Weddings are vibrant, colorful, and steeped in tradition. They are joyous occasions that can span several days, and the attire worn plays an important role in reflecting the celebratory nature of the event. When it comes to choosing an outfit for a summer wedding, it’s essential to consider the traditional elements, climate, and various ceremonies that might take place during the celebration. Indian weddings often involve multiple functions such as the mehendi, sangeet, the wedding ceremony itself, and receptions, each of which may have its own dress code. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what women can wear to a summer wedding.
1. Consider the Season and Comfort
Indian weddings can be long affairs, and during the summer, the heat can add an extra layer of complexity to your outfit choice. You’ll want to choose fabrics that are breathable, lightweight, and comfortable for the weather. While Indian wedding attire is often elaborate and layered, it’s crucial to think about the fabric and fit to stay comfortable in the heat.
Best Fabrics for Summer Indian Weddings
Cotton and Cotton Blends: Cotton is a breathable, lightweight fabric that will keep you comfortable in the heat. Cotton-blend sarees and lehengas are common in summer and are great for day weddings.
Chiffon: Known for its light, flowy nature, chiffon sarees and lehengas are a popular choice for summer weddings, offering elegance without too much heaviness.
Georgette: A semi-sheer fabric that is lightweight yet has enough structure to hold shape. Georgette lehengas or sarees are both breezy and stylish.
Silk: While traditionally a heavier fabric, lightweight silks such as Tussar silk or Muga silk are perfect for summer and still lend a luxurious touch to the wedding outfit.
Crepe: A fabric that offers a smooth texture and drapes beautifully, crepe can be a fantastic option for both sarees and lehengas during summer weddings.
2. Types of Attire to Wear
Indian wedding attire varies based on the region, tradition, and ceremony. For women attending a summer Indian wedding, the primary options include sarees, lehenga cholis, salwar kameez, and Anarkali suits. Each option offers a different look and level of formality. Let’s explore these in more detail:
Saree
The saree is the epitome of traditional Indian attire and a quintessential choice for weddings, especially if you're attending a more formal ceremony. For a summer Indian wedding, light and airy sarees made from fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or cotton blends will keep you cool.
Lehenga Choli
Lehenga cholis are another popular option for Indian weddings. They are a traditional yet festive choice and are often seen at the sangeet or the wedding itself. For summer weddings, you’ll want to focus on lehengas made from light, breathable fabrics.
Salwar Kameez
Salwar kameez sets are comfortable yet stylish options for women attending an Indian wedding. They are especially suitable for more casual or daytime events such as the mehendi or sangeet. You can go for a salwar kameez in breathable fabrics like cotton or georgette for ease of movement in the summer heat.
Anarkali Suit
Anarkali suits are another great option for women who prefer something elegant yet breathable. They feature a long, flowing top and are often paired with churidar pants or palazzos. The beauty of the anarkali suit is that it provides a regal look without the heaviness of a lehenga.
3. Colors to Wear to a Summer Indian Wedding
The color of your outfit plays a significant role in your overall appearance and vibe at the wedding. Summer weddings often call for softer, more breezy hues, but you can also embrace vibrant colors typical of Indian weddings.
Light and Pastel Hues
Soft pastels like mint green, baby pink, peach, lavender, and powder blue are popular choices for summer weddings. These colors work well for daytime functions like mehendi or sangeet.
Vibrant and Bold Colors
Indian weddings are all about celebrations, and bold colors like red, royal blue, mustard yellow, or fuchsia are great choices for evening ceremonies or receptions. These colors are perfect for adding a festive touch to your look.
Metallic and Jewel Tones
For evening or formal weddings, jewel tones such as emerald green, ruby red, or sapphire blue, as well as metallics like gold, silver, and copper, can be striking. These colors will reflect the opulence and glamour of a wedding reception or post-wedding event.
Avoid Wearing White or Black
It’s a common tradition to avoid wearing white, as it is typically reserved for the bride, and black is often considered too somber for weddings. Stick to vibrant or festive colors to stay in line with the celebratory mood.
Attending a summer Indian wedding is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the culture, traditions, and festivities of the occasion. Choosing the right outfit is crucial, as it combines comfort, style, and respect for tradition. Whether you opt for a breezy saree, a luxurious lehenga choli, or a stylish anarkali suit, your goal should be to enjoy the celebration while looking beautiful and feeling comfortable. By selecting lightweight fabrics, breathable designs, and bright, festive colors, you’ll be perfectly attired for a memorable summer wedding experience.