The color black is traditionally not worn to any wedding related celebrations/events. Black suits, tuxedos and attire are acceptable at the sangeet and reception.

We invite you to participate in the rich Indian culture and craftmanship of Indian clothes! If you choose to wear Indian clothes, see below for some helpful tips.

In some cases, Indian clothes could be made to order, so we would suggest to buy them as soon as possible, or otherwise select from 'ready to ship' filters. Websites will usually indicate the date of shipping, so be on the look out for that. Bear in mind that it could take some time for them to be released from customs after they are shipped.

Be careful to use a credit card that provides with some protection against fraud (we recommend those in Portugal to use MBNet one-time credit cards).

WOMEN

Salwar Kameez and sarees are the most common options for women. Most often, girls and young women opt to wear a lehenga; if lehenga is styled similarly to a saree, this can also be worn by women.

Salwar Kameez – a 2-piece set consisting of a long top (Kurti) and a loose pair of pants.

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- https://www.azafashions.com/collection/women/kurta-sets

- https://www.ritukumar.com/intl/clothing/suits

- https://www.kalkifashion.com/salwar-kameez.html

Saree: A saree is a long piece of fabric, often made of silk, that's used to wrap around the body, often worn during the marriage celebration. Pre-draped/Pre-stitched sarees are common and an easier choice.

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For younger women/girls: A lehenga is a two-piece outfit that includes a top (usually cropped) with a full, high-waisted skirt. This can be worn to the Sangeet, Wedding, and Reception.

- https://www.azafashions.com/collection/women/lehengas

- https://rb.gy/iqx3j9

- https://www.kalkifashion.com/lehengas.html

MEN

A traditional Kurta Pyjama could be worn to the Welcome Event and a dressier one to the Sangeet and even the wedding.

Men often wear a Sherwani, Nehru Jacket or a silk Kurta Pyjama to the wedding and/or reception.

Kurta Pyjama

- https://rb.gy/62d4og

- https://www.azafashions.com/collection/men/kurta-sets

Nehru Jacket

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- https://rb.gy/bghdrp

Sherwani

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- https://shorturl.at/jtDQU

The application of mehndi serves several symbolic purposes: It is regarded as a sign of 'suhaag,' implying a blissful married life, and is emblematic of vibrance, fertility and the attraction of positivity.

https://vimeo.com/15350929

The word sangeet is Sanskrit for "sung together." A Sangeet is a prewedding event involving lots of festive dancing and celebratory songs. The word 'sangeet' is synonymous with the word 'song.' The ceremony involves singing and dancing with the couple and their close family members and friends to celebrate the onset of their new journey together.

Color and maneuverability should be kept in mind when deciding on sangeet attire. Typically, the Sangeet has a more vibrant color palette than other wedding events. Additionally, since the Sangeet is all about dancing, you want to ensure you can move easily in whatever you're wearing. As such, a salwar kameez or a lehenga are traditional options for women attending the prewedding function. Men can opt for traditional Kurta/Pyjama or a long sleeve shirt and pants.

In Hindu and Sikh weddings, the Groom is led to the marriage venue in a procession known as the Baraat. He is accompanied by family members, groomsmen, and friends known as baraatis. It is solely dedicated to the celebration of the groom as he makes his way to the wedding venue.

The use of a Ghodi, or white horse, as transport for the Groom to the wedding venue is a common part of Indian tradition. Family members adorn the Ghodi with embellishments to match the groom as all eyes are on the two as they make their way through the procession.

A modern take on the Baraat entrance is for the Groom to enter walking and dancing to the venue or to arrive in a car.

After the groom reaches the venue, relatives of the Bride’s family greet the Groom and his family. They apply tilak (sacred red color mixed with water) to his forehead and perform aarti to ward off evil eye. He then continues onward to the Milna Ceremony where he greets the Bride’s relatives.

Baraat Music

The music during a Baraat sets the mood for the rest of the marriage event, with upbeat and exciting songs blasting as the Groom makes his way through the procession.

Bride During Baraat

The Bride is not included in the Baraat because it is solely to welcome the Groom and his family to the marriage site.

She joins him for the Varmala, where they exchange garlands to signify the start of their marriage rituals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrX8MKEq1ug