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At a Telugu wedding, female guests traditionally wear a silk saree – Kanchipuram, Gadwal, Dharmavaram, Uppada or Pochampally – in bright, auspicious colours like yellow, green, magenta, orange, maroon or peacock blue. A silk-look kurta set or Anarkali is perfectly fine if you do not wear sarees. The main ceremony, the muhurtham, can be early in the morning or late at night, so check the time on the invitation. Avoid all black and plain white, and wear flowers in your hair if you like.
This guide is for guests at Telugu weddings in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, the USA (Dallas, New Jersey, Bay Area), the UK, Canada and Australia.
By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Every piece is stitched in our own Jaipur unit, and our block prints are printed by hand by our karigars.
What happens at a Telugu wedding?
Telugu weddings (pelli) are full of colourful rituals. These are the ones guests usually see:
| Function | What happens | What to wear | Colours | |---|---|---|---| | Pellikuthuru / Pellikoduku | Haldi-style blessing of the bride or groom | Cotton or light silk | Yellow, green, orange | | Mehendi / sangeet (modern) | Henna and music, often in the US | Kurta set or Anarkali you can dance in | Bright, festive | | Muhurtham (main ceremony) | Jeelakarra bellam, mangalsutra, talambralu, saptapadi | Silk saree or silk-look kurta set | Yellow, magenta, green, maroon | | Reception | Evening party | Your most glamorous outfit | Jewel tones, gold |
During jeelakarra bellam, the couple place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other's heads at the auspicious moment. During talambralu, they shower each other with turmeric rice or pearls, and it often turns into a fun contest. Guests sit close by, so you will be in many photos.
What should you wear to the muhurtham?
- Traditional: a silk saree with a contrast border.
- If you do not wear sarees: a silk-look kurta set with a dupatta, or an Anarkali in a rich colour. Chanderi and taffeta silk give the sheen of silk without the weight.
- Coverage: keep shoulders covered, especially if the ceremony is in a temple.
- Shoes: you will take them off at the mandapam or temple.
The sage green taffeta silk Anarkali ($52) has the glow of silk in a classic Telugu-wedding green. For a lighter morning look, the coral pink chanderi kurta set ($52) has a soft sheen that suits daylight.
Which colours are best for a Telugu wedding?
- Turmeric yellow and mustard: very auspicious.
- Parrot green and emerald: classic silk-saree colours.
- Magenta, rani pink and orange: festive and photogenic.
- Maroon and peacock blue: rich and traditional.
Colours to avoid
- All black: seen as inauspicious at many Telugu weddings.
- Plain white: linked with mourning. The bride may wear a white or cream saree with a red border (the madhuparkam saree) for one ritual – that is hers.
- Head-to-toe bridal red: leave it to the bride.
What should you wear to the reception?
The reception is the glamorous evening event – heavier silk sarees, lehengas or Anarkalis with embroidery. The royal blue georgette Anarkali with gota dupatta ($52) stands out beautifully under evening lights.
Styling tips
- Flowers: a string of jasmine or kanakambaram in your hair is a lovely traditional touch.
- Gold jewellery: temple jewellery, jhumkas or a long haram.
- Bangles: glass or gold bangles in colours that match your outfit.
- Comfort: muhurthams can be at 5 am or late at night, so choose a fabric you can sit in for hours.
Telugu weddings in the USA
Telugu weddings in Dallas, New Jersey and the Bay Area often combine functions into one weekend and add a sangeet. The colour rules stay the same. Indoor venues are air-conditioned, so carry a light shawl.
What should a non-Telugu guest wear?
A silk-look kurta set or a festive Anarkali in yellow, green, magenta or blue, with covered shoulders. Hosts are usually delighted when guests wear Indian clothes. For other South Indian weddings, see our Tamil wedding guest guide and South Indian wedding guest ideas.
Made-to-measure pieces take 5 to 7 working days to stitch, plus about 5 to 10 business days for delivery, so order at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Our free custom fit means you share your bust, waist, hip and height and we stitch to your measurements at no extra cost. Shipping is free to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia, with tracking, and import duties and taxes are included – nothing to pay on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a Telugu wedding as a guest? A silk saree, or a silk-look kurta set or Anarkali, in yellow, green, magenta, orange, maroon or peacock blue, with covered shoulders.
What colours should I avoid at a Telugu wedding? Avoid all black, plain white and head-to-toe bridal red.
Can I wear a kurta set instead of a saree to a Telugu wedding? Yes. A chanderi or silk-look kurta set with a dupatta, or an Anarkali, is perfectly acceptable for guests.
What time is a Telugu wedding muhurtham? It depends on the auspicious time chosen by the family – it can be early in the morning or late at night. Check the invitation.
What should I wear to a Telugu wedding reception? A heavier silk saree, a lehenga or a glamorous Anarkali with embroidery or shine.
Want help choosing a colour? Try our free Indian wedding colour guide or WhatsApp us.
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