Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, vibrant colors, and elaborate ceremonies. One of the most important aspects of an Indian wedding is the bride’s attire. Indian brides have a wide variety of traditional and modern outfits to choose from for their special day. In this blog post, we will focus on the traditional attire that Indian brides wear for their wedding.
The Traditional Indian Bridal Attire
The traditional Indian bridal attire varies from region to region. However, there are certain elements that are common across India. The most common attire for an Indian bride is either a saree or a lehenga.
Saree
A saree is a long piece of fabric, usually six to nine yards in length, that is draped around the body in a specific way. The way a saree is draped varies from region to region. The most common way of draping a saree is to wrap it around the waist, tuck the loose end into the waistband, and drape the rest of the fabric over the shoulder. The saree blouse is usually short-sleeved or sleeveless and is designed to match the saree.
For a traditional Indian wedding, the saree worn by the bride is usually made of silk or other luxurious fabrics. It is embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, beads, and other decorative elements. The color of the saree is usually red, which is considered auspicious in Indian culture. However, brides nowadays are experimenting with different colors like pastels, gold, and green.
Lehenga
A lehenga is a long skirt worn with a choli (a short blouse) and a dupatta (a long scarf-like cloth). The lehenga usually has more flare than a regular skirt and is made of luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. The choli is designed to fit snugly around the bust and is usually heavily embellished. The dupatta is draped over the head or shoulder and serves as a veil.
The lehenga worn by the bride is usually red or other bright colors like pink, orange, or maroon. It is heavily embellished with embroidery, sequins, beads, and other decorative elements. Some modern brides are also opting for pastel-colored lehengas with minimal embroidery for a more understated look.
Other Bridal Attire
Apart from sarees and lehengas, Indian brides also wear other traditional attire for their wedding ceremonies, such as:
Anarkali
Anarkali is a type of dress that has a long, flowing skirt and a fitted bodice. It is usually made of lightweight fabrics like net, chiffon, or georgette. Anarkalis come in a range of colors and are embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, or beads.
Salwar Kameez
Salwar Kameez is a two-piece attire that consists of a loose-fitting trouser (salwar) and a long tunic (kameez). The salwar kameez can be made of various fabrics and comes in a range of colors and designs.
The Jewelry
In addition to the attire, the jewelry worn by the bride is also an important aspect of an Indian wedding. Indian brides wear a range of jewelry, including a mangalsutra (a sacred necklace), earrings, bangles, and a nose ring. The jewelry is usually made of gold, diamonds, or other precious metals and stones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the traditional Indian bridal attire varies depending on the region, but the saree and lehenga are the most commonly worn attire. The attire is heavily embellished and made of luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet. The jewelry worn by the bride is also an essential aspect of an Indian wedding. Indian brides are known for their colorful, bold, and intricate attire, and their outfits are an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of India.
FAQ
What do Indian brides wear to reception?
The Indian bridal ensemble is all about grandeur and elegance, and the wedding reception is no exception. In India, the wedding reception is usually held as a grand celebration that marks the end of all the wedding rituals and ceremonies. Indian brides usually wear a traditional attire that reflects their culture and style for their wedding reception.
The most popular clothing options for Indian brides to wear at their wedding reception are the lehenga and sari. A lehenga is a long ankle-length skirt paired with a blouse and a dupatta (a long scarf). This outfit is often adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and beads, making it look regal and glamourous. A sari, on the other hand, is a long garment draped over the body, with the end worn over the head or shoulder. Saris come in a variety of fabrics and styles, and the options are endless. Whether it is a heavily embroidered saree or a simple and elegant one, it all depends on the bride’s preferences and the theme of the reception.
When choosing an outfit for the wedding reception, Indian brides primarily focus on the color of the attire. Dusty pastels and light hues are preferred for day weddings, while deeper tones work well for evening receptions. Indian brides often prefer a fusion of contemporary and traditional styles, depending on the theme of the reception. For example, if the wedding reception has a western theme, a fusion outfit consisting of a lehenga or sari in a modern cut may be chosen.
When it comes to accessorizing, Indian brides tend to go all-out. Heavy jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, compliment the outfit’s grandeur. Traditional bangles made of glass, gold, or silver can be seen on most brides. Footwear is also considered a critical part of the ensemble, and Indian brides often wear shiny and bright sandals or heels.
Indian brides usually wear traditional attire such as a lehenga or sari at their wedding reception. The outfit’s color and style depend on the bride’s personal preferences, theme of the reception, and whether it is a day or night wedding. Heavy jewelry and footwear compliment the attire and add to the overall look. The bottom line is that the wedding reception ensemble of Indian brides is all about grandeur, elegance, and celebration.
How many outfits does an Indian bride need?
An Indian wedding is a grand affair that usually lasts for a few days and requires meticulous planning and preparation. One of the most crucial elements of an Indian wedding is the bride’s attire, which is not limited to just one dress. An Indian bride needs multiple outfits for various ceremonies and events that take place during the wedding.
Traditionally, an Indian bride wears a red or maroon lehenga or saree for the wedding ceremony, which symbolizes prosperity and fertility. However, in modern times, brides are experimenting with different colors and styles for their wedding day. Apart from the wedding ceremony, an Indian bride needs outfits for other rituals and events, such as the sangeet, mehndi, and reception.
The sangeet ceremony is a fun-filled event that includes music, dance, and entertainment. For this occasion, the bride usually wears a colorful and embellished lehenga or gown that is comfortable to move around in. The mehndi ceremony is when the bride gets henna applied to her hands and feet along with the other women in the family. For this, the bride wears a simple and lightweight outfit that will not hamper the intricate mehndi design.
The reception is the finale of the wedding celebrations where the bride and groom meet their guests and take photos. For this occasion, the bride may choose to wear a western-style gown or a saree, depending on her preference.
An Indian bride needs multiple outfits for a wedding, which can span several days. Along with the outfits, the bride needs matching jewelry, shoes, and purses to complete her look. The number of outfits may vary from wedding to wedding, but on average, a bride may require four to five outfits for a complete wedding wardrobe.
How much money do you give for an Indian wedding?
In Indian culture, weddings are a big celebration that involves elaborate traditions and customs. Giving cash as a gift has been a standard practice for Indian weddings for a long time. If you are invited to an Indian wedding, you might be wondering how much money to give as a gift.
The amount of the cash gift varies and is personal to each guest. Some factors that might influence the amount of cash gift include the closeness of your relationship with the couple, the size and scale of the wedding, and your financial situation.
As a general rule of thumb, there is no specific fixed amount of cash that you should give as a gift. Whereas you might think of nice round numbers like $50, $70, or $100, in Indian culture, we never give a gift ending in 0. The amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101 as it is considered auspicious in Indian culture.
In many cases, the cash amounts given at Indian weddings are large. It is not uncommon for guests to give several hundred dollars. Additionally, some guests may opt to give more materialistic gifts like jewelry or luxury items, depending on their relationship with the couple.
If you are not sure how much to give, you can always ask other guests or family members for advice. You can also do some research online, as there are many helpful guides available that can provide some guidance on an appropriate cash gift. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that it is not about the amount of money given, but rather the gesture and thought behind the gift.
The amount of the cash gift you give for an Indian wedding can vary based on your relationship with the couple, the size of the wedding, and your financial situation. Just remember that it is always the thought that counts in any gift-giving situation.
What do tourists wear in India?
Tourists visiting India need to be mindful of the traditional and cultural values of the country when it comes to attire. In general, dressing modestly and conservatively is recommended in India, especially when visiting sacred sites and temples. It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Both men and women travelers should avoid showing too much skin. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not commonly worn by locals, and tourists should avoid them as well. Instead, it is suggested that tourists opt for pants, preferably cotton and loose-fitting. Jeans are acceptable for both men and women, but it is best to avoid wearing skinny or tight-fitting jeans, as they may attract unwanted attention.
For women, it is suggested to wear long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. This is a more traditional attire for women in India and will help women blend in more with the local culture. Should women choose to wear pants, leggings or capris, it is essential that the tops are modest. Women should avoid wearing low-cut tops and tight shirts. Scarfs or shawls can also be used as an extra layer to cover the head, shoulders, or wrap around the torso.
Men in India typically wear shirts with buttons, and it is suggested that tourists follow this practice as well. T-shirts are acceptable as long as they are not too tight or revealing. For formal occasions, it is recommended that men wear dress pants and a collared shirt. Traditional Indian attire like kurtas, dhoti, and pajamas can be worn by men as well.
It is important to note that footwear is also an essential element to consider in India. It is customary to remove one’s shoes before entering a home or temple, so it is recommended that tourists wear sandals or shoes that can be easily removed.
Tourists visiting India should dress modestly and conservatively. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees at a minimum. For women, long skirts that cover the ankles are a good option to stay comfortable and blend in with the local culture. Additionally, tourists should keep in mind the weather conditions and dress accordingly. Remember to pack comfortable shoes that can easily be removed before entering homes or temples.
