Dressing for a mehndi when it isn't yours

The mehndi is the most fun night of the whole wedding, and the easiest one to get wrong. Too formal and you're stiff on the dance floor. Too casual and the aunties notice.

Here's the balance.

Colour is the point

This is not the night for ivory and beige. Go for the colours that look good next to marigolds: mustard, lime, emerald, hot pink, orange. Mix two of them if you're brave.

Check the group chat first. Some families set a colour for the bride's side. Turning up in the wrong shade is a story that gets told for years.

Pick something you can move in

You'll be sitting on the floor, getting up to dance, sitting down again for your own henna, then dancing with it drying on your hands.

• Sharara and gharara sets are made for this night. All the movement, none of the weight.
• A light lehenga works if the skirt isn't too heavy to spin in.
• Kurta sets with a statement dupatta are the safe, smart choice.
• For men, a coloured kurta with a contrast waistcoat, cut to fit. Leave the sherwani for the wedding.

The mehndi is the one night where more really is more.

Plan for the henna

If you're getting your hands done, think about sleeves. Three-quarter or short sleeves keep fabric away from wet henna. Long sleeves you can push up and pin work too.

Avoid anything pale on your lap while it dries. Henna stains, and it does not care how much the outfit cost.

Shoes and jewellery

Flats. Juttis, kolhapuris, embellished sliders. You'll take them off to dance anyway.

Jewellery can go big here. Statement jhumkas, a maang tikka, a parandi in your hair. The mehndi is the one night where more really is more.

Then pass it on

Mehndi outfits get one big night. When yours has had it, list it on Dukanoh. Mehndi season comes round every year, and someone is always looking.