ATTIRE

Let’s get dressed!

We invite you to explore India’s rich and colorful attire as you get dressed to impress! If you are interested, here is what you can expect:

  • Feel free to wear Indian attire to all of our wedding events:

    • Welcome Party (Cocktail Attire / Semi-Formal Indian)

    • Haldi / Mehndi (Semi-Formal Indian or Western)

    • Ceremony (Formal Indian or Western)

    • Reception (Formal Indian or Western)

    You may want a new outfit for each event, but most importantly wear what makes you feel most comfortable.

  • Indian attire is not at all required, you are of course welcome to wear Western attire. Please note that if you choose to wear Western attire, we recommend dressing modestly (avoid super low-cut dresses, dresses far above the knee).

  • Short answer, of course. Long answer, it might be a little risky.

    Men should have an easier time finding off-the-rack options in Bengaluru, while women's clothing, depending on the style, can often require tailoring. Depending on the shop, you may be able to get an outfit tailored within a day.

    Check out some of the non-tailored styles further down the page if you'd like to shop in India.

    1. Our first suggestion is to find Indian retailers near you. For example, Little India in Chicago is a great place to go shopping. Shopping in person may be more expensive, but it will ensure the fit is right and someone knowledgeable is dressing you.

    2. Shop online - here are just a handful of some of the sites out there offering all ranges of Indian attire. (These sites vary in speed and size accuracy, you might need further alteration after purchase.)

    3. You might check out Etsy to find small designers who make custom tailored pieces.

    4. Rentals - if you're not looking to purchase. (These rentals tend to have short rental timeframes.)

  • Pure black or pure white outfits are generally not worn as they are considered inauspicious. Red, on the other hand, is considered very auspicious and a popular color at wedding ceremonies.

    Yellow and orange are typically worn for the Haldi Puja, as the event centers around the turmeric used to bless and purify the bride and groom.

Women’s indian attire

Kurta

These can vary from more casual to semi-formal. Wear a casual kurta over jeans for a casual look, or dress a kurta up with a matching top and bottom set. 

These may be easier to buy off the rack and get tailored to fit within a day.

Salwar Kameez

Salwar Kameez come as matching sets with a scarf. These can also be casual to semi-formal.

These may be easier to buy off the rack and get tailored to fit within a day.

Anarkali

A floor length gown, usually with pants to wear inside. These tend to be dressier and would be a great option for the Muhurtha Ceremony or Reception.

These may be easier to buy off the rack and get tailored to fit within a day.

Lehenga

A long skirt and blouse worn with a draped scarf. These tend to be pretty dressy and would make a great choice for the Muhurtha Ceremony or Reception.

These generally come with unstitched blouse fabric and require multiple days for tailoring.

Saree

A traditional garment that comes as one long piece of fabric delicately folded and draped around the waist and shoulder, worn with a matching blouse. A great option for the Muhurtha Ceremony, but may be cumbersome for dancing at the Reception.

The simplest way for you to wear a saree may be to purchase a ready-made or pre-stitched saree and a pre-made blouse to avoid having to tailor and drape yourself.

FOOTWEAR

Any sandals or heels can be worn with any of these styles.

men’s indian attire

Kurta

For men, a Kurta is a loose collarless shirt or tunic that can be worn with matching pants and scarf, called a dupatta. These can range from more casual to formal. This would be a great option for all our events, Welcome Party, Haldi/Mehndi, Muhurtha Ceremony, or Reception.

Nehru Jacket/Vest

A Nehru jacket or vest is a great way to dress up a Kurta. Similarly, a great choice for all of our events, especially the Muhurtha Ceremony or Reception.

suit

Suits are also commonly worn for formal events in India, this could be a good option for the Reception.

Sherwani

A Sherwani is the dressiest attire you can find for men, comes as a set usually with matching pants and scarf, called a dupatta. Usually more expensive, but could be a good option for the Muhurtha Ceremony or Reception.

FOOTWEAR

Western loafers or dress sandals will pair nicely with any of these Indian styles. You can also consider finding a pair of traditional Indian slippers, known as Mojari or Jutti.