Wedding Bells? Quick Tips On What To Wear To An Indian Wedding

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"My usual little black dress with silver pointy heels?"

"How about the strappy maxi gown with gladiators? They look good, don't they?"

"Trousers and a silk shirt? Classy enough?"

"Oh, geez! I have absolutely nothing to wear!"

So you've been invited to an Indian Wedding. Relax! We know how stressful it is to figure clothes out on a daily basis, let alone wedding worthy attire. Getting dressed up for Indian ceremonies are super fun and easy. The options are so vast you'd have enough to cover all your wedding-related doubts and needs, as long as you follow these few quick tips!

1. Haldi:

The haldi ceremony is where family and wedding guests smear turmeric paste all over the bride and groom, the ceremonies for the bride and the groom are held separately though. This is one messy, crazy event so get dresses to get dirty. Haldi stains are permanent so wear something that can live with them.

A plain white kurta and leggings are comfortable and modest, dupattas are optional. You may even go for an anarkali as they let you play and run and still look beautiful. Deep necklines are not advisable as they do not coincide with Indian culture, avoid them completely! Small earrings and bangles are enough to add to your charm and keep the make-up fresh. All in all, keep the look very simple and let yourself drown in the array of colours that will be splayed about.

2. Mehendi:

Mehendi is probably the most trying of ceremonies! You must remain still else you'll risk ruining the lovely, intricate patterns on your hands. Mehendi stains are permanent and since there is a possibility to stain your clothes you must dress wisely.

Sleeveless or short sleeved kurtas will work for this event. You can also try button down ones to enable you to change easily if you need to. The mehendi celebration is enjoyed by all the women among family and friends so feel free to dress feminine and modest. Long hair can be tied up to prevent it from smudging your mehendi and you can wear make-up or not, depending on how you like it.

3. Sangeet:

The loudest, most enthusiastic ceremony! Sangeet is all about music and dancing so put those dancing shoes on, girl! Usually held in the evening, the sangeet can go up to late hours and it only keeps getting better and better. Girls, boys, kids, uncles, aunties and the oldies hit the dance floor and show off their best moves.

Dressing up for the sangeet is as fun as the dancing that follows. Choose clothes that are layered and have lots of volume, this helps you look even more graceful while you dance. Anarkalis, sarees and lehengas are the usual go-tos for sangeet looks. Hair and make-up can be as wild you want because this is the time for you to shine. Jewels are great but they must be light weight otherwise you'll hurt yourself while you groove on the floor.

Since dancing involves a lot of movement, avoid plunging necklines and short hemlines. Else, you may just end up with a severe wardrobe malfunction. Backless blouses and anarkalis are totally fine though.

4. The Wedding Ceremony:

This is the most important event of all. This is the time where the bride and groom are actually married. It is a traditional, spiritual occasion and it's important for you, as a wedding guest, to look your desi best.

Wear your best Indian Outfit. It could be a floor length anarkali, a traditional saree, a lehenga or even a salwar suit. No matter what you choose, go for bright colours (no black or white) and make sure you aren't showing cleavage or your legs.

Cover yourself up well so that you blend in with the rest of the people at the ceremony but still look amazingly breathtaking. Hair and make-up can be done in a traditional manner to complete the look. Accessorise well and don't forget the bindi and flowers.

5. Reception:

The bride and groom interact with their friends, family and guests during the reception. It's the best time to relax and take in all the sights, sounds and colours of the place and people. Sit back and let your outfit do the work.

Western and Indian clothes are appropriate as long as western clothes don't show cleavage and legs. Bright colours again, and glittering jewellry, you're sure to rock the place. Indian attire is also a wonderful choice. Pick clothes and silhouettes that are comfortable as well as glamorous, that way you can stick around as long as the reception lasts as well as look chic and fresh.