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Quick answer
At a mehndi (also spelled mehendi), guests wear bright, playful and comfortable Indian outfits: a cotton or georgette kurta set, an Anarkali, a sharara set or a light lehenga. The classic mehndi colours are yellow, green, orange, pink and mustard, and prints like bandhani, leheriya and block print look perfect. Choose short, three-quarter or roll-up sleeves so your henna can dry, and outfits you can sit on the floor in.
This guide is for guests at mehndis in India, the USA, the UK, Canada, the UAE and Australia.
By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Every piece is stitched in our own Jaipur unit.
What happens at a mehndi?
The mehndi is a pre-wedding celebration where henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, and usually to female guests too. There is music, food, and often dancing. It can be a daytime event at home or a big evening party, depending on the family. In Punjabi, Pakistani and many North Indian weddings it is one of the most colourful events.
Best mehndi outfits for guests
| Outfit | Why it works | Fabric | |---|---|---| | Kurta pant dupatta set | Comfortable to sit in, easy to manage | Cotton, chanderi, kota | | Anarkali suit | Festive and photogenic | Georgette, chiffon, cotton | | Sharara or gharara set | Playful and traditional | Georgette, cotton | | Light lehenga | Very festive for close family | Georgette, cotton silk | | Co-ord set or kaftan | Relaxed daytime mehndis | Cotton, linen |
Mehndi colours
Best colours: haldi yellow, mustard, parrot green, emerald, orange, marigold, rani pink, coral and teal. Multi-colour prints like bandhani, leheriya and mirror work are perfect for a mehndi.
Avoid:
- Bridal red, if the bride is wearing it
- All white, as some families find it unlucky, and henna can stain it
- Very expensive silks, as henna paste can stain fabric
Read our guide on what bandhani is and how to style a bandhani Anarkali.
Practical tips for the henna
- Sleeves: choose short, three-quarter or roll-up sleeves. Full tight sleeves will smudge wet henna.
- Dupatta: pin it so it does not drag across your wet hands.
- Sitting: mehndis often have floor seating with cushions, so avoid very tight or short outfits.
- Shoes: slip-on juttis or sandals, as you cannot use your hands for buckles while the henna dries.
- Jewellery: skip rings and bracelets until the henna is dry.
Mehndis in the USA, UK and Canada
Mehndis abroad are often held in hotel ballrooms or banquet halls in the evening and can feel like a party. Choose a slightly dressier Anarkali or sharara set, and for winter carry a warm shawl or coat. If the mehndi is at home, a comfortable kurta set is perfect.
Modest mehndi looks
For a modest or hijabi look, choose a floor-length Anarkali with three-quarter sleeves that you can push up for henna, a matching or contrast hijab, and a dupatta pinned at the shoulder. See our modest and hijabi wedding guest guide.
Frequently asked questions
What colour should I wear to a mehndi? Yellow, green, orange and pink are the classic mehndi colours. Many couples choose a theme, so check the invitation or dress code card.
What should a non-Indian guest wear to a mehndi? A bright kurta set, Anarkali or sharara set is perfect. Families love it when guests wear Indian outfits. A colourful summer maxi dress also works if you prefer western clothes.
Should I get henna as a guest? Usually yes. Female guests are often offered henna, so wear sleeves that leave your hands and wrists free.
What is the difference between mehndi and haldi? At the haldi, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom, so guests wear yellow clothes they do not mind staining. At the mehndi, henna is applied to the hands, and the outfits are more festive.
Can I wear a lehenga to a mehndi? Yes, a light cotton or georgette lehenga is great for a mehndi. Avoid heavy bridal lehengas and red.
Related guides
- What to wear to a sangeet as a guest
- What to wear to a Pakistani wedding as a guest
- What to wear to a Punjabi wedding as a guest
- What to wear to a Jaggo night as a guest
Our kurta sets and Anarkalis are made in our own Jaipur unit and ship free to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia with duties prepaid, so there are no customs fees on delivery.
