7 Best Indian Wedding Dresses to Wear for Guest

PAGE

Tweet#page

By PAGE Editor

Indian weddings are grand celebrations filled with vibrant colors, rich traditions, and elaborate ceremonies that often span multiple days. If you've received an invitation to an Indian wedding, you're in for a treat! However, choosing the right outfit can be overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with traditional Indian attire. The key is to dress elegantly while respecting cultural norms and celebrating the joyous occasion. When selecting Indian wedding guest dresses, it's essential to consider the dress code, venue, and time of day while ensuring your outfit reflects the festive spirit of the celebration. 

Indian weddings offer guests a wonderful opportunity to embrace traditional clothing that's both sophisticated and comfortable. Whether you're attending a mehendi ceremony, sangeet night, or the main wedding reception, there's a perfect ensemble waiting for you. For Non-Resident Indians returning home for weddings or international guests attending their first Indian celebration, understanding these traditional outfits will help you navigate the festivities with confidence and style. Let's explore the seven best Indian wedding dresses that will help you look stunning while honoring this beautiful cultural celebration. 

Best Indian Wedding Dresses for Women 

From timeless designs to contemporary styles, this guide explores the most beautiful Indian wedding dresses for women that perfectly balance tradition with elegance. 

1. Lehenga

The lehenga is perhaps the most popular choice for female wedding guests, and for good reason. This three-piece ensemble consists of a long skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli), and a flowing scarf (dupatta). Lehengas come in countless designs, from heavily embroidered bridal-style pieces to simpler, elegant versions perfect for guests. 

For wedding guests, opt for lehengas in rich jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, or deep maroon. These colors fuse beautifully and complement the festive atmosphere without overshadowing the bride. A-line lehengas are universally flattering and offer comfortable movement for dancing during the sangeet or reception. 

Many guests prefer designer lehengas from online shopping site or have boutiques in major cities abroad. When styling your lehenga, pair it with statement jewelry like chandelier earrings or a layered necklace. Keep your makeup minimal. The beauty of a lehenga is its versatility and you can dress it up or down depending on the wedding function you're attending. 

2. Saree 

For wedding guests, silk sarees with traditional motifs are ideal for the main ceremony, while lighter fabrics like georgette or chiffon work beautifully for evening receptions. Choose Indian sarees with embellished borders, delicate embroidery, or contemporary prints that make a statement without being overly elaborate. 

The blouse design plays a crucial role in your overall look. Experiment with different necklines, sleeve lengths, and back designs to add a modern twist to this traditional garment. Pair your saree with elegant jewelry, a small clutch, and heels to complete your wedding-ready ensemble. 

3. Salwar Kameez 

For wedding guests, choose salwar kameez sets made from luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, or brocade with intricate embroidery or embellishments.

Anarkali-style suits with flared silhouettes are especially flattering and add a regal touch to your appearance. The length and fit of the kameez can vary from knee-length to floor-length, allowing you to select what suits your style and comfort level. 

This outfit is ideal if you want to look elegant while maintaining ease of movement throughout the wedding celebrations. The salwar kameez is also an excellent choice for many guests who want something traditional yet practical for multiple events. 

4. Indo-Western Gown 

Indo-western gowns are the perfect choice for guests who want to blend traditional Indian elements with contemporary fashion. These fusion pieces combine the silhouette of a Western gown with Indian fabrics, embroidery, and design elements, creating a unique and sophisticated look. 

Indo-western gowns come in various styles including floor-length anarkalis, jacket-style gowns, and draped designs that mimic saree pleats. 

These gowns work exceptionally well for evening receptions and cocktail parties during the wedding celebrations. Indo-western gowns are an excellent choice for guests who want to participate in the cultural celebration while staying within their comfort zone. 

Best Indian Wedding Dresses for Men 

The best wedding dress is one that makes you feel confident, radiant, and truly yourself on one of the most memorable days of your life. Choose with your heart, honor tradition, and embrace your unique charm. 

5. Kurta Pajama 

The kurta pajama is a classic and comfortable choice for male wedding guests. This simple yet elegant two-piece outfit consists of a long tunic (kurta) paired with

loose-fitting trousers (pajama). It's versatile enough for various wedding functions, from daytime ceremonies to evening celebrations. 

For weddings, guests can opt for kurtas made from rich fabrics like silk, brocade, or linen with subtle embroidery or printed patterns. Colors like ivory, navy blue, maroon, or forest green are sophisticated choices that photograph well. The kurta can be straight-cut or slightly flared, and the length typically falls between the knee and mid-thigh. 

6. Sherwani 

The sherwani is the pinnacle of formal Indian menswear and an excellent choice for wedding guests who want to make an impression. This long coat-like garment is worn over a kurta and churidar (fitted trousers) and features intricate embroidery, buttons, and embellishments that showcase Indian craftsmanship. 

Sherwanis are typically reserved for the most formal wedding functions, particularly the main ceremony and reception. They come in various lengths, colors, and styles, from heavily embellished pieces to more understated designs with subtle detailing. Popular colors include cream, gold, deep red, and black, often with contrasting embroidery work. 

Pair your sherwani with traditional jutis or formal dress shoes, and consider adding a brooch or boutonniere for extra refinement. When wearing a sherwani, pay attention to accessories. A matching or contrasting dupatta draped over one shoulder adds traditional elegance, while a well-chosen turban (safa) can complete the regal look. 

7. Bandhgala Jacket 

The bandhgala jacket, also known as a Jodhpuri suit, is a sophisticated fusion of Indian and Western formal wear. It's an excellent choice for guests who want to look formal while maintaining a more contemporary aesthetic, particularly appealing to guests who want to honor tradition while keeping a modern edge.

This outfit works beautifully for evening receptions and cocktail events during wedding celebrations. The structured silhouette offers a polished appearance that's perfect for formal photographs. Pair your bandhgala with dress shoes, a pocket square, and minimal accessories to achieve a refined, wedding-appropriate 

look. 

Conclusion 

Attending an Indian wedding as a guest is a wonderful opportunity to experience rich cultural traditions and celebrate love in spectacular fashion. Whether you choose a traditional lehenga, elegant saree, comfortable salwar kameez, modern indo-western gown, classic kurta pajama, regal sherwani, or sophisticated bandhgala jacket, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit. For guests reconnecting with their cultural roots or international attendees experiencing Indian wedding customs for the first time, these outfit choices provide the perfect balance of tradition, elegance, and comfort.

Subscribe to the PAGE!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FASHION?

COMMENT OR TAKE OUR PAGE READER SURVEY

Featured