Dress Code
Mehndi
We’ve had some questions about the dress code for the Friday Mehndi event. Here is some helpful guidance, and links below if you want to buy. Feel free to reach out to either of us if you have any questions. The most important thing for us is that you’re happy and comfortable - no matter what you’re wearing :)
Women
Most women will be wearing lehengas (aka lehenga choli). This is essentially a long skirt, a crop top (with or without sleeves) and a dupatta (scarf/shawl). As you can see below, some styles show more or less of your stomach - find one you feel comfortable in!
Women could also wear a kurta (try to make it more of a party, embellished style). This is a bit like a dress but with slits, and usually palazzo style trousers underneath.
Or another option is called an anarkali suit, which is a bit more like a dress, usually with slimmer fitting trousers underneath.
Similar western attire you might want to wear - you could wear a maxi skirt, with a crop top and a shawl/scarf.
Alternatively, just wear something bright and colourful :)
You can of course also wear a saree - however I don’t recommend this for your first Indian wedding event, as it is very hard to put on and not the easiest to navigate whilst wearing.
Men
Most men will be wearing kurtas. This is like a longline shirt, with slits in the side. Some kurtas will come in a set, with slimline trousers - others you could wear with your own linen/cotton trousers. You can wear traditional shoes, or you could wear a leather sandal style, or an espadrille style like TOMS.
Or another option is called a nehru jacket (can also be referred to as a sleeveless nehru jacket, or a bundi jacket), which is a bit like a waistcoat, worn over a kurta or a collarless shirt, with similar cotton/linen trousers.
Another option is called a sherwani, which is like a long length jacket - again these sometimes come as a set with trousers, or sometimes just as the jacket you can wear with similar cotton/linen trousers.
Similar western attire: you could wear a grandad/collarless shirt style, with cotton/linen style trousers:
Kids
The same as above but in mini!
Recommendations of places to buy:
Here are some recommendations of places if you want to buy:
Online
Ladlee Direct (Dhwani’s family’s shop)
Pernia’s Pop Up Shop (can get good deals in the sale, these are shipped from India so try and order at least ~2 months before)
Kalki Fashion (I haven’t used this site myself yet, but have been recommended it, so check delivery times)
In person
Ladlee Direct (Dhwani’s family’s shop in Leicester)
Lots of shops along Ealing Rd, Wembley (West London)
Lots of shops along Green Street (near Upton Park, East London)
If you are reading this and you have other recommendations you could share, please send them to Emma, or fill in this box with as much detail as you have and I’ll update this for others :)