An Indian wedding isn’t one day, it’s usually a few events in a row. If you’re wondering what to wear to a mehndi, haldi, sangeet and the wedding day itself, the short answer is that each one has its own mood. Some are relaxed and messy, some are all about dancing, and the wedding is the dressiest of the lot.
Every family does things a bit differently, and not every wedding has all of these functions. If the hosts give a dress code or colour theme, always go with that first.
What to wear to a mehndi
The mehndi is where the bride (and often guests) get henna applied. It’s usually a relaxed, colourful afternoon or evening with music and food.
- Bright colours work well. Green, yellow, orange, pink and mixed prints are all popular.
- Choose sleeves you can push up or short sleeves, so your henna doesn’t smudge on the fabric.
- A kurti with palazzo or sharara, a lighter suit, or a simple lehenga are all good picks.
- Skip anything too precious, since wet henna can stain.
Our kurtis and gowns are a great fit for mehndi day.
What to wear to a haldi
At the haldi, family and friends apply a turmeric paste to the bride or groom. It’s fun, it gets messy, and turmeric stains are hard to get out.
- Yellow is the traditional colour, with white, cream and light orange also common.
- Wear something comfortable that you won’t mind getting a few marks on.
- Cotton kurtis and simple suits are ideal. Leave the heavy embroidery for later.
- Men can wear a light cotton kurta pajama in yellow or white.
What to wear to a sangeet
The sangeet is the party night, with music, dance performances and plenty of time on the dance floor. It’s a chance to go a bit more glam, but you still need to move.
- A lighter lehenga or a flowy gown looks great and is easy to dance in.
- Sparkle, sequins and bolder colours are welcome here.
- If you’re performing, pick something that won’t slip, and practise in it.
- Men can go for a dressier silk kurta, or a kurta with a jacket.
Take a look at our lehengas for sangeet ideas.
What to wear on the wedding day
This is the main event, so it’s the time for your best outfit. A saree, heavier lehenga or a dressy suit are all good choices.
- Rich colours such as maroon, emerald, royal blue, pink and gold look beautiful.
- Avoid bridal red unless you know the family is fine with it, since many brides wear red.
- Some communities avoid all-white or all-black outfits at weddings, so it’s safer to skip them unless the hosts say otherwise.
- Remember the ceremony can be long. A ready-to-wear saree saves time and stays put all day.
Browse our ready-to-wear sarees, which start at around $110–$120. If you’re stuck between a saree, lehenga or suit, our guide on how to choose between a saree, lehenga or suit can help.
Getting the most out of a few outfits
Buying four new outfits for one wedding adds up. Here are a few ways to stretch what you have:
- Wear the same lehenga skirt twice with a different blouse or dupatta.
- Use a kurti for mehndi and haldi, and save the heavier pieces for the sangeet and wedding.
- Change your jewellery, hair and footwear to make an outfit feel new.
- For kids, one silk and one cotton set will usually cover all the events.
Melbourne weddings are often held in winter as well as summer, so check the venue. A shawl or wrap is handy for outdoor photos or the drive between venues.
We can help you put together looks for each event, for you and the whole family. There’s much more in store than on our website, so WhatsApp us on 0450 649 304 with your function list and colour themes, and we’ll send photos. Book a time to try things on at our Aintree store, or have your order delivered for $16 anywhere in Australia.