Haldi is the one function where the saree has to survive being sat on the floor, getting turmeric thrown at it, and being worn for four hours in the sun. Choosing the wrong fabric turns a good day into an uncomfortable one.

Here is what actually works, based on what our customers in Agra come back and tell us.

The colour question first

Yellow is traditional, and there is a reason for it - haldi itself is yellow, so stains are far less visible. If you are the bride or in the immediate family and will be in the middle of the action, yellow, mustard or sarson is the safest choice.

Green works beautifully too, especially mehendi green and parrot green, and photographs well against yellow decor. Orange and coral sit somewhere between the two.

What to avoid: white, cream, pale pink and anything you would be upset to stain. Turmeric does not come out of light fabric reliably, whatever the internet says.

The fabric question

Chiffon - the practical pick

Light, breathable, drapes without a heavy petticoat, and dries fast if it gets wet. Chiffon is the fabric most people are happiest in by hour three of a daytime function. It also carries gota patti and light embroidery well without becoming heavy.

Cotton - the comfort pick

Best if the function is outdoors in summer. Cotton absorbs sweat and stays comfortable in heat. It creases more, and it does not photograph with the same sheen, but for pure comfort in May and June it is unbeaten.

Georgette - the middle ground

Slightly more structured than chiffon, holds pleats well, and hides minor stains better because of its texture. A good choice if you want a defined silhouette in photographs.

What to think twice about

Heavy silk and velvet are wrong for a daytime haldi. They are hot, they are heavy to sit in, and they are difficult to clean. Save them for the reception.

Net and heavily sequinned fabrics scratch when you sit on the floor, and sequins catch on other people's clothing during the ceremony.

Practical things people forget

• You will sit on the floor. Choose a fabric you can fold your legs in comfortably.
• Sleeves matter. Turmeric on bare arms is fine. Turmeric on a sleeve you love is not.
• Keep the blouse simple. Heavy blouse work is uncomfortable when people are applying haldi to your arms and shoulders.
• Carry a change. Most families do. The haldi saree rarely survives to the next event.
• Wash it soon. Turmeric sets over time. The sooner it goes for cleaning, the better the chance of saving it.

If you want one recommendation

A yellow or mehendi green chiffon saree with light gota patti work, in a price range you are comfortable staining. It looks festive in photographs, it is comfortable for a long function, and if it does not survive, it has done its job.

Our haldi and mehendi collection is built around exactly this - bright shades in light fabrics, at prices that make sense for a saree that is going to see turmeric. We ship across India from Subash Bazar, Agra.