Dress Codes

Festive Indian (Sundown Mehendi; day 1)
For the Turkish Souk themed Mehendi, the dress code should be elegant and bright, whether Western or Indian style. Women can wear semi-formal dresses, lehengas, sarees, or anarkali/salwar suits with bright colours, embroidery, or mirror work. Think yellow, orange, and green, and make sure your arms are bare to the shoulder for the henna to be applied! Men can opt for suits, kurta-pajamas, sherwanis, or Indo-western outfits like bandhgalas with comfortable footwear. Men usually wear button-down shirts, blazers, or a smart kurta set for Indian wear. The goal is to look sophisticated but feel comfortable.

Shades of Yellow (Bhaat and Haldi; day 2)
The dress code for the Bhaat and Haldi events is more comfortable. The Bhaat and Haldi have a Village Festival theme, and we recommend wearing bright, cheerful shades of yellow to match the festive atmosphere and prevent turmeric stains from the haldi.

Formal Best (Sangeet; day 2)
For the Tropical Enchanted Garden themed Sangeet, go for vibrant jewel tones! Some suggest traditional Indian attire like sarees or salwar kameez, but others recommend bright dresses, palazzo suits, or skirts and crop tops. We recommend you pair the outfit with comfortable but stylish footwear for easy movement. The key is to balance traditional elegance with practicality for dancing, ensuring the attire is both celebratory and movement-friendly.

Smart Casual (Poolside brunch; day 3)
For our poolside brunch, channel the chic elegance of the French Riviera! Ladies can opt for breezy sundresses, flowy maxis, or chic co-ords in pastels, florals, or nautical stripes, paired with stylish hats and comfy sandals. Gentlemen, think lightweight linen shirts, tailored shorts or chinos, and loafers or classy sandals. Keep it vibrant, classy, and perfect for a sunny day by the pool!

Traditional Indian (Phera, Reception; day 3)
The Phera ceremony and reception have a theme of Monet’s Garden, and the dress code is typically traditional and elegant, focusing on culturally respectful attire. Women can wear sarees or lehengas in pastel colours, paired with bold jewellery. Men usually opt for sherwanis, kurta-pajamas, or dhoti-kurtas with light embroidery, often accessorized with a dupatta or stole. The attire should reflect the sacredness of the ritual, balancing traditional designs with the formality of the occasion.

If you are worried, please have a look through the outfit inspiration Pinterest boards for women or men, and reach out to Mads if you have any questions!

Buying sarees and other Indian attire

If you are arriving from a western country and don't know what to wear, we can help! We suggest wearing traditional attire in the Phera at least, which you might not already have in your wardrobe. Here is some information to help you get dressed up!

  • Saree wrapping:
    A saree is a straight bolt of intricate, hand-woven silk that can fit any person, and under the saree you wear a tailored blouse in a matching colour. We will have some helping hands on-site to assist with your saree wrapping if you are unfamiliar with the craft. Saree wrapping can be surprisingly difficult (example), and there are dozens of wrapping styles that might indicate an unexpected statement about yourself (such as "daggy!"). Please give Mads a shout if you would like some support here, she will coordinate with you.

  • Shopping shuttles:
    We have organised shuttles to take groups of guests from the airport or the hotel to local clothing stores in Jaipur and then return them to the venue. While at these stores, you could pick a hand-woven silk saree and a pre-made blouse/skirt set, or you can choose an anarkali, salwar, or palazzo suit and pair it with a pretty dupatta!

  • Pre-purchasing a blouse before arriving in India:
    Mads recommends deciding on a saree colour and aesthetic and purchasing a blouse in your colour selection before arriving in India. In this way, you can ensure you have a well-fitted blouse but still make use of the more diverse (and inexpensive) saree options in India.

    • Bonus 1: Pick a colour that suits multiple other colours and buy two unique sarees to match a single blouse. See here for examples of mismatched saree/blouse colours.

    • Bonus 2: Coordinate with a friend and each buy two blouses. Each individual can then purchase a saree that matches one of the two colours. This will provide two unique outfits but you will each only take a single saree home, along with a bonus cropped blouse!

      Fabindia blouses
      Kalki blouses
      Tilfi blouses

  • Tailoring:
    If you are worried about the blouse fitting, please consider getting it tailored! Indian clothing stores perform this service daily for their customers, so just head to a local Indian clothing store and get your outfit tailored there.

  • Bespoke outfits:
    For a bespoke outfit such as an intricate lehenga, or a saree with a tailored blouse/skirt, we can recommend a couple of stores in Melbourne or London that you can visit. Please check the list below and message Mads if you have any questions!

    London:
    Aashni + Co
    Nikaza Asian Couture

    Melbourne:
    Karegar
    Rajashree Bridal Studio

Visas

Australian passport holders
Australian nationals require a valid visa for entry into India. Check if you're eligible for an e-visa on the Indian Visa Online website. For information regarding other visa categories or entry and exit requirements, see the Indian High Commission in Australia website.

For information and advice regarding Indian visas and immigration regulations while in India, see the FRRO/FRO and the Bureau of Immigration websites.

UK passport holders
You need a visa to travel to India, there are a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel. Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration. Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for: an e-visa, or a regular (paper) visa.

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London.