5 Rules for What to Wear to a Desi Fusion Wedding

Dressing up for a South Asian wedding isn't so simple anymore.

Times are changing for South Asian wedding guests. Years ago, an invitation to a desi wedding meant you could simply break out a traditional lehenga or sari. Things aren’t as simple anymore.

For one,  interracial marriages are on the rise. If you’re invited to the wedding of a couple with one South Asian member and one from another culture, the dress code might understandably be affected by this. Even when both members are of South Asian descent, many couples are choosing to host more traditional wedding ceremonies followed by Western-style receptions.

There’s also the possibility that you’re not familiar with South Asian fashion or know that the couple in question is seeking a more nontraditional fusion vibe for their big day. Fear not, for fashion in India has become more fluid in recent years, with silhouettes and workmanship echoing Western wear. Additionally, Western fashion takes major cues from Indian designers, especially when designing colorful or heavily embellished pieces.

Because of all these factors, dressing for a desi fusion wedding is not only easier than ever, it’s also a lot of fun. It’s just a matter of keeping a few rules in mind.

1. Seek out color

If you’ve chosen to wear a Western dress to a desi wedding (after all, a shopping trip overseas isn’t always in the cards!), consider choosing something in a vibrant hue. Sure, you can never go wrong in all black, but chances are you’ll blend in with the crowd more seamlessly if you opt for a brightly colored dress.

2. Pile on the accessories

If you consider nude or lighter dresses, then there is still an easy way to desi-fy your look. Simply add a colorful scarf, an armful of bangles, a beautiful beaded jacket…use your imagination! If it’s bright and sparkly, it’s probably a good choice.

3. Mix and match

[Photo Source: Pinterest]

Maybe you have an old lehenga at home that’s dying to come out but feels a bit outdated. Why not give it a little makeover? Try pairing the skirt of your lehenga with a simple bodysuit or wear its top with a solid-colored maxi skirt.  We love the idea of combining a long tulle skirt with a heavily beaded choli. You can create a whole new look that’s perfect for a fusion wedding if you go this route.

4. Contrast your jewelry

You could wear a Western dress with traditional Indian jewelry, which looks stunning against a very simple dress. If you’re wearing a sari, try balancing the look out with simple, understated jewelry to neutralize the look a bit.

5. Buy Indian clothes with Western silhouettes

Plenty of Indian designers are creating long, flowy gowns with their signature quality. If you’re going getting a custom-made dress, try ordering a “gown-style” outfit and customizing the color and embellishment to your liking.