Indian Wedding Guest Outfits: What to Wear to Every Function

Got an invite to an Indian wedding? Congratulations, and good luck. Between the mehendi, haldi, sangeet, the ceremony and the reception, you might need four or five outfits for one weekend. Each function has its own mood, so here's a simple guide to what works where.

Mehendi: bright, easy and comfortable

You'll be sitting for a while (especially if you're getting henna done), so pick something comfortable. Bright colors like green, yellow and pink are the norm. A cotton or printed sharara set is perfect. Try a light suit set with a flowy bottom you can sit cross-legged in.

Haldi: yellow, and nothing too precious

The haldi ceremony involves turmeric paste, and it gets messy. Most guests wear yellow. Choose something you won't cry over if it gets stained. A cotton kurta set works, or go all in with a mustard yellow zari tissue lehenga if you're close family and want to stand out in the photos.

Sangeet: dress to dance

The sangeet is the party night, with music, performances and plenty of dancing. A lehenga is ideal: it swirls, it photographs well and it's easier to move in than a saree. Look at the fuchsia georgette lehenga for something bold. Prefer a modern look? A fusion set like the beige georgette fusion sharara set works just as well.

The wedding ceremony: classic and elegant

This is the most traditional event of the weekend. Silk, chanderi and rich embroidery fit right in. An embroidered suit set like the ochre silk chanderi suit looks refined without trying too hard. Two rules: avoid wearing all red (that's usually the bride's color), and skip all white or all black, which some families see as unlucky.

Reception: evening glam

Receptions feel more like a formal party. This is the night for a saree. If you've never draped one, a pre-draped saree is a lifesaver. It goes on in minutes, with no pinning. Our black art silk pre-draped saree and yellow saree gown are both easy wins. Browse all our sarees and lehengas.

Don't forget the kids

Kids attend almost every function, and a tiny lehenga steals the show. Our girls' pink tiered lehenga is soft cotton, so it's comfortable for long days. See the full kids' collection.

Quick wedding guest checklist

• Ask the hosts if there's a color theme for any function.
• Pack one comfortable outfit for daytime events and one dressy outfit for evenings.
• Choose flat or low shoes for the sangeet. You'll dance more than you think.
• Order at least 10 days ahead. We ship from New Jersey in 1–2 business days, Ground takes 3–7 business days, and Priority takes about 2.

Not sure about sizing? Check our size guide, or visit our store at 1437 Oak Tree Road, Iselin, NJ and we'll help you put together the whole weekend.