Friday morning - Mehndi/Haldi

Festive daytime, Indian or Western. Think bright sundresses, kurtas, salwar kameez, light lehengas, linen shirts and trousers.

Dress code colors: TBD

Friday evening —Sangeet

Indian formal encouraged but wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. Alternative is western cocktail/formal!

Indian: lehenga, saree, anarkali, sharara, sherwani, bandhgala, or a dressy kurta set. Western: cocktail or floor-length dress, suit with or without a tie. Go bright and go bold; jewel tones, embellishment, and color are the point. Wear shoes you can dance in!

Saturday - Wedding ceremony & reception

Black tie optional. Women: floor-length or midi gowns (please avoid white)

Men: dark suit, pastel suit, or tuxedo. Please avoid white, ivory, and cream as that's what we'll be wearing.

The ceremony is outdoors on villa grounds (gravel, stone, grass), so block heels, wedges, or flats instead stilettos. Late August is hot until 7 PM until it cools down significantly.

Sunday Farewell Lunch & Pool Party

Casual chic resort wear: linen sets, breezy dresses, shirts and shorts, sandals. Bring a swimsuit and a cover-up if you plan on swimming.

Dress code colors: TBD

If you've never worn Indian clothing before, below is everything you need: what the garments are, which event each suits, and how to get one without stress or a big bill. And if you'd rather stick to Western formal, that's completely fine too!

For women

Lehenga – A long, flowy skirt with a matching crop top (choli) and a scarf (dupatta). Very common at sangeets.

Saree – A single long piece of fabric draped around the body over a fitted blouse. Look for a pre-draped or ready-to-wear saree

Anarkali – A long, flowing dress with a fitted bodice, worn with slim pants and a dupatta

Salwar kameez / kurta set – A long tunic with loose pants (or wider palazzo/sharara pants) and a dupatta. Relaxed and great for daytime events like the mehndi and haldi.

Sharara set – A short or mid-length top worn over very wide, flared pants that look like a skirt until you move, plus a dupatta.

For men

Kurta pajama – A long tunic with drawstring pants. The go-to for daytime events; lightweight and easy.

Kurta with Nehru jacket – The same, with a sleeveless collared vest layered over. Dresses up a kurta for the evening.

Sherwani – A long, structured, embroidered coat worn over fitted pants. The most formal option, think tuxedo equivalent, ideal for the sangeet.

Bandhgala / Jodhpuri suit – A tailored Indian-style suit jacket with a standing collar. A good pick if you want something closer to a Western suit.

What to wear when

Mehndi & Haldi: kurta set, salwar kameez, or a light lehenga; kurta pajama, or daytime festive western dress. Dress code colors TBD.

Sangeet: lehenga, saree, anarkali, or sharara; sherwani, kurta with Nehru jacket, or bandhgala. Or a cocktail dress and a suit.

Ceremony & Reception: Western black tie optional. No white, ivory, or cream.

Order early

Most Indian outfits bought online ship from India and take 3–6 weeks. Order in time to leave time for alterations if needed. If you're between sizes, go up; taking in is easy, letting out isn't.

You don't need to spend much

A good kurta pajama or kurta set runs $40–100, and a lehenga or saree you'll be happy in can be found for $100–200. Custom and designer options are not expected. Renting is also an option if you'd rather not own one.

Fabric and weather

It will be 90°F+ during the day. Choose cotton, georgette, chiffon, or silk blends over velvet and heavy brocade, especially for the mehndi. Save the heavier, more embellished pieces for the sangeet evening.

Shoes and accessories

Sandals, block heels, or juttis (embroidered flat slip-ons) for women; loafers, mojaris, or dress shoes for men. Jewelry is welcome but optional; statement earrings or a few bangles can make an outfit complete. Bring safety pins for the dupatta if you have one.

WHERE TO BUY:

For guests looking to purchase Indian outfits, here are a few online retailers with great options and international shipping:

If you are in the Houston area, Hilcroft has a variety of stores with great options.

Online stores (including jewelry) -

Budget:

• Laksharaa (bride's fave)–https://www.laksharaa.com

• Kalki -(bride's fave) https://www.kalkifashion.com/

• Trendia – https://trendia.co/

• FabIndia (mother of bride's fave) https://www.fabindia.com

•Utsav Fashion - https://www.utsavfashion.com

• Andaaz Fashion – https://www.andaazfashion.com

• Soch – https://www.soch.com

• AJIO – https://www.ajio.com

• Amazon - plenty of options for men (Kurta or Sherwani) and women (predraped sarees, salwar kameez, lehenga, and indian jewerlry)

Higher budgets with designer wear (online & storefront appointment based) :

- Panache by Sharmeen (online & storefront in Houston)

- Pernia's Pop Up Shop (online & storefront in NYC)

- Kynah (online & storefront in LA)

There are also plenty of rental websites including Boomie and Marigold.