Desi wedding guest outfits in the US: mehndi to walima

The events and their moods

Families differ, so always follow the invitation, but these are common patterns:

• Dholki: relaxed singing evenings at home. A comfortable printed or lightly embroidered suit is right.
• Mehndi: bright, joyful and often themed in yellows, greens or oranges. Floor seating and dancing make a gharara or sharara a lovely choice; our guide to gharara and sharara explains how much fabric and fit they need.
• Baraat or shaadi: the most formal event, usually in jewel tones with richer embroidery and a full dupatta.
• Walima: elegant and often a little softer in colour, with fine work rather than heavy work.

Looking festive as a guest

Guests are expected to dress up, but not to compete with the couple. Ask the hosts whether there is a colour theme for any event, especially the mehndi, and avoid matching the wedding party unless you have been asked to. Statement sleeves, a richly finished dupatta or a striking neckline make an outfit memorable without taking over the photographs.

Embroidery, lace and borders can be added to an outfit we stitch, at delicate, detailed or statement level, and statement work is intended for exactly this kind of party. Our fancy work page for the USA explains the levels; we confirm what works on your fabric and design in your quote.

Comfort in banquet halls and ballrooms

Venues in the US tend to be cold during dinner and hot on the dance floor. A lined chiffon or cotton silk kameez handles both better than a heavily layered synthetic outfit. Make sure the armholes and sleeves allow you to lift your arms, and that the trousers let you sit cross-legged if the mehndi has floor seating.

Lining matters more than people expect at formal events; see does my kameez need lining before you finalise the design.

Travelling to a wedding out of state

If you are flying from Chicago to a wedding in Edison or Houston, pack each outfit flat in its own garment bag or tissue, with the dupatta folded separately. Embroidered fabric creases where it is folded hard, so roll rather than press where you can, and steam on arrival. Our guide to ironing and steaming explains how to do it without marking the work.

Take a small sewing kit and safety pins. Hotels can usually lend an iron, but a travel steamer is gentler on chiffon.

Ordering for the season

Party outfits take the most planning, so ask early. Production takes 5 to 7 working days once the quote is approved and paid in full, and shipping to the US is extra and varies. List every outfit in one enquiry, with each event and its date, and we quote them together.

If you have a picture of what you want, start with Send Your Design. The custom design page for the USA explains how a picture becomes a written design, and the weekends and gatherings page has more party ideas.