Be a guest who can be remembered well by the hosts after their departure by following these etiquette tips for wedding guests.
Indian weddings are truly spectacular — a maelstrom of colours, rituals, music, and never-ending celebrations, stretching over days. From the vibrant mehendi to the heartwarming pheras, there is not one moment that is not soaked in tradition and affection. But in all the pomp and ceremony, there is one element that turns the day around: wedding guests.
Yes, getting invited to an Indian wedding makes you part of a stunning, often dishevelled family narrative. And although the hosts hope you enjoy yourself, there are certain unwritten rules that you absolutely have to follow. So, before you slip into your finest saree or suit and dance the night away, here’s a comprehensive guide for wedding guests created by our team at Wedding Affair on what NOT to do at an Indian wedding!
Don’t Wear Black!
In India, black is regarded as unlucky or inauspicious for weddings. So, however attractive your black attire appears, reserve those hues for another day. Rather, indulge in the vibrant jewel colours — bright reds, regal blues, rich greens, and glittering golds that honour the festive event. And don’t forget, it’s all about adding to the colour fiesta, not dampening it!
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Don’t Show Up Late — Particularly for Rituals
Indian weddings are packed with sacred rituals like the ganesh puja, mehendi, haldi, and the pheras that follow strict timelines. Arriving late is not just rude, it disrupts the spiritual flow. Plus, missing the pheras means missing the heart of the wedding ceremony itself. So plan ahead, beat the traffic, and show up on time (or better yet, early!)—bonus points if you’re there for the mehendi and sangeet too.
Don’t Block the Priest or Photographer
The pandit (priest) who’s performing rituals requires room to carry out sacred ceremonies, and holding them up for selfies or “better photos” is a huge faux pas. Likewise, the photographer and videographer are present to catch the magic—not to turn away your phone or photobomb your silly cousin’s photos. So take your photos quietly, then stand back and allow the professionals to do their thing.
Don’t Complain About the Food
Indian weddings offer a variety of dishes—chaats to curries, sweets to pickles—prepared with love and tradition. If it’s spicy, sweet, or just not to your liking, keep such thoughts to yourself. Food here is a cultural expression, and loud complaining is not only impolite but will destroy the celebratory atmosphere. If there are dietary issues, inform ahead of time so that hosts can conveniently accommodate you.
Don’t Get Overly Intoxicated
The bar may be open, and the DJ blasting your favorite Bollywood hits, but remember: you’re at a family event. Drunken antics, loud arguments, or inappropriate behavior can be embarrassing for the couple and their families. Drink responsibly and keep your energy on the dance floor, not on drama.
Don’t Skip the RSVP (or Respond Late)
Indian weddings are much planned. The count of wedding guests dictates everything—seating, catering, favors, and transportation. Not RSVPing or waiting until the last minute creates havoc in the background. RSVP with a clear and timely response. If your plans fall through, inform the hosts as soon as possible.
Don’t Bring Enormous Gifts to the Premises
Although gifts are a sweet thing, Indian weddings feature numerous events and hectic agendas. It is troublesome to carry heavy gifts to the event or shift them around. In case the couple has a gift list or a desired way of gifting, adhere to that. Otherwise, present gifts at home or after the wedding.
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Be a guest who brings happiness and respect to the celebrations with these effective etiquette tips for wedding guests!
