FashionsFashions
Question
What should we wear?What should we wear?
Answer
Our "dress code" is "be your most fabulous self!" Some call this "outshine the bride," or "try and upstage the grooms" (yes, we are giving you permission to outshine/upstage us!) We want to see you go all out and be the most glamourous you can be! When you look good, we all look good. And most importantly we all all feel good. Here is a good inspiration video for what this means: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxqbsMsOFKE/ Note - this is a formal event - so even if you feel the most glamourous in jeans/sweats... maybe save that for a different event. Think more red carpet.
Question
Avoid any colors?Avoid any colors?
Answer
Yes, please avoid black fabrics or full black looks. In Indian weddings this is considered inauspicious.
Question
Crocs?Crocs?
Answer
You will be kicked out.
Question
Can we wear Indian outfits?Can we wear Indian outfits?
Answer
Yes! We welcome you to wear Indian clothing. If you were not born Indian, we still welcome the opportunity for you to wear Indian outfits. We do not view that as appropriating our culture. In fact, we see that as celebrating Indian culture. Please see below for specifics on what you can wear.
Question
Indian Garments for WomenIndian Garments for Women
Answer
1. Lehenga or Ghagra- formal. There are slight differences between Lehengas and Ghagras. But overall it's a 3 piece garment- top, circle skirt to the floor, and a sash (called a dupatta). This all comes in a set. The top in a lehenga is usually more cropped and fitted. Ghagras are more budget friendly. This website provides a better chart for the specific differences. https://www.azafashions.com/blog/ghagra-vs-lehenga-usa/?srsltid=AfmBOooK5-QVKC3DVHll7Cd7FukspoiWY66RJkgPUg55FyTtj1nJCPyZ 2. Sari- formal (but can be casual depending on the fabric and use). This is a 5 yard long fabric draped around the body. Need a petticoat to tuck in the waist pleats, and a “blouse” for a top. The blouse can be many things. The most common is a crop top that coordinates with the sari. Sometimes (and usually for fancier saris), the sari will come with a “blouse piece” that women will take to a tailor to make a custom blouse. These blouse pieces match the pattern on the sari. If you want to learn how to put on a sari, I would go to Tia Bhuva on Instagram. She also has her own store where she sells modern day petticoats, tops, and saris (however, her price point skews up). 3. Kurta/Kurti/Salwar Kameez- all interchangeable wording for basically the same outfit. It is a long shirt/tunic (goes to the knee) that goes with pants. The pants can be flowy, slim fit, or dhoti-style (drop crotch). Usually comes as a set. But you can wear any pant with the top. This can be very simple- a solid- to very ornate. The ornate ones are more formal. But overall this is the most basic/casual level. Honorable Mention - Teep/Bindi - a dot
Question
Indian Garments for MenIndian Garments for Men
Answer
1. Sherwani - More formal than Kurta. Generally more structured and more ornate. This is the "tuxedo" of formal wear for men. Depending on the style, this can come as a one piece or up to 3 pieces - the 3 pieces being a dupata (sash), vest or over jacket, and under tunic. 2. Kurta/Kurti/Salwar Kameez- all interchangeable wording for basically the same outfit. It is a long shirt/tunic (goes to the knee) that goes with pants. The pants can be flowy, slim fit, or dhoti-style (drop crotch). Usually comes as a set. But you can wear any pant with the top. This can be very simple- a solid- to very ornate. The ornate ones are more formal. But overall this is the most basic/casual level. 3. Dhoti (pant option)- a piece of fabric draped to be pants. This is where those drop-crotch/MC Hammer pants come from. You wear this underneath a Kurta. You can get this as a fabric or a pre-folded. You do not need to wear this under a kurta - a regular pant will do. But it can be a fun option if you want to switch things up.
Question
Can we gender bend?Can we gender bend?
Answer
YES!!! Please feel free to mix and match.
Question
Where can we get these items?Where can we get these items?
Answer
Unless you live in an area with a dedicated Indian street (Devon-Chicago/Jackson heights-NY/Mira Mesa-San Diego), you will have to shop online or ask a friend. If you do live near a store, please go check them out! It will be great for research and help you determine what style is best for you (and how to wear them). However we warned that some stores are priced poorly (like Fancy Stop in San Diego). ONLINE SHOPPING WARNING - Make sure you read the size charts. Not all size charts are created equal. 1) Mirraw.com This is our favorite website. There are a variety of styles for a variety of price points. You can find anything here. We have personally ordered from this website several times, and we are happy with the results. Please mind the size chart. This website does not use consistent size charts. 2) Amazon You can find things here. However, some retailers are terrible with pricing. Some people will charge hundreds of dollars for the most basic things (ex: a solid fabric with no pattern). It is okay to compare these with what you find on Mirraw. 3) Fancy Stop - In person store in San Diego I think this store is expensive-derogatory. I do not think many of their prices are justified. However, they have a variety of styles, and it might help you to look at the different options in person.