Do you have any local Indian seamstress's? I would try to find one. Maybe she could do something custom.

Thanks, justerrilynn. No, we don't even have an Indian restaurant or store around here. There is an Indian clothing store down on Okeechobee in WPB, and one in Orlando, but those would be the closest places.

What about India Palace , 890 Federal hwy in Stuart?

I always think of Judi Dench in the 'Most Exotic Marigold Hotel' movie when the wedding took place. I believe she wore a beautiful silk tunic. Turquoise would be a wonderful color with 3/4 or elbow length sleeves. You could wear something like that (which hides a lot of sins) over a knee-length or longer skirt with flat shoes for dancing and higher heels if those are comfortable for you.

Hey Writer, food looks good so won't be a wasted trip.

http://indiapalacestuartfl.com/contacts.html

What about India Palace

Seems to be gone now, like all the Indian restaurants that have tried here. It hasn't been open the last few times I've been by. It was very good.

Thanks, OutsidePlaying. That's a good suggestion, if I can find one.

Well, I'll keep my eyes open around here. Not too far if you get desperate.

Shalwar kameez is gonna be your friend IMO

tunic, scarf, and loose trousers

Thanks, robo. I also thought maybe something like the turquoise outfit here (don't think this would be considered salwar kamiz):

I am so glad everyone above has such great suggestions and ideas because I am completely stumped about what to wear.

So, I started not to comment but I simply must or bust. I think this is possibly my favorite question posted, ever. And this group is my favorite, ever. Before I even began to get over being horrified at the thought of feeling obligated to be a dancing escort for my nephew's wedding elephant, there were eight thoughtful, helpful responses to the question.

Y'all are so awesome, especially you, writersblock.

Oh also...I had to get mine altered. Took about 20 mins at some back alley place around the corner from the store and cost $20. So don't get discouraged if the fit isn't exact. here's a nice photo of people dancing around an elephant procession...lots of colour :) I like the sky blues!

I never considered but you might be able to order online ... this one looks pretty!

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/293385581/cotton-hand-embroidery-chikankari-dress?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Oh! That looks fun. In my goofy, self-conscious imagination it was just writersblock (who looked lovely) while everyone else looked on. Sorry, I'm preparing for a stressful Medicare inspection and I'm a little punchy, lol.

Many stores that sell Indian clothing also can make the clothing. I had the sari for my son's wedding made at such a store. Visit those stores and inquire. Warning: They MAY try to get you to wear a midriff baring top. RESIST!!!!

Thanks, everyone.

In my goofy, self-conscious imagination it was just writersblock (who looked lovely) while everyone else looked on

Actually, I'm afraid it's just me and my SIL, maybe my brother. I'd feel far more comfortable if it were going to be like the photo, but I think that part is later in this kind of ceremony. I freely admit I have great fear of becoming an overnight youtube sensation, given that the great majority of guests will be young folks who work in the tech industry.

That is beautiful fabric, robo. Thanks for the link! And you look gorgeous in yours.

Warning: They MAY try to get you to wear a midriff baring top. RESIST!!!!

No fear, Delilah!

Before I even began to get over being horrified at the thought of feeling obligated to be a dancing escort for my nephew's wedding elephant, there were eight thoughtful, helpful responses to the question.

Y'all are so awesome

Indeed you are. I knew this was the group I could ask!

There is a lot to choose from on Amazon.com. Just looked for Salwar Kameez and saw some very nice things, but they wouldn't let me link. Poo!

Based on what you are describing, I think a well filled hip flask might be the most important part of the outfit.

What fun and how memorable. I would definitely go custom and not worry about what anyone else is wearing. Indian clothing can hide a lot of sins so no worries! Pick a vibrant color you like and have it made in Little India. Be prepared, at least when we were tourists we were surprised at how pricey they are!

You've gotten some great suggestions, but if you want to go more western, maybe something soft and flow-y like this dress from chico's might work.

i've been to one indian (sikh- groom) wedding and everyone was very dressed up!!! all of the indian women were wearing indian attire, but i can't think of a single non indian woman who was... (not even the bride's mom- beautiful formal long dress, but it wasn't a sari...)

i, personally, would stick with a cocktail dress... i would order on line if there wasn't anything locally that was more colorful... isn't that unusual since it's spring/summer season!? i can say tho, i remember seeing red, black and white (at least in prints) in the dresses of non indian women at the wedding i attended...

Wear sensible shoes so you don't trip and get stepped on. Oh! Sorry! That would be me.

Colorful and comfortable will work, with fabulous jewelry.

You do realize that you have to model your pick for us all I hope.

Possibly a beautiful caftan type dress. I have seen some beautiful decorated long tunics that are worn over Capri pants and sandals.

http://www.makingitbig.com/community

check out this site, it has some really beautiful plus size clothing in lovely colors and styles.

She is even dancing in it! Very cool light and colors could be easily matched with pants skirt or Capris. Lots of good choices here. Too close to white? Colorful one too.

Tunic

Colorful

Turquoise caftan dress

Turquoise caftan dress

And this one too.

Fustan

I am totally fascinated by this thread! The title has me laughing out loud every time I reread it. I love it, Writersblock! I have no suggestions at all to offer, except I agree that you need to wear as much jewelry as possible, because that one is a custom I'm familiar with. I have a good friend who's from India, by way of someplace in Africa, and then Western Canada, and now here in New Mexico. Please keep us updated on this wonderful, fantastical event. I'm hoping that you might even post a few pics afterwards.

Thanks, voila. Yes, those are gorgeous but I'm a little concerned about the fact that for most of them you are just buying the material to have made up.

I think a well filled hip flask might be the most important part of the outfit.

You got that right, Mtn!

Thanks for the Chico's dress, Annie. I also need something to wear to the sanjeet and that might do very well for that.

Thanks, busybee. The invitation did say that Indian dress was "not required, but welcome" so I think it would be okay.

raven, I really like that last one. Thanks!

maddielee, oddly enough I have dealt with elephants before in my wacky career. Many years ago I had to rent an elephant to stand on one foot on a feed tub. I was working for a company that made horse and cattle equipment and our competitor had a horse stand on their tub to show how strong it was so of course we had to get an elephant. As it happens, at the photo shoot the elephant was okay but a horse that wasn't having it did run over my foot and break it.

I would definitely go with a long tunic and loose wide-legged linen pants or colorful leggings if you are comfortable in them. The silk tunic/pants style from the Exotic Marigold hotel sounds perfect and so easy to wear. I didn't look at chicos but I was in there over the weekend and there are definitely some great bright colors.

In addition to chicos, I would check out jjill for long tunics and dresses that you could wear over leggings or pants. This is not a color or style I would choose for myself but I thought I'd share as it would work well in the kind of weather you are expecting. It's from jjill. I'd go a size larger and find some great accessories.. including turquoise sandals or ballet shoes and a long turquoise scarf.

I don't know that a button down shirt is appropriate but i do love this long linen shirt and it is the length I'd be going for. I would dress it up with jewelry, and a scarf for sure.

That peach one is pretty and would look nice with a scarf.

However, maybe too casual ?

I can't tell you the last time the title of a post compelled me to have to look at it that very instant....you should be a.....oh wait you are a writer. Thank you for posting this you had my mind"s eye dancing with the elephant from the moment I read it.

Yes to the shalwar kameez. I think Indian/Pakistani garb is so beautiful. My DD has many beautiful outfits and I am so tempted to have one made for me. Robo you look stunning in your's. That is a lovely color on you.

right.. i do think the linen button down is too casual... but I do think the length is good for this kind of event. A silk or linen tunic of that length in a great color would be very workable imo.

My DD's wedding was a mix of Indian/BoHo/Moroccan/Asian-bright vibrant colors and lots of gold & silver. It was also outdoors in August. I ordered a turquoise maxi from Macy's and added a red & gold embroidered shawl. I also wore a bespoke multi-colored jeweled necklace. Her MIL wore a red dress and a turquoise shawl (we didn't know what the other was wearing!).

I was able to dance and move around just fine, and I didn't die from the heat (except for the spanx, but that goes with out saying.)

Funky, I love that peach colored shirt, especially with justerrilynn's scarf.

Neetsiepie, those colors must have been amazing to see.

I am so tempted to have one made for me

Go for it, Holly-Kay.

I'm also fascinated and commend you for your 'bravery' to do this! I looked online and found this site where elephants are rented for weddings, and in the 'Details' section, it shows the dance at an Ontario Double Tree hotel. Seeing what the participants are wearing here may help.

Have Trunk, Will Travel

Thanks, My3dogs. Yes, that's the "you're not bringing that thing in here" or "the ceremony is up those stairs" version of the elephant arrival. :)

Hey, if you decide not to go the tradition Indian clothing route, this site has some nifty items that could be modified to work. Just add slacks and a scarf. Don't bother trying to narrow your searches within the site though as it doesn't seem to work. You might find some things you like better, I just can not seem to favor anything with very long sleeves. Not on that site, but , Go Silk has a nice selection of silk and linen pants in plus size. Disclaimer: you said you were over weight but I don't know if you mean by vanity pounds or what, hence the plus size page.

howthelook.com/c/plus

MSK $69

S.L. fashions or S.C fashions (can't read my writing) $138

Thanks, justerrilynn.

I just can not seem to favor anything with very long sleeves.

Nor I, especially that time of year.

I just can not seem to favor anything with very long sleeves....

In the summer, I just can not seem to favor anything with...tights!.

I mentioned this challenge to a young indian woman who works for me. She is going through a match organization to find an indian bf/husband.. she just giggled. She said she was going to tell her intended that she wanted a small dinosaur. "Not a big one-- a small one so I could hold on!" I couldn't stop laughing.

I reread your post this morning and note that you said the preference was western style. I have to agree that to do some faux version of traditional indian dress isn't very appropriate. Given the cost of the elephant parade, I'd think if they WANTED you in traditional indian dress, they'd have provided an outfit.. or given some direction.

Going ahead with that assumption, I would look for something comfortable, colorful and that will drape and flow nicely as you dance. I like dressier linen wide-legged pants or a dress with a sheer shawl or shoulder scarf. Given that you liked the color of the shirt above, I thought I'd share this top from talbots.. I have it in the sun kissed coral (pictured) but it also comes in a gorgeous turquoise and an emerald green. I could see these paired with either pants or a skirt and a light scarf draped around your arms. Jjill also has a number of sleeveless tops that are colorful and simple and would look great with jewelry and scarves.. they also have light linen ponchos that could work with the right pants.

I wear mine with a suit jacket but it is a style that can go dressy or casual.

Given the cost of the elephant parade, I'd think if they WANTED you in traditional indian dress, they'd have provided an outfit.. or given some direction.

Well, to be fair, I wasn't sure I would be able to attend until a week or so ago, and the attire for my sister et al was ordered about six months ago, so I'm not sure about that. They did refer me to an online site where you can order from India but there just isn't enough time left.

But those are good suggestions, thanks!

Well, have you gotten any closer to finding the right thing to wear? This is a challenge I hope we get to see the result.

I've been looking at Dillards website, since I have a gigantic credit there (many years of very generous gift cards to a store where I never shop), and they have a couple of things that look worth investigating. Our local store is pretty much limited to cruise wear, so I'll run down to Wellington and take a look and if I don't find anything, I can swing by Fab India and India Fashions in WPB.

I'm near Austin and just want to warn you that hot and humid is an understatement of late. It's like the Amazon. A cotton tunic sounds perfect.

Thanks, MagdalenaLee. I was hoping we'd get to go inside for the reception, but that's evidently outside, too. :(

Ah, forget the scarf and pants! And, dancing with an elephant in that heat you better buy a cotton sleevleless T type shirt to wear under whatever. You can discreetly dispose of it at some point, add a few travel baby wipes for the pits to your purse and you'll be fresh as a rose.

Thanks, justerrilynn.