What to wear to a UK Hindu wedding?

[tewhau]

My husband and I are attending a hindu wedding in July. The couple were both raised in Western countries, but the info on the wedding says there will be a traditional hindu ceremony (plus buffet beforehand, and reception after). I've not been to a hindu weddin before, and don't want to make a faux pas in my dress. Looking online, I've learnt to go with bright colours, avoid black or white (which I would have avoided anyway) and a red/gold combination (traditional bridal colours). Lots of sites recommend wearing a sari, which I'm very happy to do so long as I'm certain it won't look out of place or be seen as a Westerner trying too hard... If wearing Western dress, I gather I should cover my arms, and definitely below knee length skirt, but does it need to be longer again (i.e. Maxi)?
Any tips greatly appreciated!

[zoeandparis]

I have been to a hindu wedding, from what i know you don't need to have your arms covered ( i wore a sleevless dress) also my dress was mid length. I wore some nice indian gold bangles and a nice bindi just to look the part.

[zoeandparis]

My dress was red by the way.

[MrClaypole]

I wore a knee length, long sleeved tunic dress from monsoon in a bright red/purple/cream print. And skyscraper heels! Felt really comfortable in that, it seemed appropriate given what other guests were wearing.

[megabored]

Hindus are quite easy to please! you can wear what you would wear at a church wedding. Does not have to be a sari. Although if you like wearing one, or would like to try, again, no one will bat an eyelid. Does not have to be a maxi if you decide to wear a western outfit.

[Stokey]

I did a mixed indian/western wedding when i got married and put my bridesmaids in saris, very pretty and reasonable, around £70 from Southall. They stitched a belt in so you didn't have to fold them properly. You could also go for a salwar kameez (sp?). That is the long tunic type top with trousers, they can look very smart. If you're in London try green st or Southall for loads of Asian clothes shops.

[ImCoveredInBeeeees]

I wouldn't wear a sari or shalwar kameez. I've been to quite a few of these western Hindu weddings and the British white women who had worn a sari looked a bit try hard IMO. A lovely dress in a bright colour is defo the way to go, plus plenty of bling!!

[ThePathanKhansWitch]

A nice shalwar kameez. The anarkarli style are beautiful.

[claireinthecommunity]

I was a guest at a Western Hindu wedding last year, I wore:

Pink sleeveless maxi dress with gold embroidery - Monsoon
Gold beaded flat sandals - Boden
Gold/pink long-line necklace and matching bracelet - Accessorize

I felt very comfortable with what I was wearing and felt I 'fitted in'. I didn't cover my arms and there were other women there who didn't either.

[tewhau]

Thanks for the clarification on the arm covering. I have given in and asked the bride (funnily enough, I'm not the only one to have asked). In case anyone else ends up here with a similar query, she said: "we're really happy if you want to wear a sari or a salwaar khameez - the more the merrier! Plus if I'm going to be in one all day, I figure the same dress code applies to everyone!! You don't need to worry about sleeve length etc... anything goes on this front, and a lot of the sari blouses people will wear will be sleevless (in anticipation of a hot summer's day!!), or with capped sleeves (in fact, long sleeves may be more unusual!). If you're going with a dress - a cocktail dress is about right (but it's more fun in a sari)." She says that she's co-opted some family to help women drape saris on the day, but also notes that a Salwaar Kameez is easier to wear.
I think I'm going to go with the latter option, if I can find one that suits. I'm not sure that a sari would be particularly flattering to my mummy tummy - the salwaar kameez (or indeed a churidar suit, which appears to have narrower trousers) looks better for my figure type!

[megabored]

tewhye depending on how you drape the sari, it hides a multitude of sin. IMO, a
Shalwar kameez is less forgiving. Sari looks more elegant and formal too. I would go with a sari to be exotic and try it out if given the opportunity. But that's me.

[laptopwieldingharpy]

I never miss the opportunity to wear something traditional and very colorful!

I would also opt for a shalwar kameez, much easier to carry gracefully.i also always carry a rich (gold thread or jewelled) shawl on a shoulder. They are often sold as sets with the outfit for a bit more.
Hair must be immaculately blow dried and wear big earings and bangles.

As for modesty, arms are ok but no leg or extra cleavage on show preferably.

Enjoy!

[Mustgettogym]

Please wear a sari and it will hide your tummy when draped - not all Asians have toned tums! :)

It is far more elegant and formal abd can look very sexy too :)

[tewhau]

Just thought I'd throw in an update - I went shopping in Ealing and found a lovely salwaar kameez - would absolutely have loved to have worn a sari but due to a tight schedule on the day wouldn't have been able to get there in time to have it draped. Am now looking for sandals and bangles and earrings!

[ProcrastinationAteMyMorning]

Oh excellent! Do we get to see a photo?

[celinewood]

I know this is a very old thread, but I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm attending a friend's Indian wedding this summer and have just realised that I need to find outfits for four different events! I'll be going to the Sangeet, Mehendi and Haldi ceremonies, and of course the wedding itself.

Can someone please advise me on what I should wear for each of these, especially at that time of year?!

[Pendu]

Celinewood - What religion is the wedding? I personally wouldn't buy anything indian because it won't really get used again. Depending on religion then I'd at least wear trousers with a long tunic top. For the wedding I would keep upper arms covered and be prepared to be barefoot and sitting on the floor (I'm going by what happens in my religion) hence the long top. Have a flick through their facebook pics and see what styles they go for and sort of emulate that (because we have a mix of more stylish/westernised weddings and then some are more religious - I would always err on the side of caution though and go abit covered up) . The wedding will likely be two events which most ladies change inbetween - modest clothing if a temple/Gurdwara then something bright and sparkley for the reception.

[Blueberryblueberry]

Have fun and congrats on finding the outfit - loads of our "English"/white guests wore Asian outfits and everyone really loved the fact they'd made the effort. You could probably always wear the top again with skinny jeans or leggings, depending on the style agree a sari is probably not the most practical/easiest to wear if you haven't wore one before x

[Glitterkitten24]

I have nothing to add in terms of the etiquette etc, but I'm strangely jealous of you getting to wear a sari!

wanders off to make friend with an engaged, Hindu person

[MrsUnderwood]

I love Indian traditional clothes so if I got the opportunity to wear a sari in an appropriate setting I definitely would.

[Twinklestar2]

I'm Indian and love it when non-Indians wear Indian clothes! Not try hard at all.

[Dowser]

Sounds fab. Can I come ...;-)