An Indian wedding is usually several events over two or three days, each with its own dress code. Wear bright colours rather than white or black, cover shoulders and knees at religious ceremonies, eat with your right hand if food is served on a leaf, and join the dancing. Gifts of money or a registry present are common.
What happens at an Indian wedding?
Most Indian weddings are a series of events rather than one day. A typical weekend might include a welcome dinner, a mehndi afternoon with henna, a sangeet night of music and dance, the wedding ceremony and a reception. The couple will tell you which ones you are invited to.
What should I wear?
- Colour is welcome. Jewel tones, pastels and prints are perfect.
- Avoid white and black for the ceremony in many communities; white can be associated with mourning, although Kerala weddings are the exception, where cream and gold are traditional.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temple, church or mosque ceremonies, and carry a scarf.
- Try Indian clothes. A sari, lehenga or salwar for women and a kurta or mundu for men are appreciated, never expected. We can arrange fittings on arrival.
- Comfortable shoes you can slip off: some ceremonies are barefoot.
How do I join in?
- Mehndi: ask for a small henna design; it lasts a week or two.
- Sangeet: you may be taught a short dance. Everyone is welcome on the floor.
- Ceremony: follow the family’s lead. Standing, sitting and throwing flower petals are all common.
What about the food?
Expect a lot of it. In Kerala, the sadya is served on a banana leaf and eaten with the right hand; cutlery is always available if you ask. Many dishes are vegetarian. Tell the hosts about allergies in advance; our team labels every counter.
What gift should I bring?
Cash in an envelope (traditionally an amount ending in 1, such as 101 or 501) or a gift from the couple’s registry are common. Avoid anything in leather for a Hindu couple, and never feel obliged to spend more than you are comfortable with.
Practical things
- Visa: most visitors need one; many nationalities can apply online for an e-Visa.
- Money: cards work in hotels; carry some rupees for markets and tips.
- Health: drink bottled or filtered water and use insect repellent in the evenings.
Questions couples ask
Can I wear white to an Indian wedding?
In many communities it is best avoided, as white can be associated with mourning. Kerala is the exception: cream and gold are traditional wedding colours there.
How long is an Indian wedding?
Usually two or three days of events. The ceremony itself can take from half an hour to several hours depending on the tradition.
Do guests have to eat with their hands?
No. At a Kerala sadya many guests eat with the right hand, but cutlery is always available.
