Bursting with vibrant color and celebration, traditional Hindu weddings unite family and culture to honor the bride and groom. Unlike Western weddings, Hindu weddings follow a traditional dress code worn by the couple, their families and friends, and even wedding guests. From the garments to the jewelry, each piece of clothing is intentional and holds special meaning and significance.

What Does the Bride Wear?

Traditional bridal attire is saturated in rich color and typically adorned with 24 karat thread and crystals. For the ceremony, most brides wear a traditional lehenga or a saree wedding dress.

Lehenga: an ensemble comprised of an elaborate (and often heavy) skirt, a cropped or long blouse called the choli, and a dupatta that is draped over the head or shoulders.

Saree: an unstitched garment generally five to nine yards in length that drapes around the body and tucks into an underskirt.

Unlike Western weddings, you won't often see an Indian bride wearing white as it symbolizes mourning. Red is the traditional color of a bride's ceremonial attire, but she may also choose to wear:

• Gold
• Peach
• Brown
• Orange
• Pink
• Yellow

The wedding dress is not the only traditional item worn by an Indian bride. Oftentimes, she is adorned with 24-karat gold jewelry from head to toe and henna on the feet and hands. Each piece of jewelry usually carries meaning. Bangles, for example, symbolize luck, fertility and safety in the couple’s new marriage. Henna is an important custom that is applied the day before the ceremony — it symbolizes beauty, joy and spiritual awakening.

What Does the Groom Wear?

In traditional Indian culture, the groom can wear a sherwani or a bandhgala suit that compliments the color of the bride’s attire — popular color choices are gold or white.

Sherwani: a knee-length, button-down jacket worn over a loose collarless shirt called a kurta and paired with trousers called churidars.

Bandhgala suit: a formal suit with a closed collar jacket that falls just below the waist and is worn with slim trousers.

While a groom may not wear as many accessories as the bride, his wedding day is an opportunity to wear:

• Jewelry
• A kalgi/brooch
• Mojari, which are similar to leather loafers
• A safa/turban

What Should Guests Wear to a Hindu Wedding?

If you’ve been invited to a Hindu wedding, you may be wondering what is appropriate to wear. There are a variety of colors and styles to choose from when considering an outfit, and some important things to avoid.

Some wedding invites may provide a suggested dress code. Even if you are not Indian, you may want to embrace their culture by wearing traditional garments and accessories.

Here are some pointers when deciding what to wear:

   1. You can’t go wrong with an outfit that’s bright and festive. Color means everything at Hindu wedding celebrations, but never wear black and       don’t show up in red out of respect for the bride.

   2. Choose comfort above all else. Indian wedding ceremonies and receptions are typically several hours long and can go late into the evening.       Find an outfit you will be able to move around in comfortably the whole night.

   3. Alternative outfits are usually appropriate and welcomed by the bride and groom. If they haven’t provided dress code cues that require               traditional Indian garments, go with something like a cocktail dress or suit.

   4. Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in the culture. You can find the perfect traditional ensemble to add to your closet or even rent one for the     duration of the wedding festivities.

   5. Consider a modest outfit out of respect. In most cases, it is not appropriate to wear tight-fitting or revealing clothing.

   6. Don’t forget the jewelry. Whether you decide to wear a traditional saree or formal Western attire, gold jewelry is a simple but appropriate           addition.

Hindu weddings offer a first-hand experience of Indian culture and can be an exceptionally good time. No matter what you decide to wear, enjoy yourself, savor all the flavorful food and dance the night away. It’s sure to be a party!

Find the Perfect Venue for a Hindu Wedding in Washington D.C.

CrystalView’s ballroom is the perfect venue for large Hindu wedding celebrations in the greater Washington D.C. area. Contact us to request a tour of our facilities and learn more about our many amenities.