What to Wear to an Indian Wedding: Embroidered Shirts for Every Function
by Aditya Srivastava on Feb 13, 2026
Wedding Style Guide
What to Wear to an Indian Wedding
Embroidered shirts for every function
The invitation arrives and panic sets in. Five functions over three days. Haldi in the morning. Sangeet at night. And somewhere between mehendi and pheras, you're expected to look polished, festive, and culturally appropriate—without repeating outfits or outshining the couple. If you're wondering what to wear to an Indian wedding, you're not alone. Indian weddings are spectacles of colour, tradition, and unspoken dress codes that can overwhelm even seasoned guests.
Here's the good news: you don't need a different sherwani for every function. Strategic pieces—specifically, hand embroidered shirts that layer beautifully with jackets and stand alone when dancing at sangeet—can carry you through the entire celebration. The key is understanding each function's vibe and dressing to honour it.
"Crafted for visionaries. Worn by achievers."
— NOOOB
What to Wear to an Indian Wedding: Function-by-Function Guide
Indian weddings typically span 2-5 days with distinct ceremonies: Haldi (turmeric ceremony), Mehendi (henna application), Sangeet (music and dance night), the Wedding ceremony itself, and Reception. Each has its own energy, timing, and implied dress code. Understanding these nuances helps you show respect for tradition while expressing personal style.
The NOOOB collection of hand embroidered shirts works across all these functions because the pieces are versatile by design—bold enough to stand alone, refined enough to layer under Nehru jackets, and crafted on premium Japanese fabric that holds up through long ceremonies.
Haldi Ceremony
Daytime · Casual Festive · Yellow/Gold Palette
The Haldi is all about sunshine, turmeric paste, and joyful energy. It's typically held in the morning or afternoon, outdoors or in open spaces. The vibe is relaxed and colourful. Yellow, gold, and warm tones dominate. Since turmeric can stain, many guests opt for clothes they don't mind getting messy—but that doesn't mean sacrificing style.
Recommended: Golden Roar
Gold tiger on black Japanese fabric
The gold embroidery complements the turmeric palette perfectly. Black fabric means any accidental splashes are less visible. The tiger symbolizes strength and good fortune—auspicious for the couple's new journey.
Rs. 6,499
SHOP →Styling Tip: Pair with beige or off-white trousers and mojaris. Skip heavy accessories—keep it fresh and comfortable.
Mehendi Ceremony
Afternoon/Evening · Relaxed Festive · Green/Earthy Tones
Mehendi events are vibrant yet relaxed. The bride and guests get intricate henna designs, there's music, dancing, and lots of photo opportunities. Comfort matters here—you'll be sitting, mingling, and possibly dancing for hours. Green shades (matching the colour of henna) and earthy tones are traditional favourites.
Recommended: Crimson Prowl
Maroon panther on warm fabric
Deep maroon echoes the traditional colour palette of mehendi celebrations. The panther adds subtle sophistication without competing with the vibrant surroundings. Warm tones photograph beautifully against green decor.
Rs. 4,999
SHOP →Styling Tip: Add a light Nehru jacket if the venue is air-conditioned. Brown leather mojaris complete the look without overdoing it.
Sangeet Night
Evening · Glamorous · Jewel Tones · Sparkle Welcome
This is the red-carpet event of Indian weddings. Stage performances, choreographed dances, and an atmosphere of pure celebration. Guests are expected to bring glamour and energy. Indo-western looks, velvet bandhgalas, and embroidered blazers thrive here. Deep jewel tones—emerald, navy, maroon—dominate. Your outfit should move with you on the dance floor.
Recommended: Skyborn Oath
Eagle motif with visual movement
The soaring eagle creates visual movement—perfect for a night of dancing. Wings spread across the chest command attention in photos and on the dance floor. The embroidery catches stage lights beautifully.
Rs. 6,999
SHOP →Styling Tip: Layer with a velvet Nehru jacket for photos, remove when dancing. Add a statement brooch and polished loafers. This is your moment to shine.
Wedding Ceremony / Pheras
Sacred · Formal Traditional · Avoid Red/White/Black
The wedding ceremony itself is sacred and formal. The Saptapadi (seven steps around the sacred fire), the exchange of garlands, and the application of sindoor are moments of deep cultural significance. Dress codes are traditional—sherwanis, bandhgalas, or elegant kurta sets. Critically: avoid red (reserved for the bride), white (associated with mourning), and black (considered inauspicious by some families).
Recommended: Blue Stare
Panther with electric blue eyes on black
While all-black may be traditional to avoid, Blue Stare's electric blue accents and the richness of hand embroidery transform it into an elegant evening piece. Layer under an ivory or navy Nehru jacket to balance the palette.
Rs. 5,999
SHOP →Styling Tip: Always layer with a contrasting jacket for the ceremony. Navy, ivory, or emerald Nehru jackets elevate the look while respecting traditional sensibilities.
Reception
Evening · Grand Celebration · Maximum Glamour
The reception is the grand finale—photos, congratulations, and celebration. This is where you can bring maximum glamour. Tuxedos, Indo-western suits, and statement pieces all work. The focus shifts from ritual to celebration, and the dress code loosens to allow more personal expression. Cameras will be clicking all night.
Recommended: Golden Roar
Gold tiger – maximum visual impact
Gold photographs brilliantly under reception lighting—flash, stage lights, and candlelit ambience. The tiger commands attention in a room full of guests. This is your moment to make a lasting impression on the couple's memories (and their photo album).
Rs. 6,499
SHOP →Styling Tip: Under a black velvet blazer or standing alone with tailored trousers and polished oxfords. Add a pocket square and you're reception-ready.
Quick Rules for Indian Wedding Guest Attire
✅ Do:
• Embrace colour—vibrant shades show celebration
• Layer smartly with Nehru jackets for versatility
• Choose comfortable footwear (mojaris, loafers)
• Invest in pieces that work across multiple functions
❌ Don't:
• Wear red—reserved for the bride
• Wear all-white or all-black to ceremonies
• Show up in casual jeans or t-shirts
• Outshine the couple—complement, don't compete
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the same embroidered shirt to multiple functions?
Absolutely. The key is styling differently. Wear Golden Roar alone with churidar for Haldi, then layer it under a velvet jacket for Reception. Same shirt, completely different look. Our hand embroidered shirts are designed for this versatility—bold enough to stand alone, refined enough to layer.
Are embroidered shirts appropriate for traditional wedding ceremonies?
Yes, when layered appropriately. For the wedding ceremony itself, layer your embroidered shirt under a Nehru jacket or bandhgala to achieve the formal traditional look expected. The embroidery adds distinction without being disrespectful. For more casual functions like Haldi and Mehendi, the shirt can stand beautifully on its own.
How many outfits do I actually need for an Indian wedding?
Most guests can navigate a full Indian wedding with 2-3 versatile pieces styled differently. Two embroidered shirts (one in gold/warm tones, one in blue/cool tones) plus two Nehru jackets in complementary colours can create five distinct looks. The trick is investing in quality pieces that photograph well repeatedly rather than cheap options that look the same.
Will hand embroidered shirts be comfortable through long wedding functions?
NOOOB shirts are crafted on premium Japanese fabric with a high GSM that breathes well despite its structure. Indian wedding functions can last 4-8 hours—the fabric is designed to hold up without wilting, maintain its shape, and keep you comfortable through ceremonies, dancing, and endless photo sessions.
"Dress to honour the couple, respect the tradition, and express yourself. In that order."
Indian weddings are celebrations of love, culture, and community. Your outfit is your contribution to that celebration—a visual way of saying "I'm honoured to be here." Hand embroidered shirts from NOOOB help you navigate every function with confidence, cultural respect, and unmistakable style.
Wedding Season Ready
Navigate Every Function in Style
Hand embroidered on premium Japanese fabric. Crafted by Noobies for guests who understand that every celebration deserves presence.
Rise Quiet. Shine Loud.