Indian Wedding Dress For An Indian Bride

 

It starts with an Indian Wedding Card and ends with their Vidaai, or departure from home. Marriage is a special experience for an Indian girl as it marks the beginning of a new phase in her life. So, every Indian bride wants to look her best on this special day, and she desires to buy the dress of her dreams for her wedding. Normally, the traditional Indian wedding dress is preferred by most Indian brides. This traditional Indian wedding dress differs from one place to another in India. If you are going to be married, first of all, congratulations! Secondly, we understand the stress you might be under to choose your Indian wedding dress. Worry not. We are here to help! 

Generally, sarees, lehengas, and gowns are the three most common bridal dresses widely preferred in India, irrespective of the region and religion of wearers. In this article, we will look at these three in-depth and also explore some off-beat options you can explore. Let's begin by understanding the essence of Indian wedding dresses. 

The Essence of Indian Bridal Attire

Indian bridal attire reflects the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country. It is an integral part of Indian weddings, where the bride's outfit holds immense significance. Indian bridal attire is known for its luxury, intricate designs, vibrant colours, and attention to detail. These dresses not only embody the beauty of Indian traditions but also celebrate the bride's style and personality.

As mentioned, the bridal attire in India varies widely based on regional customs, religious beliefs, and cultural practices. While sarees and lehengas are commonly associated with Indian bridal wear, several other unique and fascinating options showcase the diversity of India's wedding attire. Let's explore!

Indian Wedding Sarees: An Endless List of Amazing Options!

1. Benarasi Saree 

Benarasi saree

This type of saree is typically made in Benaras, a holy city for Hindus in North India. This silk saree is the most popular Indian wedding dress, which is adored for its gorgeous look rendered by gold or silver brocade designs. It is said that Bengali weavers initially designed the unique borders of this saree.

2. Kanjivaram Saree

Kanjivaram saree

It is a traditional saree of Tamil Nadu, made in Kanchipuram city and named after this place. This expensive saree is known for its intricate designs in gold or silver threads all over the backgrounds of vibrant shades. Thus, it is popular bridal wear not only in South India but among all Indian women.

3. Paithani Saree

Paithani saree

This saree is the traditional wear for all Marathi brides. It is found in rich hues, like chrome yellow, magenta, or deep green. Natural designs, like the peacock, trees, flowers, or any other aspects of nature, can be created with golden threads over the 'Pallu' of this bright silk saree.

4. Patan Patola Saree

Patan Patola saree

It is made in Patan, which is a small town in Gujarat. Usually, geometric patterns are printed with gold or silver colour over dark shades of red, blue, green, purple, and orange. Thus, it is the favourite bridal wear of many fashionable Indian women.

5. Muga Silk Saree

Muga silk saree

The word 'Muga' means 'yellow' in the Assamese language, as Muga silk is found only in Assam and has a unique pale yellow colour. Different kinds of trees, flowers, leaves, and things associated with the Bihu festival are embroidered all over the Muga silk sarees.

6. Pattu Saree

Pattu saree

This saree is traditional in Kerala and very popular among South Indian brides. It is known for its simple designs of gold-coated silver zari over beautiful shades. 'Pattu' is a Tamil word that means 'silk'. It is made of mulberry silk threads and highly trendy among South Indian women.

7. Bandhni Silk Saree

Bandhni silk saree

It is also known as the Bandhej saree, a traditional wedding dress for Gujarati and Rajasthani brides. Different unique patterns are created with different coloured dyes on a silk saree to make this saree. People also believe that these colourful sarees bring good luck to wearers.

Normally, wedding sarees are preferred in shades of red due to the auspiciousness of this colour. However, modern brides also like gorgeous pink, orange, green, peach, and golden-coloured sarees. They also love wearing customized bridal sarees that are adorned with sequins, embroideries, colourful beads, shiny crystals, appliqués, and gold tissue borders. The style of wearing a bridal saree also varies from region to region in India, maintaining the tradition of the land. Nauvari is the Maharashtrian style of wearing a bridal saree, while Panetar is a Gujarati wedding saree.

Indian Bridal Lehengas: The Embodiment of Luxury

1. Lehenga With Sequin Embellishments

Lehenga with Sequin Embellishments

Little sequins made of metal or plastic are stitched to a silk lehenga in definite floral or geometric patterns. These sequins are available in a variety of colours and chosen in the same or contrasting shades to the base colour of the dress. Sequins have a glittery body, which adds gorgeousness to this bridal dress and contemplate gold jewellery.

2. Lehenga With Mirror Works

Lehenga with mirror works

The use of little mirrors is a tradition started by the Mughals for their royal dresses. Mirrors or sheesha of different sizes and shapes can be included in embroideries to render a splendid look to an Indian wedding lehenga. Modern designers get readymade mirrors in local shops to create exclusive designs on silk lehengas.

3. Lehenga With Zardozi Work

Lehenga with zardozi work

A bridal lehenga can be immensely beautified with remarkable zardozi embroideries. The word 'zardozi' is derived from the Persian words 'Zarin' meaning 'gold' and 'Dozi' meaning 'sewing'. Normally, zardozi work looks best on silk, satin, and velvet. Thus, zardozi lehengas for Indian brides can be made of these fabrics only.

4. Ombre-Coloured Lehenga

Ombre-colored lehenga

The word 'ombre' means 'two shades', and thus, an ombre-coloured lehenga is made of two different shades. It has a stunning look due to the use of two vibrant shades, in which minimum embroidery or extra decorations are needed.

5. Gota Patti Lehenga

Gota Patti lehenga

This type of lehenga is very popular in Rajasthan and is also called Jaipuri lehenga choli. Red, peach, sea green, pistachio green, pink, navy blue, and mint blue are the colours chosen for this bridal lehenga.

6. Lehenga With Appliqué Work

Lehenga with appliqué work

The appliqué work is called patchwork, used for adorning a bridal lehenga. Different motifs can be created with appliqué work on georgette, organza, net, or silk lehenga.

Bridal lehengas can be made in different other styles as well. It can be multilayered, each layer of the same or contrasting shades, adorned with embroideries. Patola lehenga is made in the same design as a Patola saree. Printed designs on silk or satin can make a beautiful Indian wedding lehenga. Ruffled lehenga has a modern look, while buti work renders a traditional look to a bridal lehenga. An exclusive lehenga can be made of raw silk, velvet, laces, decorated net, tissue with lace, or handloom silk. Some brides also want very costly lehengas made of Benarasi or Kanjeevaram silk. A set of lehenga choli is paired with accessories, like a dupatta, a long scarf, a decorated belt, and matching jewellery.

Indian Wedding Gowns in Modern Western style

Usually, Christian brides want to wear white gowns on their wedding day. The styles of these gowns resemble those used by brides in the Western world. However, Indian bride prefers a more conservative design than their Western counterparts, with a modest neckline and long sleeves. Moreover, they like an Indian touch in the form of silk thread or zari embroideries in floral or traditional geometric patterns. The cutting of a wedding gown may be made in a flowing style to resemble a saree adorned with beads or other forms of embellishments. This wedding gown is accompanied by a white veil that is made of embroidered net or other transparent fabrics. Some brides inherit their mothers' or grandmother's wedding gowns, which can be altered or further beautified with new embroideries.

Beyond Sarees and Lehengas: Some Unique Bridal Attire Across India

In addition to sarees and lehengas, several distinctive bridal attire choices across different regions of India beautifully showcase the country's cultural diversity. Let's explore a few of them:

1. Punjabi Brides: Radiance in Red Salwar Suits 

Punjabi brides are known for their vibrant and lively nature, and their bridal attire reflects this exuberance. While the traditional red-coloured lehenga remains popular, many Punjabi brides opt for a red salwar suit as their wedding attire. These suits typically consist of a long, flowing kurta paired with a loose-fitting salwar and a dupatta. The intricate embroidery work, embellishments, and use of vibrant colours make these outfits visually stunning. The combination of the red salwar suit with traditional Punjabi jewellery, such as chooda (red and white bangles) and kalire (ornamental accessories), completes the bridal look, adding a touch of cultural authenticity.

2. Kashmiri Brides: Embroidered Phirans Enhancing Tradition 

Kashmiri brides are known for their ethereal beauty and grace, and their wedding attire reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. The traditional bridal attire of Kashmiri brides consists of a phiran, a loose, long-sleeved gown-like dress, usually made of rich silk or velvet. The phiran is adorned with intricate embroidery, often depicting floral motifs and intricate patterns. The use of vibrant colours like red, maroon, and gold adds to the regal aura of the outfit. Kashmiri brides also wear a headpiece called the kalpush, along with traditional jewellery like the dejhor (earrings), tikka (forehead ornament), and haath-phool (hand jewellery). The overall ensemble exudes elegance, tradition, and timeless beauty.

3. Assamese Brides: The Charm of Mekhela Chador 

Assamese brides embrace the charm of the Mekhela Chador, a traditional bridal attire that represents the cultural heritage of Assam. The Mekhela Chador consists of two main pieces: the Mekhela, a cylindrical skirt-like garment, and the Chadar, a long piece of cloth draped over the shoulder. The Mekhela is usually made of silk and adorned with intricate motifs, such as peacocks, flowers, and traditional Assamese designs. The Chadar, on the other hand, is draped in a unique and graceful style. The colour palette of the Mekhela Chador ranges from vibrant hues like red, yellow, and green to subtle pastels, allowing brides to choose according to their preferences. Assamese brides wear traditional jewellery like the matha tikka (headpiece), gamkharu (necklace), and bangles to complete their bridal look.

Wrapping Up!

From the radiant red salwar suits of Punjabi brides to the embroidered phirans of Kashmiri brides and the charm of Mekhela Chador worn by Assamese brides, Indian bridal attire is a testament to the country's cultural diversity and heritage. The attention to detail, intricate embroidery, vibrant colours, and traditional jewellery make these outfits mesmerizing.

Indian brides take great pride in their bridal attire, considering it not only as a symbol of their marital status but also as an expression of their identity and cultural heritage. The wedding day becomes a canvas for showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Indian bridal attire, creating an unforgettable sight that captures the essence of tradition, celebration, and the start of a new journey.

We play our part in this journey by providing beautiful Indian Wedding Cards that add to the thematic integration of your big day. Check out our many Indian Wedding Card designs and start your wedding planning on the right note!