What to Wear: Attire Guide

Friday Indian Wedding

Dress Code: Indian Formal (encouraged)
Friday’s ceremony will be rich in Bengali tradition. We’d love for guests to join in the spirit of it by wearing South Asian attire if you're up for it!

For Women

  • Sari – A draped garment worn with a fitted blouse and underskirt. Can be cotton, silk, or heavily embellished depending on the style. Available pre-stitched for easier wear.

  • Lehenga – A skirt-and-blouse set often worn with a dupatta/shawl

  • Salwar Kameez – An a-line tunic paired with loose pleated pants, usually paired with a dupatta/shawl

  • Anarkali – A flowy or structured gown, sometimes worn over leggings. Often paired with a dupatta/shawl draped over the shoulder

  • Indo-Western – Any fusion piece: gowns, jumpsuits or pantsuits in Indian fabrics or embroidery with Western cuts

For Men

  • Kurta – A long tunic-style shirt, often worn over slim pants. Can be paired with a dupatta/shawl or Nehru jacket

  • Sherwani – A more formal, tailored jacket worn with slim pants or trousers. Think of it as the Indian equivalent of a tuxedo!

  • Jodhpuris – High-collared suit jacket, typically paired with matching trousers. Think of this as India’s dinner jacket

  • Nehru Jackets – A tailored vest worn over a kurta or dress shirt with trousers

  • Dhoti – A traditional garment made from a single piece of cloth, wrapped and tied around the waist and legs to create loose, flowy pants. Worn with a kurta and dupatta/shawl

Saturday Western Wedding

Dress Code: Formal

  • For women: Floor-length or midi dresses, dressy jumpsuits, or formal Indian attire such as saris or lehengas

  • For men: Suits with a jacket and tie, or formal Indian attire such as a tailored kurta with a jacket or a sherwani

A Note on Color

Please avoid solid red or white, as these colors are traditionally worn by the couple. Otherwise—bold colors, pastels, and jewel tones are all welcome!

Where to Shop or Rent

Click a section below to explore outfit and accessory options:

  • Sites where you can purchase Indian or fusion outfits and accessories. Click the name of each store below to visit their website.

    Note: Most of these retailers offer international shipping, but we recommend placing orders well in advance. Delivery (even for ready-to-wear pieces) can take time, and you may still want to allow room for tailoring. Be sure to check each store’s shipping policies, potential customs duties, and estimated timelines before purchasing.

    For Women & Men:

    Jewelry & Accessories:

  • Prefer not to buy? These sites let you rent festive Indian clothing (and sometimes accessories), and all ship within the U.S. Perfect for one-time wear.

    • Local Boutiques

      Many Indian clothing boutiques in major U.S. cities offer in-person rentals for both men and women. See below for local store recommendations nearest you, and inquire directly about rental services.

    • Borrow the Bazaar $–$$

    • Glamourental $–$$

    • Preserve $$

  • Looking to shop in person? These well-reviewed boutiques offer ready-to-wear or custom Indian outfits. Some stores recommend to call ahead to book an appointment, so be sure to check their hours and policies before visiting.

    MD / DC / VA

    NYC

    Philadelphia / New Jersey

    Edison, New Jersey, particularly the Oak Tree Road area, is renowned for its vibrant South Asian community and offers a variety of Indian clothing stores. This area hosts over 400 South Asian establishments, making it a prime destination for Indian apparel.

    North Carolina

    South Carolina

    There aren’t any dedicated Indian clothing stores in South Carolina at the moment, but the online options above offer a great selection.

    Colorado

    California

Need Help?

We’re happy to help answer questions and guide your outfit search! If you’re not sure what to wear or where to find it, feel free to reach out to Malini Sen via email, the groom’s sister and our fashion guru.