So you have been invited to a friend’s wedding. Or you have a close relative that is tying the knot. You open the beautifully crafted wedding invitation, and that’s when the panic sets in. What will you wear? What if you overshadow the bride? What if you accidentally wear the same outfit as one of the bridesmaids? But take a halt, even if your worries are totally justified. After all, Indian weddings are not just about mere ceremonies, they are a festival of jubilation, a celebration of holy matrimony, and a time of joy and laughter. You surely want to be dressed to the nines to enjoy the festivities. So, stop scratching your head and let us be your guide into the realm of wedding guest attires and answer the age-old question of what does one wear to an Indian wedding.
Pre Wedding Functions
We all know that Indian weddings don’t just last a day. Many rituals take place before the actual ceremony. This also gives you a good excuse to try a different outfit for each of the ceremonies. For example, for the haldi ceremony, you could go for a floral georgette lehenga in yellow to match the vibe of the ritual.

On the flip side, you could go for a yellow Indian saree fashioned out of cotton. You could pair your ensemble with traditional juttis and an embroidered potli bag. The Mehendi is all about gracing the palms of the bride with henna, and the vibe is generally relaxed. You can also dress in an easy breezy outfit, such as a palazzo set. Some kholapuri chappals and minimal jewelry will do the trick. Last but not least, the sangeet is a night for dancing and all-around merriment. Bring out your designer sarees, as the guests are expected to dress to impress. Pair an opulent silk saree with some gold jewelry, and you are ready to dance the night away.
The Wedding
After all the pre-wedding functions are done, it is time for the main event. The most special day for the bride and groom as they bind themselves in the threads of holy matrimony, there is a certain emotion and warmth in the air. As we all know, the guests are expected to dress in their best attire to honor the special day. However, be extremely careful to not be that guest that commits a fashion faux pas like wearing white (which is tied to death in many cultures) or overdoing it with your outfit and jewelry and accidentally overshadowing the bride. The options for a wedding day out are plenty.

Wearing a beautiful embroidered organza lehenga should be your pick. Or you could get decked out in a silk-blend indian wedding saree. Whatever outfit you choose, be sure to accessorise well. Opting for silver or gold jewelry can be a good choice. Carry an embroidered clutch and some block heels and you are ready for the day.
The Reception
An Indian wedding does not just end with the exchange of vows, there is a reception that takes place after. This event is all about introducing the newlyweds to their friends, family, and the larger community. The essence of this event is not tied to rituals but it is a celebration of the married couple. The bride and groom are all smiles at this event and are usually decked out in their finest.

The same is expected from the guests, and if you order the latest designer saree online for this event, we won’t blame you. Get all dressed up in a velvet or silk saree. Since the receptions are usually held in the evening, go for cool colors such as blue or green. Sarees with embroidery such as Resham or Zari work the best. You can also choose a stunning Anarkali in colors such as pink or peach. To accessorize your look, go for diamond or pearl-studded earrings, a metallic clutch, and some stilettos.
Thus, attending an Indian wedding as a guest gives you plenty of room to experiment and show off your style. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste; showcase your best fashions today.