It’s their big day but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fashion moment, right? Here’s a quick guide to looking breathtaking — without stealing your BFF’s thunder — for all the functions and parties that are a part of an Indian wedding extravaganza!
The wedding season can be quite hectic if you don’t have a plan. For starters, you definitely cannot be wearing any of last season’s outfits, because, people, Instagram always remembers. And you don’t want to get into the whole you-dared-to-recycle-your-old-looks-for-my-wedding-am-I-not-important-enough drama. Trust us, we’ve been there, suffered that. So, it is a good idea to start planning in advance. Weddings are serious business these days, but for those of us who are invitees, it can be a fun three-day affair, a lot like a holiday, with much dancing, eating, and drinking, and definitely dressing up!
When planning wedding outfits, three factors need to be taken into consideration. One: number of events. If you are a bestie, or family, you will be invited to all the wedding functions. So, you should have a good enough idea of how many functions there will be. If you aren’t being invited for all of them, the invite will specify which of the events you are invited to. Getting clarity on that is important so that you can shop ensembles accordingly.
Two: the venue. Where is the wedding event being held? Is it indoors or outdoors? If it is outdoors, what is the situation like? All of this information will help you plan your outfits — and shoes!
Three: weather and vibe. If the wedding’s in India, once you know the dates and the city, you know the weather. If it is abroad, do your research. Also, it is absolutely fine to ask the wedding party what kind of tone they are setting for the wedding. Is it an up-glam formal do, or a chilled out easy party vibe?
Generally, this information is shared upfront, but feel free to ask questions. Everybody likes a thoughtful guest who is taking the initiative to fit in better!
Almost every Indian wedding is broken up into four functions these days. Here’s how to up the fashion quotient at each…
The Mehendi
This one is usually a daytime do, which can also be a pool party. If the Mehendi function you are attending is a traditional one, Indianwear is definitely the route to take. But, keep it light and playful. Ladies, pick bright colours and bold prints. Choose Indian-style skirts with a top (feel free to have fun —one-shoulder, off-shoulder, tie-up hem, cool crop) or a flowy anarkali. Masaba, Ritu Kumar, and Wendell Rodricks are great labels to shop fun Mehendi ensembles.
For the guys, a short kurta in a bright shade or a pastel, paired with slim pants and a printed stole is a light and chilled-out look. The brave ones can also try a print-on-print outfit. Or stick to a solid base and take it up a notch with a printed bundi. Arjan Dugal, SVA, and Shivan and Narresh are your go-to for prints. If the Mehendi function is a relaxed affair, or a themed pool party, dress accordingly. Kaftans and flowy resortwear is a great idea for women, while linen shirts and trousers are perfect for the guys. If it is a pool situation, fitted shorts are a better fit. Shades and hats should nicely round up your OOTDs.
The Sangeet
This is often a high-octane cocktail party and always involves a lot of dancing. For the girls, it is a good idea to do a quick outfit change when you start doing shots. You can start the evening with a contemporary lehenga.
Explore metallics and muted weaves and embroidery, but choose understated outfits that don’t make you look like Cinderella. Indian textiles in solids, with statement jewellery is a great idea. Raw Mango and Payal Khandwala should be on your shopping list. Pick up a matching pair of slim pants, which you can slip into later, and swap the heels for blingy sneakers.
Guys, the cocktail party is time to have fun. Shimmer and prints are on the memo. Printed shirts with sharp jackets and trousers are a good idea. Or turn it around with a printed suit over a contrasting fitted solid crewneck. Shop the coolest numbers from designers like Amit Aggarwal and Suket Dhir. Statement brogues or chunky sneakers should be the perfect addition. Finish off the look with some jewellery.
The Wedding
For the wedding — if there isn’t a colour specification — choose whites and pastels. This works for both girls and guys. Weddings are generally sombre, religious functions, and it is best to don a subtle and elegant number. Ladies, if the occasion calls for it, nothing can be a bigger hit than a stunning saree. You can go the traditional route with Indian silks, or choose modern designer creations. Anamika Khanna and Manish Malhotra are obviously the best you can get.
In case, you want to do a lehenga or an anarkali-sharara ensemble, whites and pastels with muted metallic embellishing is a great idea. Definitely choose a billowy dupatta for added twirl and drama. Keep the jewellery light and interesting. Amrapali, Olio Stories, and Anu Merton are creating stunning pieces for all occasions.
Guys, you can either keep it simple with a kurta look or throw on a statement bandhgala. Your kurta can have interesting silhouettes, so that even though you aren’t wearing a layer, it can still look statement. Antar-Agni and Khanijo are your go-to designers. For stunning traditional-with-a-twist kurtas and bandhgalas, with Indian embroidery and artisanship, Kunal Rawal, Shantanu and Nikhil, and Raghavendra Rathore are designers who are celebrated for their Indian weddingwear.
The Reception
The highlight of every wedding is the grand finale, the reception. Girls, it is time to turn up the style quotient to max with ultra-glam evening dresses, high on bling, shine, and sequin. Interesting necklines, low hems, or dangerously long slits, nothing’s off limits. Keep the hair simple, the makeup nude and glowing (dramatic eyes, definitely), and the accessories muted. Tall heels finish the look. Valentino, Prada, and Versace should be in-charge of this look.
Guys, bring out the suits, silk lapels, and shawl collars. If the weather permits, a full-fledged suit is a great idea. You could also choose a tux, but experiment with colour and lapel style. The fabric and texture are important features too. Feel free to stay away from blacks if you’re too bored of them, and indulge in rich, deep tones. Jewel tone tuxedoes are a good choice for the experimental ones. Tom Ford, Berluti, and Gucci are top-notch luxury designers to make that grand finale power statement.
Whenever you are planning outfits for a wedding, remember to feel comfortable and have fun. Weddings are all about having a blast, and your outfit should support that, and not become a hassle. So, have fun this wedding season, take tons of photos, and make fashion memories for a lifetime!
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