Flying to India for a December Wedding? What to Pack from Melbourne

By Abhishek Arora · Style World, Aintree · Updated 31 Oct 2026 · 3 min read

Indian wedding season starts after Tulsi Vivah (20 November in India, Saturday 21 November in Australia) and the busiest weeks fall in December – right when Melbourne families fly out for the school holidays. Here’s what to pack so you look right at every function without paying wedding-season prices in India.

Why buy in Melbourne before you fly

• No rush on arrival: you land jet-lagged and the first function is often two days later. Arriving with outfits sorted takes the pressure off.
• Try on and alter here: sizes run differently in every shop. Try outfits on in our Aintree trial room and get the fit right before you pack.
• Peak-season prices: markets in India are at their busiest and dearest in December.

December weather in India: what it means for fabric

North India (Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP) is cold in December – about 5–20°C, colder at night and at outdoor evening functions. South India and Mumbai stay warm, around 20–32°C.

• North India: silk sarees, heavier lehengas, velvet or silk suits, and a shawl or jacket for the evening.
• South India and Mumbai: light silk, georgette and organza, with cotton for daytime events.

Women: a simple packing list

• Wedding day: a silk saree – our Kanjivaram and Banarasi silks start at $80 – or a lehenga ($130 in the Diwali offer while stock lasts).
• Sangeet and reception: a lehenga or an Indo-western sharara set with jacket.
• Haldi and mehndi: a yellow or green suit or kurti set.
• Travel and family visits: two or three easy suits or kurti sets (kurtis 1 for $40, 2 for $60).

Men

• Wedding: a silk or sequin kurta pajama ($80) or a jacket kurta ($145).
• Haldi, mehndi and day events: cotton or printed kurta pajama ($75).
• Pack a shawl or a Nehru jacket for cold North Indian nights.

Kids

Boys’ kurta pajama sets are 1 for $40 or 2 for $60, and girls’ suits and lehenga sets start at $60. Pack one outfit per function plus a spare – kids and wedding food don’t mix.

Packing tips for silk and embroidery

• Fold sarees and lehengas in a cotton cloth or old cotton saree, not plastic – silk needs to breathe.
• Put heavy lehengas in your carry-on if you can. They’re the one thing you can’t replace in a hurry.
• Pack blouses and jewellery together in a labelled pouch for each function.
• Steam, don’t iron, embroidered pieces when you arrive.

Leaving soon?

Visit us at 251 Frontier Ave, Aintree – open every day 11am to 8pm – or WhatsApp 0450 649 304 with your function list and dates, and we’ll send photos of options in your size. Pick-up is free. For delivery, WhatsApp us your address for the cost. You can also try women’s and men’s outfits on your own photo with virtual try-on or book a video call.

Quick answers

What should I wear to an Indian wedding in December?

In North India, silk sarees, heavier lehengas and silk or velvet suits with a shawl for cold evenings. In South India and Mumbai, light silk, georgette or organza. Men wear a silk kurta pajama or jacket kurta.

Should I buy wedding outfits in Australia or in India?

Buying in Melbourne means you can try on and fix the fit before you fly, and you avoid rushing and peak-season prices in India.

How do I pack a silk saree for a flight?

Fold it in a cotton cloth, not plastic, keep heavy lehengas in your carry-on, and steam embroidered pieces when you arrive.

Where can I buy Indian wedding outfits in Melbourne’s west before a trip to India?

Style World, 251 Frontier Ave, Aintree – sarees, lehengas, suits, men’s kurta pajama and kids’ outfits. Open every day 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp 0450 649 304.