Traditional Indian clothes are not required but if you would like wear Indian clothes below are some details for each events and suggestions for where to shop

Mehendi: The Mehendi ceremony is a laid-back event, so comfy and colorful outfits are perfect:

- Women: Think bright lehengas, salwar kameez, or Indian palazzos. Short sleeves or sleeveless tops are a good idea since you'll probably get henna on your hands and arms.

Accessories: Colorful accessories: necklaces, earrings, etc.

- Men: Go for kurta pajamas or light and casual sherwanis.

Reception: The reception is a bit more formal, so dress to impress. Formal western outfits work well, but if you want to go the Indian route, here are some ideas:

- Women: Formal lehenga or salwar.

- Men: Formal sherwani.

Aryasamaj Rituals: This is a traditional South Indian event that kicks off early in the morning:

- Women: Sarees are the go-to, but salwar kameez works too. If traditional sarees seem tricky, there are “ready to wear” options that are super convenient.

Accessories: Colorful bangles, necklaces, etc.

- Men: White or light bottoms with a short kurta top or button-down shirt. Traditionally, men wear a white dhoti for South Indian weddings.

Cocktail Dinner: Any formal western outfit will be perfect for this event.

Lehenga: Lehengas are long, flowing skirts that are often paired with a choli (top) and dupatta (scarf). They come in a variety of colors, fabrics, and designs.

Salwar Kameez: Salwar kameez is a traditional Indian outfit that consists of a long tunic (kameez), loose pants (salwar), and a scarf (dupatta).

Indian Palazzo: Palazzo pants are long unisex pants cut with a loose, extremely wide leg that flares out from the waist.

Kurta Pajama: A kurta pajama consists of a long tunic (kurta) and loose pants (pajama). It is often made from cotton or silk and can be plain or patterned.

Sherwani: Sherwani is a long-sleeved outer coat with some waist suppression; it falls to below the knees and is buttoned down the front. It can be collarless, have a shirt-style collar, or a stand-up collar in the style of the Mandarin collar. Add a Nehru jacket or waistcoat for a more formal look

Jewelry: Women often wear ornate and traditional jewelry like gold necklaces, bangles, earrings, etc. to complement your attire.

Here are some online retailers where you can buy any of the types of outfits listed above

Etsy: Very affordable and beautiful Indian outfits for both men and women

- Lehengas: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlobonimpexCo?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1553576940&from_page=listing

- Men’s outfits: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Rajanyas

Indya: https://www.houseofindya.com/

- Affordable, luxe and designer options on all types of outfits for women and men, $20 Shipping to US

Kalki Fashion: https://www.kalkifashion.com/

- Mid - high range priced outfits for all events and genders, free shipping to US above $200

Aza Fashions: https://www.azafashions.com/

- Has a wide variety of Indian designers and outfits in various different price ranges, any orders over $199 have free shipping to the US

- Has jewelry sets in a wide range of prices

Pernia’s Pop Up: https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/

- Similar to Aza Fashions with a wide variety of Indian Designers and outfits

- Has jewelry sets in a wide range of prices

One Minute Saree: https://oneminutesaree.com/

- For the Muhurtam (Dec 5th Morning event), you can wear a traditional saree which is typically draped but we recommend a pre-draped saree for convenience

- This website has a lot of great options for pre-draped saree that can be put on easily, they provide free shipping on orders over $150

The Saree Room: https://www.thesareeroom.com/

- Great option if you want to mix and match different pieces instead of buying a complete set

- It is a Canadian brand but provides free shipping to the US on orders over $150CAD

Jewelry:

- Tarinika Jewelry on Amazon: jewelry sets starting form $40

- Pernia's Pop Up

- Aza Fashions

Additional Websites for Men:

FabIndia: Affordable and Casual options for men

https://www.fabindia.com/clothing/men-ethnic-wear

Manyavar: A bit more grand outfits for men

- Kurta Jackets: https://www.manyavar.com/en-us/men/kurta-jacket-set?

- Traditional Wear: https://www.manyavar.com/en-us/men/all-products

If you want to purchase your outfits in India, here are recommendations below:

Phoenix Mall: https://www.phoenixmarketcity.com/chennai

- An expansive mall about a ten minute drive from Park Hyatt Chennai, you can find several brands and stores that will sell Indian Wedding Attire

- Also a great place to hang out if you are looking to escape the heat!

Neeru’s: https://www.neerus.com/

- A chic and affordable store based in Chennai that has a wide selection of traditional indian wedding outfits

Fabindia: https://www.fabindia.com/

- Would recommend only for men’s wedding outfits

- Great houseware and gift shop if you want to take anything back from India!