What to wear in a South Indian Wedding: A complete guide

So, you’ve been invited to a South Indian wedding! Exciting, isn’t it? 

South Indian weddings are renowned for their simplicity, intricate rituals, and a deep sense of tradition. But if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to wear, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

Each state—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh—has its unique customs and styles, making every wedding a distinct experience. 

Understanding these regional differences is key to choosing the perfect attire that respects tradition while allowing you to shine as a guest.

This guide is here to help you navigate the world of South Indian wedding fashion, so you can feel confident and look your best while respecting the rich cultural traditions. 

Let’s explore and find the perfect outfit for you!

General Tips for South Indian Wedding Attire

1. Respect tradition: It's important to dress modestly and choose outfits that respect the cultural norms.
2. Choose bright colors: Vibrant colors like red, gold, green, and yellow are popular in South Indian weddings as they symbolize prosperity and happiness.
3. Opt for comfort: Weddings can be long affairs, so ensure your outfit is comfortable enough to wear for several hours.
4. Accessorize appropriately: Traditional jewelry and accessories like bangles, earrings, and necklaces can enhance your outfit. Don't forget a bindi and hair accessories like flowers or a hairpiece.
5. Understand the dress code: Some weddings might have specific dress codes based on the ceremony. Always check with the hosts if you're unsure.

South Indian Wedding Guest Looks

Men

• Veshti and Shirt: Veshti, also known as dhoti, is a traditional garment worn around the waist, typically made of cotton or silk. It is paired with a shirt, often in contrasting or complementary colors. The shirt can be plain or embellished, depending on the occasion.
• Kurta and Pajama: The kurta is a loose-fitting garment that can be short or long, paired with pajamas (loose trousers). This attire is lightweight and allows for ease of movement, making it suitable for both formal and informal ceremonies within the wedding celebrations.
• Sherwani: A sherwani is a long coat-like garment that is tailored with intricate embroidery, or zari work. Sherwanis are typically paired with churidar pants (fitted trousers) and often accessorized with a dupatta (scarf) draped over one shoulder.

Women

• Saree: Wearing a saree represents grace and elegance for women at South Indian weddings. Typically made from luxurious silk fabrics, sarees are adorned with intricate traditional motifs, zari work, and rich borders. The draping style varies by region, with styles like Nivi, Kaccha, or Seedha Pallu being popular choices. Sarees in vibrant colors such as red, green, blue, and gold are favored for their auspiciousness and beauty.
• Lehenga: It consists of a long skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta. These come in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics, including silk, georgette, or velvet, adorned with intricate embroidery, stone work, or embellishments.
• Salwar Kameez: The outfit consists of a long tunic (kameez), paired with loose-fitting trousers (salwar) and a dupatta. Salwar Kameez sets come in various fabrics such as cotton, silk, or chiffon, with embellishments like embroidery, mirror work, or sequins that add a touch of elegance.

Now that you're familiar with the general tips, let's explore the attire suitable for weddings in Malyali, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu wedding.

Malyali Wedding Outfit Ideas

Malayali weddings are known for their rich cultural heritage and elegant attire. While many Malayali weddings follow traditional Hindu customs, it's important to note that a significant portion of Malayalis are Christians, and their weddings often take place in a church. In such cases, the outfit choices can vary to include more modern and western styles.

For Men:

• Mundu and Shirt: The traditional attire for men. The mundu (a type of dhoti) is usually white or cream, paired with a shirt or kurta.
• Kurta and Mundu: For a more festive look, opt for a silk kurta paired with a Mundu or pajama.
• Suit and Tie: For Christian weddings in a church, a well-fitted suit and tie is appropriate and sophisticated.

Rangeela

 
Toofan Sherwani 

For Women:

• Kasavu Saree: The iconic white and gold saree that is synonymous with Kerala weddings. It’s made from high-quality cotton and often features beautiful handwoven designs.
• Set Mundu:The Set Mundu, or Mundum Neriyathum, is a traditional two-piece garment comprising a lower cloth (mundu) and an upper cloth (neriyathu). Typically white or cream with a golden border, it symbolizes purity and simplicity.
• Cocktail Dress: For Christian weddings, a stylish cocktail dress is a suitable choice for both the ceremony and the reception.
• Modern Lehengas: Contemporary lehengas that are appropriate for wedding ceremonies and receptions can also be a great option for women looking to blend tradition with modern fashion.

Toofani  

Toofani II 

Tamil Wedding Outfit Ideas

For Men:

• Veshti and Angavastram:The veshti is a dhoti made from silk or cotton fabric, typically in white or off-white with a contrasting border known as "kara" or "vadamala." It may vary from plain to subtly patterned, tailored to suit personal preference and occasion. Draped around the waist with precise pleating, it embodies cultural elegance. The angavastram, a silk rectangular cloth, complements the veshti when worn over the shoulder, adding sophistication and functional warmth.
• Silk Shirt and Veshti: For a more formal look, a silk shirt paired with a veshti is ideal.

Pyaara 

Noor 

For Women:

• Kanchipuram Saree: Kanchipuram sarees, also known as Kanjivaram sarees, are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. These sarees are handwoven with pure mulberry silk and are often adorned with intricate designs and motifs. Many of our clients cherish a classic Kanchipuram saree handed down from their mothers or grandmothers. You can modernize these timeless pieces with our essential blouse styles, like the crystal blouse.

• Madisar Saree: Unlike the typical saree drape, the Madisar is draped in a distinctive style that involves wrapping the saree around the waist and legs in a manner that resembles wearing a dhoti and a saree simultaneously. Select a Madisar saree made of rich Kanchipuram silk with traditional patterns and vibrant colors like red, green, and gold. 

Rangeeli 

Preeti sari 

Kannada Wedding Outfit Ideas

For Men:

• Panche (or Lungi) and a Shirt: Panche (or Lungi) paired with a shirt or silk kurta forms a traditional outfit. Silk Panche with gold or zari borders is particularly appropriate and adds a touch of luxury to the outfit. Ensure the Panche is long enough to be wrapped securely around the waist and falls gracefully to the ankles.
• Sherwani: For a more modern touch, a sherwani can be worn during the reception or main wedding ceremony.

Chulbulla set

Nasir Sherwani 

For Women:

• Mysore Silk Saree: Made from pure silk, these sarees are soft, lightweight, and have a natural sheen that adds to their elegance.Opt for a Mysore Silk saree in vibrant colors like royal blue, deep red, emerald green, or rich gold. 
• Ilkal Saree: Originating from Ilkal in Karnataka, Ilkal sarees are characterized by their unique weave, which includes a contrast pallu (a decorative end of the saree) attached to the body of the saree. Many of our clients have treasured Ilkal sarees passed down through generations. Update these beautiful sarees with modern blouse styles, such as our elegant pearl blouse.

Anjali sari 

Telugu Wedding Outfit Ideas

For Men:

• Dhoti and Kurta: The traditional wedding attire, often made of silk.
• Sherwani or Kurta-Pajama: For more formal ceremonies within the wedding. These outfits are intricately designed with embroidery, zari work, or embellishments, reflecting sophistication and grace.

Jaysel set 

Ranveer set (red) 

For Women:

• Pattu Saree: Pattu sarees, made from pure silk, are the epitome of grace and opulence in Telugu weddings. These sarees are heavily adorned with intricate designs, zari borders, and motifs that symbolize prosperity and tradition. 
• Half-Saree: The half-saree, also known as Langa Voni or Pavadai Dhavani, is a three-piece attire consisting of a skirt, blouse, and a dupatta. It is a traditional outfit worn by younger women and girls during pre-wedding ceremonies and festive occasions. 

Radha lehenga (pink) 

Sheetal 

Wrapping up

We hope that you have gained a good understanding of the various traditional outfits across different regions of South India. Choosing the right outfit for a South Indian wedding involves understanding the regional traditions and customs. By respecting these cultural norms and adding your personal style, you can ensure that you look stunning and feel comfortable. 

If you are interested in rental options or a custom outfit, please check the details on our website. Feel free to reach out to us with any queries you may have. We are here to assist you!