Invited to an Indian wedding and wondering what to wear? Indian weddings are colourful, multi-day celebrations, and each event has its own dress code. This guide walks you through every function, what works for women and men, the colours to embrace (and avoid), and where to find the perfect outfit in the Netherlands.
If you would rather get advice in person, our team at Jay’s Indian Fashion in The Hague dresses wedding guests every season — book an appointment and we will help you plan a look for each event.
The events — and how dressy each one is
A typical Indian wedding spans several functions, each with a different vibe:
- Mehndi (henna night): relaxed and colourful. Think bright, comfortable outfits — a kurti or a light anarkali for women, a simple kurta for men. Yellows, greens and oranges suit the mood.
- Haldi (turmeric ceremony): wear something you do not mind getting a little turmeric on. Yellow is traditional.
- Sangeet (music & dance night): the most fun and glamorous. Go for a lehenga or a sharara, or a bold sherwani or Nehru jacket for men.
- The wedding ceremony: the most formal. Rich fabrics — silk sarees, embroidered lehengas, classic sherwanis.
- The reception: elegant and modern — a statement saree or gown, or a sharp Indo-western look for men.
What women can wear to an Indian wedding
Your safest, most celebrated options:
- Saree: timeless and elegant, perfect for the ceremony and reception. Silk and Banarasi sarees photograph beautifully.
- Lehenga: a showstopper for the sangeet or reception — full skirt, fitted blouse and dupatta.
- Anarkali: a floor-length, flowing silhouette that flatters every body type.
- Sharara or gharara: on-trend, festive and comfortable to dance in.
- Salwar kameez: a graceful, easy choice for daytime functions.
Finish the look with jewellery — chandbaali earrings, chudiyaa (bangles), a maang tikka or a statement necklace.
What men can wear to an Indian wedding
Men have plenty of elegant options too:
- Kurta pyjama: ideal for the mehndi and daytime events; dress it up with a waistcoat.
- Sherwani: the classic formal choice for the ceremony — regal and richly detailed.
- Nehru jacket (bandhgala): worn over a kurta for a sharp, semi-formal reception look.
- Indo-western: a modern jacket-and-trouser combination for the reception.
Complete it with a pagri (turban) if appropriate, a stole, and mojari or jutti footwear. Explore the full menswear collection.
Colours to embrace — and which to avoid
- Embrace: jewel tones (emerald, royal blue, maroon), gold, and festive brights. These are always welcome.
- Be careful with red: in many traditions the bride wears red, so guests usually avoid an all-red bridal-style look.
- Be careful with white and black: white and black can be associated with mourning in some communities, so it is safer to choose colour — or at least pair them with rich accents. When in doubt, ask the hosts.
Don’t forget the children
Kids can join the celebration in style too — festive outfits for boys and girls, from mini sherwanis to little lehengas.
Where to shop for an Indian wedding outfit in the Netherlands
You want fabric you can see and a fit that is right, so a specialist boutique is ideal. At Jay’s Indian Fashion you can:
- Browse the full range online in our webshop and have it delivered anywhere in the Netherlands.
- Visit our boutique at Delagoastraat 17, The Hague by appointment for personal styling.
- Have pieces made to measure through our partner tailors, or order a custom design from India — plan ahead, as special orders take 3–6 weeks.
Because there are multiple functions, start early so there is time for alterations across your whole wedding wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
What should a guest wear to an Indian wedding?
Colourful, festive Indian wear appropriate to each function — a saree or lehenga for women, a kurta or sherwani for men. Keep it modest for religious ceremonies.
Can I wear red to an Indian wedding?
It is usually best to avoid a full red bridal-style outfit, since the bride often wears red. Red accents are fine.
Is it OK for non-Indian guests to wear Indian clothes?
Absolutely — it is welcomed and appreciated. We are happy to help you choose and fit an outfit.
How far in advance should I buy my outfit?
Ideally a few weeks, so there is time for made-to-measure alterations — earlier if you need a custom order from India.
Plan your wedding-guest look
Browse wedding and occasionwear online, or book a personal appointment at our boutique in The Hague. We will help you put together a complete, comfortable and camera-ready look for every event.