Kavitha & Theodore

If you are interested in buying Indian clothes, but not sure where to start - we created this section with info on what to wear and where to shop.

While Indian clothes is the preferred dress for Saturday, it is not mandatory! What's most important is that you feel comfortable and have a great time at our wedding. 

There are multiple events, which can make it confusing on how to dress. Check out the "Events" section where we list out a recommended dress code for each occasion.

DO's
1) There's nothing wrong with wearing something strapless or slightly above the knee.

2) An Indian bride typically wears red. However, Kavitha is anything but typical, and will not be wearing that color. So if you want to wear red - go for it!

3) If you only plan to buy one Indian outfit (which is totally fine) - we recommend saving it for Saturday's evening reception.

DONT's
1) Although white is not a typical Indian bride color, most guests stay away from wearing all white. Otherwise, there are no color restrictions. 

2) Don't wait till the last minute to shop online for Indian clothes! Depending on the website, some may be shipping from India, and if you are getting custom measurements, could take a month+ to arrive.

3) If buying online, many sites will have an option to purchase "stitched" or "unstitched". Make sure you select stitched. If you get it unstitched you will just get raw fabric - womp womp.

Otherwise - the choice is yours!

A saree is the most common Indian dress, many people will be wearing this at the wedding!

For those that have never worn Indian clothes, it can be difficult to figure out how to drape a saree on your own. Below is a YouTube link on how to drape one. Can also reach out to Indian friends/family to assist.

In addition, half-saree's are also an option to purchase. This is like the "training-wheels" of saree’s because the skirt is already pleated, so you don't have to worry about draping.

Things to keep in mind when buying:
- you will also need a plain light long skirt (or even leggings) to wear underneath. This is where the pleats get tucked into! 
- don't forget to add a matching blouse to your shopping cart!

(The bride will be wearing a saree for the Indian ceremony!)

These are 3 piece outfits comprised of a long skirt, blouse, and dupatta (light scarf that is wrapped around the neck or over the shoulder). 

These are easier to put on compared to a saree, but will be more expensive. Keep in mind the more bejeweled, the heavier it will be! The example photo is one that’s grand and ideal to wear to the Formal Reception.

A lot of websites will display the lehenga with the model’s belly button showing. If that’s not your style, you can usually select a custom measurement and wear the skirt higher up the waist &/or extend the blouse to be longer.

(The bride will be wearing a lehenga during the formal reception on Saturday!)

This is probably the most comfortable type of Indian dress. The salwar kameez has 3 components:

1) Kameez - the long shirt. Often this is going down to the knees, but some go even farther down

2) Salwar - the pant. There are so many different styles from tight, to balloon, kangaroo style, etc... Palazzo & Shahara pants/suits are also a very common and fashionable style too!

3) Dupatta - traditional Indian scarf that is usually worn around the neck, or over the shoulders.

These are also referred to as kurti, suits, shahara, anarkali, churidar. Yes, it can be confusing!

Anarkali's are a specific type of Salwar Kameez. Despite being comprised of the same 3 pieces (salwar, kameez, & dupatta), Anarkali’s are often it’s own category on websites.

The major style difference is that the kameez (shirt) is not fitted straight all the way down, but instead flares out towards the bottom (A-line). The kameez can vary in length such as knee length, below the knee, and even floor length. The salwar (pant) piece is typically a straight/skinny pant style.

It's okay if you don't feel comfortable wearing or buying Indian clothes! If you prefer to stick with American attire, we recommend:

- Something semi-formal, and/or flowy
- Make sure you're comfortable dancing in it!
- Dress up your outfit with jewelry

Friday: casual dress, or pants + a nice top.
Saturday morning: Dressy Casual / Semi-Formal outfit. Doesn’t have to be floor-length. You'll just be sitting (indoors).
Saturday evening: formal dress like something flowy, floor length, midi-length, or even a jumpsuit. 

For guys it's pretty simple - the Sherwani/Kurta is the traditional mens attire for Indian functions. Depending on the website, this could also be referred to as a kurta (but those are typically less formal).

The top is full sleeves, and straight down to knee length, or slightly above the knee. The pant style can vary from flowy/baggy to slim fit (like in the photo).

Some come with a vest, which is a fancy bonus! You can find all types of designs, the more bejeweled the fancier!

For shoes - you can pair with nice dress shoes, or go with loafers for a more comfortable route.

If you prefer to stick with American attire - that's totally fine! 

Friday: casual mens attire (pant and any type of shirt)
Saturday morning: pants and a button down or a suit (no jacket needed). You'll just be sitting the entire time!
Saturday evening: suit with jacket. You are welcome to wear a tux, but it is not at all expected.

*Some of these websites are in Indian currency. Remember to convert from Rupees to US Dollar!

1) G3 FASHIONS - ($) - very affordable site. May not be the highest quality, but good enough to wear to a function! 

2) LASHKARAA - ($) - Good quality lehenga's at decent prices ($150 - $250 range). Their Salwar Kameez section is much more affordable

3) KARMA PLACE - ($) - Very affordable lehenga's, although typically in more "traditional" patterns. 

4) SAREES BAZAAR - ($) - Not just for sarees, has other common styles too. 

5) Fabilicious Fashion - ($$) - great quality clothing with modern/new-age selections, and fusion fashion.

6) KALKI FASHION - ($$) Very popular site for buying festive clothing. Start with the Sale section if you’re on a budget,

7) NALLI - ($$) this is the common place to buy sarees, and they have so many kinds, also great quality. They also have stores in the US (one in Edison, NJ).

8) VASANSI JAIPUR - ($-$$) – Very wide price range! Great quality. Can find items for less than a $100, but also items above $300. Remember to convert to USD!

9) AZA FASHIONS - ($$-$$$) Great quality designer site. But, you can find some nice Salwar Kameez sets (they label it as Kurta sets on the website) and Lehenga's that are in the $100-200 range.

10) KYNAH - ($$$) More expensive/fancy clothing since everything is custom made to your measurements. For those that want to go all-out! However, they sometimes have better priced items in their "Ready to Ship" section.

11) RIDHI MEHRA - ($$$) - Designer wear / couture style. Everything here will be well over $200, but don't let us stop you :)

12) PERNIA'S POPUP SHOP - ($$$) - Great fashion-forward items, but pricier (items over $200). Don't forget the Sale section!

13) PHONE A FRIEND - got a friend with Indian clothes? Ask them to borrow an outfit, they likely have a ton in their closet they no longer wear :)

Please don't be shy to reach out to Ted or Kavitha if you have any questions! We are happy to help, or give guidance if you are unsure on an outfit.