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Original poster

Urgent- Indian Wedding dress help needed

52 replies

flawless29 · 07/12/2023 19:30

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone can help me out. I've got an Indian wedding to attend in 3 weeks - it's for a colleague and she's gently asked everyone to wear something Indian. I've always loved the look of Indian dresses but never actually worn one. Honestly, I don't really know much about them. A couple of friends mentioned a Saree, but here's my situation: I have a 7-month-old and I'll be taking him with me, plus I'm BF. Could someone point me in the right direction for where to buy or get a saree that's okay for BF? I'm in North Kent but can go to London if I have to.

OP posts:
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MinceFlies · 07/12/2023 21:26

You could have a look at Monsoon dresses to see if anything has an Indian enough vibe, and you could pick something you'd actually wear again.

A friend had a Bollywood party a few years back and I picked up a fabulous sari from EBay

socialdilemmawhattodo · 07/12/2023 21:26

Could you wear jewellery or special henna tattoos? I am sorry but I also think it is slightly odd to ask guests at very short notice to "wear something indian". I would have already sorted my outfit out at 3 weeks notice.

EmmaEmerald · 07/12/2023 22:10

Could you go for accessories? In terms of breastfeeding, you could wear whatever top is convenient but have a lovely Indian shawl over the top. If you get a really big shawl, you could pin it at the shoulder and wear ordinary trousers too.

Plus you'll then have a lovely Indian shawl that you can use for other events.

Lentilweaver · 08/12/2023 07:44

As pp mentioned, a lehenga choli ( skirt-blouse) combo would be easiest for BF. Or a short kurta ( top) with salwar ( trousers) combo. You can get shirt style kurtas that unbutton all the way down. Ilford, Southall, Wembley, Eastham all good bets in London.

EssAyyBee · 08/12/2023 07:50

Green st and white chapel

sashh · 08/12/2023 09:00

I got my first sari in Southall, which my Indian friend said was like someone chopped a tiny corner of India off and dropped it in London.

The lady in the shop showed me how to tie it.

IMHO it is ideal for breast feeding, you just have material over your chest.

When you buy one ask for the blouse, underskirt and there is also a bit of material you sew inside the front to make it drape correctly.

All saris are 5m of fabric and fit everyone, you just need the blouse in your size, I actually made my own for a wedding.

Also check where the wedding is (it might be multiple days) in some places you have to have your legs and head covered.

Also although the traditional sari is just material you can get ones that have been sown so they are more like a dress.

Watch out for 'the aunties', these are a mafia like group of older ladies who may or may not be related to anyone else but everyone calls them 'auntie', their mission in life is to feed people, It doesn't matter you have just had a big meal, they will try to feed you snacks.

Original poster
flawless29 · 08/12/2023 09:25

@Lentilweaver I think I'll go with a lehenga choli or short kurta, as you suggested, because carrying a sari would be too much of a faff in BF. Eastham is within reach for me. Thanks for the idea!

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Original poster
flawless29 · 08/12/2023 09:35

@socialdilemmawhattodo I know where you're coming from, but I don't believe she was too pushy about wearing an Indian dress. It was merely a suggestion that was made, and everyone agreed since it's her special day. The jewellery and henna is a good idea. She is organising Henna-evening day before her wedding so that is sorted.

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ShopoholicIn · 09/12/2023 22:17

I would suggest you to wear whatever is comfortable even if not an Indian outfit.
But if you prefer to wear indian, would you consider wearing a palazzo trousers with a crop top with jacket? I saw an English lady wearing similar ensemble at an indian wedding and she looked fab... also you might be able to reuse it. Something like the attached pics.

Urgent- Indian Wedding dress help needed
Urgent- Indian Wedding dress help needed
Original poster
flawless29 · 11/12/2023 10:08

@ShopoholicIn Thanks a bunch for the suggestion and sharing pictures xx

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sawnotseen · 11/12/2023 10:17

Yourself in north Kent.
Gravesend has several Asian dress shops

carpethediempeople · 11/12/2023 10:18

I wouldn't wear a saree whilst breastfeeding. Am a seasoned wearer and I find it tricky.

Some wife legged trousers and a top with an embellished jacket, kimono type thing will do. Put a bindi on and some jewellery and you'll be fine.

Or a salwar kameez with buttons.

Original poster
flawless29 · 11/12/2023 10:30

@carpethediempeople I agree with your suggestion, as many people suggest not to wear a saree while BF, so I am definitely not wearing one. I am thinking of wearing a salwar kameez with buttons and might take a nice shawl over it. It is easy for BF and obviously bindi for sure. xx

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gotomomo · 11/12/2023 21:40

memsaabonline.com/collections/partywear-readymade?sort=price-ascending

I know people who have bought from this company

Zooeyzo · 11/12/2023 22:36

Green Street and southall are expensive. Look on ebay for an anarkali dress that had a scarf or dupatta. They are very flattering and easy to wear. Problem with lehenga is that it needs to be fitted very well otherwise looks awful. Ebay has used dresses or even local sellers in Birmingham or Luton selling outfits at ok prices.

Original poster
flawless29 · 12/12/2023 13:26

@gotomomo Thank you for sharing the link. I can see they have a large collection with reasonable prices. Thanks again xx

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strawberryblue · 12/12/2023 13:27

@flawless29 what's your budget?

sphynx · 12/12/2023 13:47

Hanyiyas and Janan online are very good. I have ordered from both before.

Original poster
flawless29 · 12/12/2023 13:56

@strawberryblue For both the top and trousers, I don’t want to spend more than £70, since it's unlikely that I will wear them often. I might sell them on Facebook or Vinted afterwards.

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Zooeyzo · 12/12/2023 16:39

@flawless29 it's not the top and trousers that's expensive it's the dupatta that's the showstopper of the salwar kameez outfit.
Look on ebay for used as well. People sell after wearing once. I bought a lovely floral cotton lehenga from a seller in the UK for £50. Floral cotton and it was button down so I could bf.

spriots · 12/12/2023 16:41

Saris are extremely easy to breastfeed in - you can either get a stretchy blouse that you can just pull up or a traditional hooked one. The sari itself gives you a handy breastfeeding cover

Zooeyzo · 12/12/2023 21:59

Unless the saree is a ready to wear one with a zip I think it would be really difficult for someone to wear for the first time carrying a child around. plus navigate breastfeeding.

goingdownfighting · 21/03/2024 11:27

ASOS!!!