What to wear to a haldi, a mehndi and a sangeet

The haldi, the mehndi and the sangeet are the most fun functions of a wedding, and the hardest to dress for. You will be sitting, dancing, getting turmeric on your clothes and henna on your hands, often on the same weekend. Here is what works, whether you are the bride or a guest.

The haldi

The haldi is usually in the morning or early afternoon, and turmeric paste gets everywhere. Choose something light, comfortable and washable, and accept that it may be marked.

• Fabric: cotton or a light blend that breathes in the day.
• Colour: yellow is traditional, and greens, whites and soft pastels look lovely in daylight.
• Hand-work: keep it light. Thread-work, buti or a little lace.
• Tip: flat shoes, and sleeves you can roll up.

Mehreen, in mehendi-green cotton with an ivory thread yoke and crochet lace, is an easy piece for a haldi.

The mehndi

At the mehndi the bride sits for hours while henna is drawn on her hands and feet, and then waits for it to dry. Guests often have henna done too. Comfort and practical details matter more than anything.

• Sleeves: elbow-length, or loose enough to push up, with no heavy work at the wrists.
• Bottoms: a patiala or a flared salwar is comfortable for sitting on the floor for a long time.
• Colour: this is the function for bright, happy colours: green, pink, orange, purple, wine.
• Hand-work: mirror work and zari look beautiful and are not too heavy.

Afsana, an ivory kurta printed in lilac and gold florals with a deep wine patiala, zari flowers and mirror centres, is a happy choice for a mehndi.

The sangeet

The sangeet is in the evening, and it is for dancing. You want shine that catches the lights and a cut that moves with you.

• Cut: flares, bell-bottoms and gowns look wonderful in movement. Make sure you can dance in it.
• Colour: deeper evening shades: navy, black, wine, emerald, with gold.
• Hand-work: sequin, pearl and metallic thread-work for sparkle.

Three Zarqa pieces made for the evening:

• Andaaz: midnight-navy crepe with sequin and pearl sprays, and a bell-bottom that flares from the knee.
• Shahana: all black silk, lit by hand with gold and ivory floral sprays and a sheer organza dupatta.
• Aurelle: our first gown, a midnight-navy corset with hand-embroidered antique-gold vines over a draped fishtail gown, made for a cocktail night, a sangeet or a reception. Aurelle is on pre-order.

If you are a guest

• Leave bridal red to the bride, and keep your outfit a step lighter than hers.
• Ask the family if there is a colour theme for any function. Many weddings have one now.
• If you are travelling for the wedding, choose pieces that fold well and do not crush.

Order in good time

Every Zarqa piece is made to order, in your size or to your measurements, and dispatched 4–6 weeks after you order. If you are the bride and want to plan every function together, book a trousseau consultation. Online consultations are free.