What to wear to an Indian wedding as a guest

Start with the invitation

Read the card properly. Look for a dress code, the list of events and the venue. A multi-day wedding asks for a different look each day, and customs vary a great deal across communities and regions, so when in doubt, ask someone in the family. They will be glad you did.

Know the day

Every function has its own mood. These are common patterns, not rules:

• Haldi: yellow or soft pastels in cotton or similar fabric you will not mind marking.
• Mehendi: relaxed and bright, often greens and florals, with room to sit for a while.
• Sangeet: something you can move in. You will be dancing.
• The ceremony: the most traditional of the days; richer fabrics, more covered, and comfortable for long hours.
• Reception: evening glamour, where sequins, satin and statement jewellery belong.

Colour, with care

It is widely advised for guests to avoid wearing white or ivory, which are close to bridal or mourning colours in some communities, and to leave red to the bride. Jewel tones, rich pinks, deep greens, mustard and soft pastels rarely go wrong. If the family has chosen a colour theme for an event, follow it.

Dress for the weather and the hours

Indian weddings run long and often outdoors. Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton silk, chanderi, linen blends and georgette. Wear shoes you can stand in for hours and slip off easily, since some venues ask you to remove them. Carry a light shawl for air-conditioned halls.

Edit the accessories

One statement piece is enough. Heavy earrings suit a simple neckline; an embellished neckline wants quieter ears. A small potli or clutch holds the essentials without weighing the outfit down.

Rehearse before the day

A week out, lay the outfits out and look at them on you. Vair's Try On shows a garment on your own photograph, so you can compare two or three options side by side, and the Wardrobe helps you see what you already own that will pair with them. A few minutes of rehearsal is cheaper than a last-minute dash to the tailor.