What to Wear · Simon & Shruti

The weekend at a glance

ThursdayMehendiCocktail, Indian touches welcome Friday morningBaraat & CeremonyIndian dress suggested Friday eveningReception & SangeetBlack tie SaturdayPool PartyCasual, swimwear

For inspiration

How we wear it

A few of our favourite looks from weddings we have been to, to give you a feel for what works. Mix, match and wear whatever feels like you.

Light & colourfulA light, colourful lehenga. A simple kurta with everyday trousers.
Festive silkAn embroidered lehenga. A silk kurta with cream trousers.
Printed classicA printed lehenga. A kurta pyjama, Nehru jacket and safa (turban).
Indo-westernA draped saree gown. An embroidered Nehru jacket with black trousers.
Evening classicA floor-length gown. A classic tuxedo and bow tie.

Event by event

The events

Thursday

Welcome Mehendi

A relaxed welcome evening. Mehendi is henna, and artists will be painting designs on hands for anyone who would like one. Expect colour, music and a lot of catching up.

Dress codeCocktail, with Indian touches welcome

Ideas for him

A kurta with slim trousers or chinos
A linen shirt with a Nehru jacket
Or simply a smart shirt and blazer

Ideas for her

A kurta set or a flowing Anarkali
A sharara or palazzo set
A cocktail dress with a dupatta over the shoulders

Wear sleeves you can push up. Henna needs about an hour to dry and can stain fabric, so short or loose sleeves are best if you would like a design.

Friday morning

Baraat & Ceremony

Baraat around 11am · Ceremony around 1–3pm

The Baraat is the groom's arrival: a short, joyful procession within the venue, with music and dancing, and everyone joins in. It is followed by the Hindu wedding ceremony.

Dress codeIndian dress suggested

Ideas for him

A kurta pyjama with a Nehru jacket
A sherwani, if you want to go all out
Mojaris or smart loafers

Ideas for her

A lehenga
A saree (a pre-stitched one is easiest)
An Anarkali or sharara set

There will be dancing. The procession is short, so no need for walking shoes, but pick something comfortable to dance in and a fabric that stays cool in the midday sun.

Friday evening

Reception, Sangeet & After-party

From 7pm

The Sangeet is a night of music and performances, rolled into our reception and followed by dancing until late. This is the glamorous part of the weekend.

Dress codeBlack tie

Ideas for him

A tuxedo or a dark suit with a bow tie
A bandhgala (Indian closed-collar suit)
A velvet or embroidered Indo-western jacket

Ideas for her

A floor-length evening gown
A glamorous saree or lehenga
A dressy sharara or Indo-western set

You have time to change. The ceremony ends around 3pm and the evening starts at 7pm, so you can go back to your hotel and switch outfits. No food is served in this break, so plan a meal.

Saturday

Pool Party

Around 11am–3pm · Food provided

An optional, easy-going day to recover and say goodbye.

Dress codeCasual

Ideas for him

Swim shorts and a linen shirt
Sandals and sunglasses

Ideas for her

Swimwear with a cover-up or kaftan
A sundress

Bring a layer. April by the sea can be breezy, and the water will be cool.

A quick glossary

Outfit guide

You will see these words in shops and online. Use them as search terms.

For him

Kurta KOOR-tah: A long tunic shirt, usually knee length. The building block of most outfits.
Kurta pyjama: A kurta worn with matching slim, light trousers. Comfortable and easy.
Nehru jacket: A short, sleeveless jacket with a mandarin collar. Worn over a kurta to dress it up.
Sherwani sher-VAH-nee: A long, structured coat worn over slim trousers. The most formal men's option.
Bandhgala BUNDH-gah-lah: A tailored suit jacket with a closed, high collar. Very sharp for evening.
Mojari mo-JAH-ree: Flat, embroidered slip-on shoes. Smart loafers work just as well.

For her

Lehenga LEH-hen-gah: A long, full skirt with a fitted blouse (choli) and a dupatta. Festive and easy to move in.
Saree SAH-ree: About five metres of fabric draped over a fitted blouse and an underskirt.
Pre-stitched saree: A saree that is already pleated and sewn. It goes on in minutes, with no draping skills needed.
Anarkali ah-nar-KAH-lee: A long, flowing dress-style kurta, worn with fitted leggings and a dupatta.
Sharara sha-RAH-rah: A short kurta worn with wide, flared trousers. Comfortable and great for dancing.
Dupatta doo-PUT-tah: A long, light scarf worn over one or both shoulders. The easiest way to add an Indian touch to a dress.

Finishing touches

Jewellery: statement earrings (jhumkas) and stacked bangles look great with almost anything.
Bindi: a small decorative dot for the forehead. Completely optional.
Bag: a small clutch or potli (drawstring pouch).
Pocket square or brooch: an easy flourish on a kurta or jacket.

First time wearing it?

Try the full outfit on at home before you travel, including shoes.
For a saree, a pre-stitched style or a short YouTube draping tutorial helps a lot.
Pin your dupatta to your blouse or dress with a safety pin so it stays put while you dance.
Most blouses and kurtas can be taken in by any local tailor.

A note on colour

Colours

Bright, joyful colours are very welcome, especially at the Mehendi and the ceremony. Pinks, oranges, yellows, greens and jewel tones all work beautifully. There is just one thing to avoid.

Please avoid white and black at the ceremony. Black is perfect for the black-tie evening.

We will share the colours we are wearing here closer to the time, so you can avoid matching us.

Finding your outfit

Where to shop

Many outfits ship from India and may need alterations, so please order early. Most shops sell matching sets, so you will not need to put pieces together yourself.

Option	Where	Good to know
Online	Lashkaraa Pernia's Pop-Up Shop Aza Fashions	All ship internationally. Look for "ready to ship" sections for faster delivery. Check sizing charts and return policies before ordering, and allow for import fees.
In Dublin	Libaas	A local shop for Indian outfits, so you can try things on before you buy.
Borrow	From Shruti	Shruti has a few outfits she can lend. Get in touch early, as they will go first come, first served.
In the UK	Southall and Ealing Road, Wembley (London) Belgrave Road (Leicester)	Whole streets of Indian clothing shops. You can try things on, and many offer quick alterations.
Rent	By Rotation and similar rental apps	A good choice if you are unlikely to wear it again. Search for "lehenga", "saree" or "Indian".
Ask us	Message Shruti	Happy to look at options with you, help with sizing, or send ideas.

When to shop

Now – JanuaryBrowseSave ideas and check sizing charts.
By end of FebruaryOrderLeaves 6–8 weeks for shipping and alterations.
MarchTry on and alterCheck the fit with your shoes and get any tailoring done.
AprilPackRoll outfits in tissue or a garment bag to limit creasing.

Good to know

Practical tips

The weather

Sitges in late April is usually mild and sunny, around 20°C by day and cooler in the evening. Bring a light wrap, shawl or jacket for after dark.

Shoes

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Friday morning includes a little dancing outdoors, so block heels or flats can be easier than stilettos, but there is no long walk.

Packing

Embroidered outfits can be heavy, so check your baggage allowance.
Pack a travel steamer, or ask your hotel for one on arrival.
Keep jewellery and safety pins in your hand luggage.

Friday's outfit change

Plan two outfits for Friday: one for the morning and one for black tie. You will have from about 3pm to 7pm to change, and food is not served in that time.

Still wondering?

Questions

I'm not Indian. Is it really OK to wear Indian clothes?

Yes, absolutely. It is a warm gesture, and Indian families love seeing guests join in. There is nothing to get wrong.

Do I have to wear Indian dress?

No. A suit, a smart dress or a jumpsuit is perfect at every event. Wear what makes you feel good.

Can I wear the same outfit to more than one event?

Of course. Many guests wear one Indian outfit to the ceremony and something they already own for the Mehendi and the evening.

Do I need to cover my head or shoulders at the ceremony?

No, there is no requirement. Some people like to drape a dupatta over their shoulders, but it is entirely your choice.

Can I wear black?

Yes, for the black-tie evening. For the ceremony, please choose a colour instead.

I don't know my size in Indian clothing. What should I do?

Use the shop's size chart with your own measurements rather than your usual dress or suit size. Many online shops offer custom stitching for a small fee, which takes the guesswork out.