Indian Wedding Dresses 101

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Indian Wedding Dresses Versus Western Style Wedding Dresses

Indian wedding dresses are very different from Western style wedding attire. Understated is definitely not a word that could be ascribed to an Indian wedding outfit. Indian brides are expected to sparkle and shine and this expectation is fulfilled in brightly colored and intricately embroidered ensembles.

Indian weddings are elegant.

Indian wedding dresses are usually red, as white is considered to be a color of mourning in many regions. Red is the traditional color of Indian brides and is considered to bring good luck and happiness to the prospective couple.

Types of Indian Wedding Dresses

There is such an incredible amount of cultural and religious diversity in the Indian sub-continent that the exact style of Indian wedding dresses will vary from region to region. However, some common styles include the sari, gaghra choli and shalwar chameez.

A sari is a length of cloth that is wrapped around the body in an intricate pattern. The sari may be secured by pins or simply tucked in the waistband, with the remaining part draped over the shoulder. The length of cloth that remains after the sari has been wrapped is called the pallu.

A gaghra choli usually consists of a very long skirt and short blouse. A lengthy scarf called a dupatta is draped across the chest.

A shalwar chameez is a long tunic over pants, also with a dupatta draped across the chest. Depending on the bride’s preference, the dupatta can also be worn around the neck, over the head or pinned to one shoulder on the side.

One thing that all Indian wedding dresses have in common is elaborate and intricate embroidery. Indian wedding outfits are usually a masterful combination of patterns, sequences, beadwork and threading. Depending on the budget, an Indian bride may have parts of her outfit embossed with pure gold or silver wire.

The fabrics for Indian wedding dresses can include silk, satin, chiffon and any other fabric that has a sheen and reflects light.

Indian Bridal Accessories

Wedding Sari

In addition to the wedding dress, there are certain elements of wedding wear that are essential to an Indian bride. These accessories include necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and hair ornaments, all worn at the same time! This type of extensive ornamentation is a traditional part of the wedding ensemble, although sleeker designs are now coming into vogue. Additional accessories can include shoes, handbag and flower garlands to be placed around the neck.

New Trends in Indian Bridal Wear

Red continues to be a favorite for Indian wedding dresses. Since this color has religious and cultural significance, this selection is likely to stay in vogue for the foreseeable future. However, newer and softer shades of red are slowly but surely making their way into the Indian bridal lexicon. Also, designers are offering a greater selection of Indian wedding dresses and jewelry with a more delicate design.

Another interesting trend is the fusion of Western style with traditional bridal themes. Some modern brides are choosing to pair cleaner lines with the traditional elaborate style of previous generations.