What to Wear to an Indian Wedding in Melbourne: A Guest Guide

Invited to an Indian wedding in Melbourne? Lucky you. Indian weddings usually run over several events, and each one has its own feel. Here is a simple guide to what guests usually wear, so you can plan your outfits with confidence.

Mehndi and haldi

These are relaxed, fun daytime events. Think bright colours, especially yellow, green, orange and pink, and comfortable outfits you can sit on the floor in.

• Women: a kurti with palazzo pants or sharara, or a light suit. Avoid your best silk for haldi, as turmeric paste can stain.
• Men: a cotton or light silk kurta pajama in a bright shade.

Sangeet

The music and dance night. Go festive, but make sure you can move.

• Women: a lehenga, a sharara set or a ready-to-wear saree that stays in place while you dance.
• Men: a silk kurta pajama, or add a jacket for a dressier look.

The wedding ceremony

This is the most traditional event. Rich fabrics, embroidery and jewel tones work well. Avoid all-white and all-black for Hindu and Sikh ceremonies (these are often linked with mourning), and avoid red if you do not want to clash with the bride.

• Women: a silk saree (Banarasi or Kanjivaram), an embroidered suit, or a lehenga.
• Men: a brocade silk kurta pajama.

Reception

Usually an evening party, so you can go more glamorous or modern: embellished sarees, gowns or Indo-western styles like a saree with a jacket.

Melbourne weather tips

• Spring and summer weddings can still turn cold at night. Bring a shawl or a matching jacket.
• For outdoor ceremonies, choose lighter fabrics like chinon, georgette or cotton silk.
• Many venues have long walks or uneven ground, so block heels or embellished flats are a smart choice.

Dressing the kids

Kids look adorable in matching outfits, but comfort comes first on long wedding days. Our organic cotton sharara sets and boys cotton kurta pajamas are soft and easy to wear all day. See our kids outfit guide for more ideas.