I went to a South Indian Tamil wedding in Mumbai in 2020. It was 3.5 days long. My friend, the bride wore 7 dresses in 3 days! I don’t know how she managed it, because those dresses are time consuming to put on. Luckily for me, I’m just a lady guest, but I still need 3-4 outfits. Remember to avoid white (because that’s for mourning), black (it’s a colorful occasion!), and red (because that’s what the bride wears). Don’t wear the same outfit everyday and try to change up the colors. It’s 2025 and I’ll be attending another Indian Wedding but this time it has been Americanized in California. This post will definitely help re-jog what I wore and did back in 2020.

Day 1 part 1: Mehendi

The Mehendi is the henna event for all the women guests to wedding. They have an event for the bride’s family and then the grooms family. During this henna tattooing event, the bride has to sit still for hours to have very beautiful henna designs drawn on her hands and legs. I’d wear a inexpensive lehanga to this event to avoid henna stains on my clothing. I don’t have an extra lehenga so I’m just wearing westernized pants-skirt and a nice top. Definitely show off your jewelry here but avoid the bangles on your wrist.

Day 1 part 2: Sangeet

So this is the Bollywood dance party! You’ll want to wear a lehenga with lots of flare. Try going for chiffon material for your skirt. I chose a stiffer material for my lenhenga but that’s still fine. The draping scarf around the arms and body is called dupatta. Definitely wear lots of noise making bangles so it looks great when you’re shaking your wrists during the dancing! Don’t forget the bling jewelry necklaces and earrings.

Day 2: Reception

I decided to go bold with my pink and blue saree. You’re welcome to wear any other brilliant tradtional dress at this event, like a lehenga too. This day is the largest amount of guests in attendance. You’ll want to look your best because everyone will be taking note of how you’re dressed. Wear your best and most sparkly jewelry to show off. You’ll be congratulating the couple and blessing then for a happy married life.

Day 3: Wedding

There’s several other religious events in the morning of this day, wear something comfortable, this event is more low-key and traditional. My friend, the bride gifted me a purple and green saree and I decided the colors are calmer for this event. Remember the jewelry!