Wedding Guest: What to Wear, Do, and Know at Indian Weddings

Being a wedding guest, someone invited to attend a wedding celebration, often expected to follow cultural norms and dress codes at an Indian wedding means stepping into a world of color, sound, and deep-rooted tradition. Unlike Western weddings, Indian weddings aren’t just one event—they’re a multi-day festival of rituals, food, music, and family. Whether you’re a close friend or a distant relative, your role as a wedding guest comes with unspoken rules, especially around clothing and behavior. Skip the black suit or jeans. This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing respect.

One of the biggest questions for any wedding guest is: Can you show your legs? The answer? It depends. In North India, especially at Punjabi or Delhi weddings, women often wear long lehengas or salwar kameez with modest hemlines. In South India, especially Tamil Nadu or Kerala, sarees with draped pallus are the norm, and bare legs are rarely seen. But in urban settings or modern weddings, a knee-length dress with a shawl might fly—just avoid shorts, crop tops, or revealing outfits. Men should skip sneakers and opt for a kurta, sherwani, or at least a collared shirt with trousers. Your outfit isn’t just fashion—it’s a silent message about how you see the occasion.

And it’s not just clothes. As a wedding guest, you’ll notice rituals you’ve never seen: the haldi paste being rubbed on the bride and groom, the baraat procession with dancing groom on horseback, the pheras around the sacred fire. You don’t need to understand every step, but showing up on time, keeping your phone quiet, and joining in the dancing (yes, even if you’re clumsy) means more than you think. Food? Expect massive spreads—spicy, sweet, rich, and endless. Don’t be shy, but don’t overfill your plate. And never refuse a sweet—it’s a blessing in disguise.

Indian weddings are about connection. You’re not just attending a party—you’re becoming part of a story. Whether you’re in Jaipur, Kolkata, or Mumbai, the rules shift slightly, but the heart stays the same: honor the family, celebrate the union, and let joy lead the way. Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there—on what to wear, how to navigate regional differences, and how to avoid the most common mistakes guests make. No fluff. Just what works.