Indian Wedding Guest Dresses or Outfits in London, UK
My first experience of an Indian wedding was filled with great delight and slight embarrassment. I was enchanted by the rich variety of food but in my western outfit, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Then I realised that wearing a traditional Indian outfit for an Asian wedding is highly important. It helps you blend in and appreciate their values and customs like they are your own.
Probably one of the most time-consuming things, from the initial selection to fitting and coordination, was selecting the appropriate Indian dress for a wedding. To ensure you don’t suffer the way I did, here is a perfect list of Indian wedding guest ensembles for women and men.
Indian Wedding Outfits for Women
1. Saree
A traditional Indian saree is a long unstitched garment made from various fabrics with intricate Indian embroidery. With one end of the fabric tucked under the waist and the other one draping over your shoulder, the saree is an elegant Indian wear for weddings. As far as Indian wedding fashion goes, Sarees are at the top of the list. Sarees from different regions of India exhibit different qualities and use various fabrics like Silk (Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Mysore, etc) or Cotton (Leheriya, Sambalpuri, etc.)
Price range for good quality material – £150 – 500
2. Lehenga
Lehenga cholis are woven into the very fabric of Indian society and are an important part of Indian guests’ wedding outfits. With a flowing, flared silhouette, this timeless Indian attire consists of a long skirt (Lehenga) and a blouse (Choli). Traditionally made from rich fabrics like Silk, georgette, or net is fashioned with intricate embroidery (Zari, thread, and sequin). If you are searching for traditional Indian clothes as a wedding guest, you can never go wrong with Lehenga choli.
Price range for good quality material – £350 – 800
3. Anarkali suit
Originating in the Mughal era, this dress for Asian weddings has undergone dozens of changes. Now worn with churidars, salwar, and various pant styles Anarkali suit is renowned for its flattering silhouette and elegant design. Coming in different lengths and cuts, this suit can be customised to suit your style and theme.
Price range for good quality material – £ 200 – 800
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4. Shararas and ghararas
This outfit from Lebanon has been adopted as a great choice of Asian wedding outfits for guests. This usually consists of a pair of loose flared pants fitted at the waist, with a continuous flowy flare till the end. Commonly worn in the 1960’s, this provides a retro Indian outfit for your wedding. A Gharara is also a variation of the Sharara, originating in the Awadh region. The most important difference between them is that the Ghararas have a structured design, with semi-fitted pants that flare out from the knees.
Price range for good quality material – £200 – 500
5. Banarasi silk outfit
This attire crafted from the finest quality silk, can elevate your Indian wedding guest outfit and leave everyone in awe of your clothes. Renowned for its exceptional softness, smoothness, and lustrous glow, Banarasi silk is a unique touch for Indian wedding guests to add to their ensemble. With floral patterns, motifs, and geometric shapes your outfit can be chosen to match your style.
Price range for good quality material – £ 500 – 1000
6. Fusion Gowns
This blend of traditional Asian fabrics with modern aesthetics might be the perfect Indian wedding reception outfit for you. Holding its roots in traditions while also adopting a unique modern style, Fusion Gowns are made with a mix of traditional Asian fabrics like silk with Western materials like Lace or Satin. Drawing inspiration from Asian and Indian aesthetics, Fusion Gowns gained popularity in recent years as a great Indian wedding attire for female guests. This suit can be skillfully captured by an experienced Indian wedding photographer.
Price range for good quality material – £400 – £700
7. Indian Jewellery for Women
This blend of traditional Asian fabrics with modern aesthetics might be the perfect Indian wedding reception outfit for you. Holding its roots in traditions while also adopting a unique modern style, Fusion Gowns are made with a mix of traditional Asian fabrics like silk with Western materials like Lace or Satin. Drawing inspiration from Asian and Indian aesthetics, Fusion Gowns gained popularity in recent years as a great Indian wedding attire for female guests. This suit can be skillfully captured by an experienced Indian wedding photographer.
Price range for good quality material – £400 – £700
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Male Traditional Indian Attire
1. Sherwani
Made from luxurious fabrics to give you a royal look, a sherwani is a long, ornate dress for Asian weddings. Specifically crafted for you to cater to your style, a sherwani is characterized by a high collar, flared sleeves, and a fitted torso. Typically representing prosperity and radiance, this Indian outfit is often paired with a dupatta (Long scarf) to give it a more elegant and sophisticated look for a wedding.
Price range for good quality material -£ 250 – 600
2. Achkan
This knee-length jacket, similar to a sherwani was worn in the Mughal courts. Buttoned traditionally on the side, an Achkan has long sleeves and a breast pocket on the left side. This luxurious option is a perfect choice for summer weddings since it is made up of a light fabric and radiates royalty.
Price range for good quality material – £ 400 – 700
3. Bandhgala or Jodhpuri suit
Typically paired with trousers or breeches, this traditional Indian wedding guest dress, is a structured jacket with a closed neck. Traditional colours like black, ivory and maroon bring out the brightness of its rich fabrics like Silk, Brocade, or Velvet. Bandhgallas are not heavily embroidered because they are chosen for their rich fabrics as formal Indian wedding attire.
Price range for good quality material – £ 150 – 450
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4. Indo – Western sherwani
This blend of Western and Indian traditions might just be the one thing needed to make your wedding glow up! Western jacket with Indian style embroidery gives this outfit a unique and opulent look. Many designers and tailors specialize in creating a perfect Indian dress for wedding guests with custom embroidery to suit your look and taste.
Price range for good quality material – £ 150 – 550
5. Angrakha
A traditional Angrakha Sherwani is a long tunic-like Indian dress for weddings with a round neck and a focus on comfort and elegance making it a perfect choice for weddings or other formal occasions. Often paired with a silk churidar pant bottom, Lucknowi embroidery shines brightly on these Sherwanis. It can sometimes be seen to be embellished with stones as well.
Price range for good quality material – £ 250 – 500
Some specific suggestions
If you have to attend an Indian wedding in London, you might naturally be confused about the appropriate Indian wedding guest dresses. Asian wedding outfits are very different from Western dresses and this specific list of Indian clothes for wedding guests can be helpful for you.
For women
1. Purple Georgette Printed Wedding Lehenga
This Purple georgette lehenga is a sophisticated Indian wedding guest attire with a round neck and sleeveless printed blouse enhanced with zari and sequin works giving you the perfect look for any Indian occasion. Its flare-style printed lehenga constitutes one of the best Indian wedding guest outfits that makes you immediately blend into the rich Indian culture.
2. Banarasi Saree in Royal Blue
This traditional Banarasi Silk saree is the perfect elegant Indian wedding wear for guests. Elegantly woven with Resham, Zari in Peacock, and Floral Motifs and enhanced with Tassels, this saree will be the envy of your friends. With several sizes and tailoring services for blouses to choose from, this dress for wedding guests makes sure that you have to do the least amount of work to look fabulous.
3. Polyester Silk Designer Kurti
This Beige and Brown colour kurti in Polyester Silk is a traditional Anarkali Kurti with long sleeves. With digital print work, this elegant kurti has the sophisticated opulence that you need to properly dress for an Asian wedding. If this style matches your personality then you don’t need to look any further.
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Men
1. Silk Weaved Navy Blue Straight Cut Men’s Kurta Pajama
This striking Navy Blue Men’s ensemble is at the top of Indian wedding guest fashion. This is the only traditional Indian wear for weddings that you need in your closet. The Chinese colour and full sleeves add elegance to this entire outfit lending it the proper lustor for Indian wedding guest fashion. Crafted from a silk fabric, its intricately woven thread and sequin work enhance the overall appeal and make it a ‘dress for all occasions.’
2. Navy Blue Suede Embroidered Jodhpuri Style Men’s Sherwani
This fabulous Navy Blue Jodhpuri style Men’s Sherwani ensemble is a royal Indian wedding guest attire. Made from suede fabric and intricate cut dana work, this traditional Jodhpuri style Men’s sherwani is the most traditionally appropriate Indian outfit for weddings. With the help of an expert Asian wedding photographer, this outfit can make you look like a king on Instagram.
3. Woven Art Jacquard Silk Layered Sherwani in Grey
With Satin Lining, this readymade Art Jacquard Silk Layered Sherwani is a representation of the Indian spirit allowing you to wear it with style as an Indian wedding guest outfit. Enhanced with buttons and pockets, and woven in Floral motifs, this sherwani is an option for you to adopt a royal ensemble and properly fit in with the Indian crowd.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I consider when choosing an Indian wedding outfit as a guest?
When choosing an Indian wedding outfit as a guest, consider the wedding theme, the formality of the event, and the cultural significance of the attire. Bright colors, intricate embroidery, and traditional designs are preferred. Comfort is also essential, especially for long ceremonies. Accessories like jewelry or a dupatta (scarf) can complement your outfit.
Where can I buy Indian wedding guest outfits in London?
London has several boutiques and stores specializing in Indian wedding attire, such as Southall Broadway, Green Street in East London, and Leicester’s Golden Mile. Online options like Aashni + Co and Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop also offer a wide selection of traditional and modern Indian outfits. Always check for customization and tailoring services to ensure a perfect fit.
Can non-Indians wear traditional Indian attire to an Indian wedding?
Yes, non-Indians are welcome to wear traditional Indian attire to an Indian wedding. It’s seen as a sign of respect and appreciation for the culture. Guests can opt for sarees, lehengas, or sherwanis. If unsure, seek advice from the hosts or shop attendants familiar with Indian customs.
What colors should be avoided when dressing for an Indian wedding?
Avoid wearing white, as it is associated with mourning in Indian culture. Black is also traditionally avoided at weddings, as it’s considered inauspicious. Instead, opt for vibrant colors like red, gold, pink, or green, which symbolize joy and celebration.
Is it necessary to wear accessories with Indian wedding outfits?
Accessories are not mandatory but highly recommended to complete the traditional look. Women can consider jewelry like bangles, earrings, necklaces, or bindis, while men can opt for turbans, brooches, or a dupatta. These accessories enhance the overall appearance and align with the festive spirit of Indian weddings.
Can I rent Indian wedding guest outfits in the UK?
Yes, renting Indian wedding outfits is a great option if you want to save costs or need attire for a single event. Several rental services in London, like Borrow the Bazaar or Stage 3, offer high-quality traditional Indian wear for men and women. Ensure to check the fitting and quality before finalizing.
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