An infinity symbol formed by two hands joining, entwined with lace and gold florals, for Ankita and Chaitanya

Traditional Marathi Wedding · Pune, Maharashtra

Ankita & Chaitanya

A guide to dressing for our celebration — what to wear, what the colours mean, and where to find it. Written with our guests travelling from abroad in mind.

Explore the guide
Setting
Traditional Marathi
City
Pune, India
Dress code
Festive Indian

The celebrations

What to wear, function by function

Each of our four functions has its own mood and its own colours. Here is a simple guide to each one — nothing here is a rule, only a gentle steer so you feel part of it all.

01

Mehendi

मेहंदी · The henna evening

A relaxed afternoon of henna, music and food. You will be sitting cross-legged, eating with your hands and having your palms painted — so comfort matters far more than formality here.

It is a small, homely function — so please do wear whatever is comfortable.

For women

Olive kurta set, front Olive kurta set, back
Olive kurta setWith a printed dupatta
Sage green kurti
Sage green kurtiWith palazzo pants
Emerald anarkali, front Emerald anarkali, back
Emerald anarkaliFloor-length, with a dupatta

For men

Short kurta, front Short kurta, back
Short kurtaPaired with off-white trousers
Long kurta, front Long kurta, back
Long kurtaPaired with cream pyjama

Preferred colours

Green

Any shade — olive, mint, emerald or bottle green all look wonderful against fresh henna.

02

Haldi

हळद · The turmeric ceremony

Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for blessing and glow — and inevitably some finds its way onto everyone else. Wear something you genuinely do not mind staining, because turmeric never fully washes out.

For women

Ivory anarkali, front Ivory anarkali, back
Ivory anarkaliWith a golden-bordered dupatta
Yellow salwar suit, front Yellow salwar suit, back
Yellow salwar suitWith a printed dupatta
Embroidered sharara set, front Embroidered sharara set, back
Embroidered sharara set

For men

Pale yellow kurta, front Pale yellow kurta, back
Pale yellow kurta
Mustard kurta, front Mustard kurta, back
Mustard kurta
Ivory kurta, front Ivory kurta, back
Ivory kurta

Preferred colours

Yellow White Pastels

This is the one function where white is not only allowed but encouraged.

03

Sangeet

संगीत · The music night

The most glamorous evening of the week — choreographed performances from both families, dancing until late, and a great deal of noise. Dress up properly, but pick something you can actually move in.

For women

Sequin draped gown, front Sequin draped gown, back
Sequin draped gownWith an embellished cape blouse
Sequin gown, front Sequin gown, back
Sequin gownSheer sleeves
Navy sequin lehenga, front Navy sequin lehenga, back
Navy sequin lehengaWith a crop blouse

For men

Embroidered sherwani, front Embroidered sherwani, back
Embroidered sherwaniWith a matching dupatta
Bandhgala jacket, front Bandhgala jacket, back
Bandhgala jacket
Classic suit, front Classic suit, walking
Classic suitWith a bow tie

Preferred colours

All colours welcome

Go as bold as you like — this is the night for sequins, metallics and jewel tones.

04

The Wedding

लग्न · The ceremony

The morning of the vows, held under the mandap with the priest, the antarpat and the rice-throwing that follows. This is the day to wear something truly traditional — and we would love to help you find it.

A little gift, from our hearts to yours

Having you with us means the world to us. As a small token of our love, we're having a saree made for each of our women guests and a kurta pyjama set for each of our men guests — tailored with care, right here in Pune. Just share your sizes below and leave the rest to us; it will be waiting for you as a little surprise, made with so much love.

For women — blouse measurements
How to measure yourself
For men — kurta & pyjama size
Size chart & how to measure

Colour guide

Wear the colours of Maharashtra

Each function has its own palette, listed above. Beyond that, these are the shades that come alive at an Indian wedding — and the two to leave at home.

Colours we love to see

Peacock green
Deep maroon
Turmeric gold
Royal purple
Brick orange
Cobalt blue
Rose pink
Teal

Please avoid

All-white and all-black outfits. White is worn for mourning in Hindu tradition, and black is considered inauspicious at a wedding. White in a print, or as an accessory, is perfectly fine.

A note on the bride

Ankita will wear green and gold — the traditional Marathi bridal palette. Guests are kindly asked to avoid an emerald green saree with heavy gold zari, so the bride stands apart in photographs.

Want something else ready for you?

Let us shop ahead for you

Beyond the saree and kurta gifts above, our other functions — Mehendi, Haldi, Sangeet — each have their own colour themes too. If you'd like a specific outfit bought and ready for you locally before you land, just tell us here — for example, a kurta set for Haldi, or a saree for Mehendi — and we'll arrange it and confirm the cost with you first.

This is entirely optional

Only fill this in if you'd like our help sourcing something specific in advance. Nothing will be bought without your confirmation. You can add more than one item before sending.

Item details

Before the day

Small things worth knowing

A few practical notes that will make the day easier and more comfortable.

Wear slip-on shoes

Footwear comes off before entering the mandap and any temple space. Sandals you can step out of without bending down will save you a great deal of fuss.

Choose breathable fabric

Pune is warm, and some ceremonies run outdoors for hours. Cotton silk, chiffon and georgette all breathe well. Heavy embroidery is best kept for the evening.

Wear the jewellery

Glass bangles, jhumka earrings and a bindi are warmly welcomed, never seen as appropriation. Green bangles in particular are considered auspicious in Maharashtra.

Help with draping is on hand

If you have never worn a saree, do not worry for a moment. Someone will be available on the morning to drape it for you — it takes about ten minutes.

Save an old outfit for haldi

The haldi ceremony involves turmeric paste, and turmeric stains permanently. Wear something you do not mind losing — traditionally yellow, always cheerful.