiple ways to accessorize and customize an Indian wedding dress. For example, a non-Indian bride may choose to wear a fitted sari blouse, or an Indo-Western style lehenga.
Ultimately, the choice to wear an Indian wedding dress is up to the individual, and the decision should be celebrated, regardless of personal ethnicity.
Can you wear white to a Indian wedding as a guest?
Yes, wearing white to an Indian wedding is acceptable as a guest. Traditional Indian weddings often feature bright, vivid colors in the attire of both the bride and groom, so a white ensemble is quite fitting.
The traditional color of marriage in India is red, so while white is generally considered to be a classic color for formal occasions, the presence of other colors or complementary hues in the wardrobe can create an interesting aesthetic.
Additionally, some Indian brides may choose white as part of her bridal trousseau. If you’re wondering what kind of white garments to choose, consider timeless classics like an ivory shawl paired with a white saree or a pastel-colored kurta with white churidars.
For men, a crisp white sherwani with cream-colored trousers can be a great choice. Finally, if you’d like to keep things toned-down, a white kurta for men or a white salwar for women paired with a bright-colored dupatta will do just the trick.
Bonne chance!
Is wearing black to a wedding disrespectful?
No, wearing black to a wedding is generally not considered disrespectful. While traditionally, white was worn to a wedding as a symbol of purity and joy, the tradition no longer holds the same significance as it once did and wearing black to a wedding is now considered acceptable.
In recent years, wedding attire for guests has become much more relaxed, and black can often be seen as a stylish and sophisticated choice. However, depending on the tone of the wedding and what is requested of the guests, it is important to take the time to consider your outfit choice and ensure that it is appropriate for the event you are attending.
Ultimately, as long as your attire is respectful and follows the requested guidelines, wearing black to a wedding should not be considered disrespectful.
How much money do you give for an Indian wedding?
The amount of money given for an Indian wedding varies greatly, depending on the region, family, and other factors. In many cases, the immediate family will give large contributions in the form of money, gifts, or services.
Depending on the family’s economic situation and being mindful of any other financial commitments, generous gifts from family, friends, and other close guests should at least cover the cost of the wedding.
The amount of money that guests typically give depends on their relationship to the couple, as well as their own financial situation. Gifts from distant relatives and guests can range from a simple token of well-wishes to a more significant monetary amount.
A common gift is cash, although gift-giving for an Indian wedding can also include items such as clothing, jewelry, or electronics. Overall, how much money is given for an Indian wedding is highly subjective and varies greatly depending on the region and family.