The short answer
Wear colour. Indian weddings are bright, and guests are rarely overdressed. If you aren't South Asian, you're very welcome to wear Indian clothes, and hosts usually love it. A smart suit or dress in a festive colour also works well.
The invitation or the hosts will know best, so if you're unsure, just ask them.
What to wear to each function
| Function | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Mehndi or sangeet | Bright lehenga, anarkali or salwar suit you can dance in | Colourful kurta, with or without a jacket |
| Haldi or maiyan | Yellow or casual clothes that can get stained | Yellow or light kurta you don't mind staining |
| Religious ceremony | Modest sari or suit with covered shoulders | Sherwani, kurta or suit |
| Reception | Your most formal: sari, lehenga or gown | Suit, tuxedo or sherwani |
Colours to choose and avoid
- Good choices: jewel tones like emerald, royal blue, magenta, teal, and gold.
- Red: often worn by brides, so many guests avoid bright bridal red.
- White: linked with mourning in some Hindu and Sikh families, though light colours are fine for many others.
- Black: seen as unlucky by some families, especially for the ceremony, and is more accepted at receptions.
- These are customs and not rules, so families differ widely. When in doubt, ask.
At a gurdwara, temple, mosque or church
- Gurdwara
- Everyone covers their head and removes their shoes. Wear something you can comfortably sit on the floor in, and avoid short skirts.
- Hindu temple
- Remove your shoes, and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Some temples have additional rules.
- Mosque
- Remove your shoes and dress modestly. Women usually cover their hair, and loose clothes with long sleeves are best.
- Church
- Follow the usual formal church dress. A South Asian Christian bride may wear white, or a sari in red or gold.
Practical tips
- Wear shoes that slip off easily. You may remove them several times in one day.
- Bring a scarf, even if you think you won't need it. It may be required, and it also keeps you warm.
- Dress for a long day. Ceremonies and receptions can run late, so comfort matters.
- Choose comfortable shoes for dancing. Many guests switch out of heels by the reception.
- If you borrow Indian clothes, ask a friend to help you dress. A sari is easier with an extra pair of hands.
If you're the host
Tell guests what to wear for each function, especially if they're new to it. A dress code line on the invitation avoids dozens of phone calls. You can send one Ivory Gate invitation website with every function, map and RSVP on it, from CA$39, one-time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-Indian wear a sari or lehenga to an Indian wedding?
Yes. Hosts are usually delighted. Ask a friend or the shop for help with draping and fit.
Can you wear black to an Indian wedding?
It depends on the family. Some avoid it for ceremonies but accept it at receptions. Choose another colour if you're unsure.
Do men need to wear a turban at a Sikh wedding?
No. Men only need a head covering, and gurdwaras usually provide simple scarves.
Can you wear white to an Indian wedding?
Some families link plain white with mourning, so a colourful outfit is the safer choice unless your hosts say otherwise.
Ivory Gate
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Every function on one link, RSVPs per event, maps and music. One-time from CA$39.
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