INDIAN WEDDING: WHAT TO WEAR
So one day I got a forward email from Dennis, his friend’s wedding invitation has finally arrived — the couple will get married in Goa, India and we had confirmed attendance few months before. When I opened the email, I was counting, “Okay, 1–2–3–4–5 — whatt — 5 dress codes???”
I used to attend wedding dress codes since some of our friends’ weddings or events also did that- even our own wedding, but 5 dress codes in one event — this will be interesting! It’s gonna be my first Indian wedding!
Being last-minute and laid back as always, I didn’t prepare anything until — few days before we flew to Goa.
So for the 5 dress codes, here’s what I (or we) wore.
DRESS CODE 1: Nautical Pool Party for lunch
It is easier for this dress code because the colors were stated already in the invitation. It was clear — black, white, blue, red. Since it was a pool party, we went for a more casual look. By coincidence Dennis had a blazer that has an anchor embroidery on it. Perfect! I went for terracotta red casual shorts and a white halter top. Not forgetting, adding sunglasses as final touch.
DRESS CODE 2: Indo Western
Browsing through Pinterest to find out what “Indo Western” means, and I found pictures of long gowns as a mix between Indian traditional dress but modernized. Some articles also said that since it is for Sangeet ceremony — which refers to Musical Night, everyone dresses up to the nines for this occasion. We decide to go more towards Western side, and I went with a PEGGY HARTANTO dress, while Dennis went with his matching suit. Everyone in the party looked incredible though with their Lehenga or modified Saree. If you take part in the performance, it’s a chance to dress up even more.
DRESS CODE 3: Colorful Traditional Indian
Bursts of color everywhere at this ceremony! The decoration itself screamed saturated orange-yellow color and it was fun!
When they said “traditional Indian outfit”, it doesn’t mean only Saree (for ladies), but also another styles. However, I went for Saree since it is easier to find.
I chose Terracotta color, and I bought it in Surabaya (thanks for accompanying me looking for it mom!), the top part, I found it in a Bangkok market. When dressing up in an Indian traditional outfit, do not be afraid to accessorize it. Stack of bangles, over-sized earrings, big necklaces, all are accepted here. As for the Bindi, don’t worry — not many people are wearing it.
DRESS CODE 4: Traditional Pastel Indian
Thanks to Dennis, I managed to sneak into a market/bazaar one day before the wedding, and I decided to buy my fourth dress code there. The owner was very nice to let me try some colors before I decided on neutral bud green color with gold beads. The price for the Saree could start from as cheap as USD 20 to more than USD 200. Do not be afraid to set your budget and tell the shopkeeper about it. Usually they will also sell the matching top as well. The set that I bought was heavier than the colorful one because it was beaded.
Dennis was wearing casual neutral color shirt, however, he got a very cool turban to wear (it is tradition for every man joining Baarat — the ceremony). How cool is he? (very.)
DRESS CODE 5: Smart Casual
The least worrying dress code
I went with a top and pants set from PEGGY HARTANTO’s newest collection and it works perfectly for the after party. In an Indian wedding after-party, you will dance a lot — it was so much fun~ So the point to be noted here is to wear shoes that are as comfortable as possible.
THINGS TO NOTE
If this is your first time wearing a Saree, I recommend you to practice before. Managing 6 metres of fabric can be difficult, especially in a limited time between the ceremonies. Prepare a minimum of 3 fabric pins, I recommend in gold or silver. If possible, find an elastic belt which will help to put your Saree on the waist. The how-to’s to wear a Saree can be found easily on Youtube.
Many dress codes can be challenging, but an Indian wedding is supposed to be nonstop celebration and fun! Don’t worry if you cannot go 100% with the dress code, just try your best to follow the color code, and put on a huge smile!
Post originally published on our blog DennisLydia.com: http://www.dennislydia.com/indian-wedding-what-to-wear/
