Indian weddings are widely known for their colorful and vibrant ceremonies. There are several ceremonies that take place for multiple days, and each has its own significance. But one thing that remains constant is the traditional Indian wedding attire, which plays a pivotal role in every wedding function.
Indian wedding attire is all about rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, and embellishments. It is an amalgamation of tradition, culture, and fashion, and it varies from region to region and religion to religion. In this post, we’ll be diving deep into traditional Indian wedding attire, its types, and how it is influenced by different cultures.
Lehenga – A popular Indian wedding attire
One of the most popular Indian wedding attires is the lehenga. A lehenga is a skirt paired with a blouse and a dupatta. The bride typically wears a heavily embroidered lehenga that is adorned with sequins, beads, and glittering stones. The lehenga comes in various styles, such as A-line, mermaid, or flared, and it is available in a wide range of colors.
Saree – A quintessential Indian wedding attire
The saree is a quintessential Indian dress that is draped around the body. It is a six to nine yards long cloth that is draped over the petticoat and paired with a blouse and a matching dupatta. Sarees come in a variety of fabrics such as silk, chiffon, georgette, and cotton. The blouse can also be customized in various styles and designs.
Sherwani- The regal attire
A sherwani is a long coat-like garment that is usually worn by the groom. It is typically worn with churidar pants and a turban. A sherwani is usually made of silk or brocade fabric and adorned with intricate embroidery. It is also available in various colors, ranging from gold and beige to maroon and black.
Kurta Pyjama – For Grooms and Guests
For guests attending an Indian wedding, the Kurta Pyjama is a popular choice. It is a comfortable yet stylish outfit that is perfect for the wedding ceremonies. It consists of a long tunic that is paired with pajama pants and a matching dupatta.
How cultural influence traditional Indian wedding attire?
India is a diverse country with various cultures, traditions, and beliefs, and this diversity is reflected in the traditional wedding attire. The South Indian bride wears a kanjivaram saree that is typically made of silk, and it is adorned with gold zari work. A North Indian bride, on the other hand, typically wears a lehenga that is heavily embellished with sequins and stones. The Muslim bride typically wears a sharara, which is a long, flowing dress with flared pants, whereas the Christian bride usually wears a white gown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traditional Indian wedding attire is just as important as the wedding ceremonies themselves. It is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India. From the regal sherwani to the quintessential saree and the colorful lehenga, Indian wedding attire is a beautiful blend of tradition, fashion, and culture. It showcases the diversity of India and is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
FAQ
How much money do you give for an Indian wedding?
In Indian culture, giving cash as a gift during a wedding is considered a common practice. The amount of the cash gift varies and is personal to each guest. Unlike other cultures, there is no specific amount that one is expected to give at an Indian wedding. While some guests may opt to give more generously than others, the amount of the gift is typically dictated by one’s relationship to the couple, financial ability, and customs of the region.
Typically, the closer you are to the bride and groom, the more you will give as a gift. For instance, immediate family members and close friends are expected to give more than acquaintances. Additionally, the financial capacity of each guest is taken into consideration when deciding how much to give. Those who are more financially stable, therefore, may feel more comfortable giving more than those who are not as well off.
In Indian culture, it is customary to give an odd-numbered amount as a gift at weddings. This means that instead of giving round numbers like $50, $70, or $100, the amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101. In addition, it is important to note that the amount of the gift should never be an even-numbered figure, as this is deemed inauspicious.
The amount of cash gift to give at an Indian wedding is a personal choice that is based on various factors such as one’s relationship to the couple, financial ability, and cultural norms. However, guests are expected to be generous in their giving, and it is customary to give an odd-numbered amount that does not end in 0.
