Hindu wedding guest outfits

[Thedevilwearsprimarni]

Could anyone point me in the direction of what sort of outfit (or outfits) would be suitable for a Hindu wedding?

My brother is marrying his Fiancé later this year and are having a 2 day celebration that will be mostly traditional Hindu. I'm really excited for it and the B&G are keen for everyone to go with the "theme" (sorry wrong word) but I've never been to an Indian wedding and have ZERO clue what to wear.

They live at the other end of the country so I don't feel I know her well enough to bother her with this when she's got a wedding to organise.

Are there any websites you could suggest I look at and can you give an idea what sort of thing I should be looking at. My Mum just keeps saying "you just need a saree" but my Mum hasn't a clue. She didn't even want to dress up for my wedding so I'm a bit clueless.

Presumably it would be a different outfit for each day?

I'm 39, short and a a little bit.... wide. 😂I'd really love the chance to embrace wearing something special that I wouldn't normally be wearing, I just need to know where to start.

Different outfit each day

no white (colour of mourning), no black, and not red either (as it’s the brides colour)

otherwise bright colours & much more dressed up than you might imagine!

it’s your brothers wedding so you should really go for it and can’t really be overdressed

try pernias pop up shop online (this will bring up other sites too) - but more fun to go in person if you can to a big city with Asian population

do you know the bride or her family? You can ask them for suggestions

saris can be bought pre-stitched but there are many other options like a lengha (skirt & top) - you need to try them on really

You'll want a lehenga (or a sari, but they can be a bit of a nightmare to wrap!). I've ordered from here before Petite Lehenga Choli: Buy Petite Plus Size Lehenga Choli for Women Online in UK. They do lots of different styles so if you don't want to have your midriff hugely exposed they have longer tops etc. Just avoid red, white and black.
Different outfit for each day. The skirts are long so you can wear comfy shoes!

A lehenga is a much easier option than a saree if you’re not familiar with wearing them! There are some fairly affordable sites worth a look - House of Indya and Mirraw but even better if you can get to a shop as PP said.

Definitely what pp said regarding colours. Where do you live as there will people here who can recommend local shops so you can try the outfits on?
I think a lengha outfit for one day and a Punjabi suit/ salwaar kameez for the pre wedding day. Saree is a bit too complicated.

The skirts are long so you can wear comfy shoes!

Not particularly suggesting it but the skirts in suits (especially the brides) can be so heavy and ornate that comfy shoes are a must. My friends daughter (the bride) had a lovely pair of gold heeled shoes to go with her wedding suit, and decided at the last minute that she would probably break a leg trying to wear them, so she turned up in her ratty old (and comfy) trainers. Nobody noticed. here's not a sign of them on any wedding photo. I only know because she told me!

Agree with all the points above. As you are sister to the groom (immediate bridal party) there will be an expectation for you to pull out all the stops 😀I would find out how many ceremonies there are as typically there will be a pre wedding or henna (mehndi) event, the actual Hindu ceremony then an evening reception/party.

Some lenghas (skirt and top) can be quite heavy and bulky (there can be a stiff canvas petticoat attached called a cancan to give that wide silhouette) so I would suggest you search for a lightweight one.

Lots of mix and match styles available - so pick skirt (lengha) then blouse (choli top) and dupatta (stole) to go with. This shop is in central Leicester (ladies are lovely and helpful there) https://nimsboutique.com/collections/unstitched-skirts-lehngas

If you really want to wear a sari (timeless and elegant) have a look at this website (you can search by occasion) for their pre stitched saris. I know a non Indian colleague purchased one with the matching blouse and it touted perfectly and was so easy to wear! oneminutesaree.com/collections/occasion-wedding

OP if you can share where you are you will get suggestions for places near you. Check with the bride whether she has any colour themes for set days etc. Lots of people are wearing yellow for the maiyan ceremony etc... you will need to know how many events there are to buy and plan your outfits. Also check Vinted.
If you are in a multicultural area you may be able to choose loose fabric and have something made to measure by a local seamstress

Where do you live OP?

Check how many functions - my last two day wedding was four events, so four outfits. Also check that none of them are Western formal. Cocktail parties often are - but again, depends on the functions, and the family.

Lehenga are my go to, if they're having mehndi then usually yellow or green. Other than that as bright as you like!

In India they often set a colour scheme for each event, so check that too.

Bonyhub is good.

Ah wow, thank you so much for all the amazing advice. Particularly in regards to the colours.
You’ve all given me a lot to start with. I feel a bit less hopeless now.
I love the fact I’d be expected to go all out as sister of the groom.
Me and future SIL get on great but due to how far apart we live are not super close. Most her family are spread out all over the world so I haven’t met any of them yet. I’m sure of if I did ask her she’d be happy to help me out, but I don’t want to burden her when she has so much to sort out.
I’ll check with brother when we next speak but I think all 3 parts mentioned will be happening.

I live near Exeter so if anyone can suggest anywhere to try I’d be very grateful.

can I ask further about children? I have a 4 year old son who needs to be dressed too.

Hi OP - glad you found this useful. For context : in India brides often rewear their own wedding lengha (with different & less bridal looking) jewellery/accessories at their brothers’ wedding. Looking super fancy is a sign that you are happy about the marriage:)

For your son - there is a traditional outfit for boys & men called a sherwani - a long slim tunic with slim trousers. Most shops have a kids section… suggest you find an outfit you like then put your son in a coordinated outfit for the wedding day if you like

Trousers & a shirt will be more than fine for the other occasions- little girls might wear a party dress instead of Indian formal wear so either is ok, and with his young age being comfortable is important

Why not post us a few pictures of what you like (or show the bride?)…

PS - some of the websites have a ‘bridesmaid’ section and as sister of the groom this is what you are. Not all of these are to my taste, but they are suitable/not too plain

https://mongas.co.uk/collections/party-wear

btw - many sites also have Indian-made dresses which are party wear, you don’t have to wear a sari/lengha (you do have to be sparklier than a disco ball !)

I don't know any near Exeter- if you could get to either Wembley or Southall there are loads to choose from, but I appreciate that it is a treck and often they need adjusted so you may be better ordering online and getting a tailor to alter them.

Children wise- all the recent weddings I have been to, 99% of the kids have been in party dresses (girls) or light coloured suits (boys). Light grey is the most common I've seen, with a coloured shirt (light blue/green etc). Next have some nice ones.