This year my sister decided to get married twice: once in Oakland and once in Bangalore. We danced our hearts out in Oakland this past May. I’m headed to Bangalore this fall to witness my sister get married in a traditional South Indian Hindu way.

There are a few days of events in Indian weddings. Sangeet is a night of singing and dancing. Haldi in Hindu weddings is an event where families put a turmeric mask on the bride + groom to make sure their skin is glowing on their wedding day. Mehendi is a celebration that happens while the bride is getting her henna done. On the wedding day, there’s usually a religious ceremony and a party! 

What To Wear To An Indian Wedding Reception: 5 Bold Outfit Ideas

If you’ve been invited to an Indian wedding and aren’t sure what to wear to the reception, I’ve got a few ideas for you. First tip: Try not to wear black or white. Black is considered unhappy, and white is for mourning. Opt for colors like gold and pink. Be bold! (FYI, pastels are great, too.)

You can easily curate the perfect outfit to wear to an Indian wedding by styling dresses like this one with gold or statement jewelry. Remember to wear shoes you can dance in!

Indian Wedding Outfit 1: Bollywood Movie Star

This sequin dress from Mac Duggal caught my eye. It’s an asymmetrical, curve-hugging gown that sparkles. I’m currently loving one-shoulder dresses like this one. The cutout at the waist and the high slit make it both elegant and fun! The balloon sleeves create balance and define the waist.

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Notes: The dress is so vibrant, I’d accessorize it with a black crossbody bag and black heels. This mini Kira Flap shoulder bag is small enough to be a party clutch! I’m loving the quilted exterior and gold crossbody strap. These square-toe sandals are just the right height — they’re super-versatile and comfortable enough to wear on the dance floor. I’d accessorize this dress with fairly minimalistic jewelry like this pendant necklace and these crystal knot earrings.

Indian Wedding Outfit 2: Mystical & Magical

This Anthropologie kaftan is ethereal. It looks stunning over a fitted slip dress. (Note: It doesn’t come with the slip dress.) The gold stars and moons make this a festive kaftan. I’m liking the cutout on the back of the dress too. It’s meant to fit oversized, which is why it’s only available in one size. You’d fit right in at an Indian wedding if you wore a dress that glitters as much as this one.

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Notes: I’ve found a pair of gold heels for that are comfortable enough to wear on the dance floor. I’d style up the dress with this Kendra Scott pendant necklace and these Marchesa double-drop earrings. The sun-yellow cloud clutch from Anthro is understated and versatile.

Indian Wedding Outfit 3: Colorful + Bold

This floral one-shoulder dress is so pretty. The fabric and tailoring are exquisite, like every piece I’ve ever tried on by Farm Rio. The bow is really cute. I’m also loving the pleats. This is a versatile dress that you could style up for an Indian wedding and plan to wear on other occasions.

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Notes: There are so many details in the Farm Rio dress, I’d accessorize it in a pretty minimalist way. These Monica Vinader Huggie Hoop Earrings are uniquely shaped. They’ll add sparkle to your outfit! The Anthropologie woven satin clutch comes in cinnamon — a beautiful, warm color that compliments this dress. The translucent straps on the Schutz heels make them understated and unique.

Indian Wedding Outfit 4: For Beach Weddings 

This yellow Farm Rio dress! The color is stunning, and it has an easy A-line fit. The scoop neck and balloon sleeves make it interesting and flattering. The fabric is rich, and the embroidery is truly exquisite. Everything I’ve tried on by Farm Rio has run true to size.

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I’d style this midi dress with Madewell’s gold ankle-strap sandals and sun-ray drop earrings by Panacea. (Gold is a great choice at Indian weddings.) This Mansur Gavriel Mini Twist Cloud Bag would look great with the dress too. It’s modern and chic.

Indian Wedding Outfit 5: Be An Indian Princess

I love the knotted bows at the top of this glamorous blue gown from BHLDN. I’d imagine this dress would work best for a C-cup or smaller. The A-line skirt is very roomy.

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Notes: Delicate jewelry like these Ettika threader earrings and this simple diamond necklace from Monica Vinader would complement this gown. Heels like these Schutz slingbacks will peekaboo underneath the dress. The Mini Cloud Leather Clutch is an understatedly chic accessory I’d pair with the dress!

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No matter what you’re wearing, you’ll need a clutch to hold all your essentials, so here are a few I’m loving. You’ll notice I’m currently obsessed with cloud clutches. They’re chic + versatile.

Party Clutches I’m Loving

Whenever I’m invited to an Indian wedding, my mom starts planning my outfit. She lives in Dubai. She browses the Old part of the city for detailed + colorful fabrics. Then, she creates a Pinterest board to ideate what kind of dress she wants stitched. She takes her inspo to a tailor, and he brings her ideas to life! 

I’m here for you just in case you don’t have a mom who’s going to procure you a bespoke Indian outfit.

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Happy partying,

Mohini S. Pollock

I’m a new mom and literacy specialist who lives in California. If you’re raising confident readers and writers, find me @mohinipollock or readingiselementary.com. I like sharing literacy strategies and tips. I also talk about my life as a baby momma.