Different Kinds of Regional Wedding Attire
India is home to a vast melting pot of cultures in different regions, which has led to a diverse range of clothing styles. This is especially apparent in bridal wear, since the wedding day is an auspicious occasion that reflects one’s cultural heritage, and Indian brides display these gorgeous outfits with pride!
Indian brides look sensational in their wedding attire!
Let’s take a look at some of the unique styles of wedding outfits that celebrate the immense diversity in our country:
- Bengali Brides – The heavy Banarasi silk sarees of Bengal with intricate zari work are considered the epitome of bridal luxury and style. Brides in this region also adorn their hands and feet with red lac, the way North Indian brides display mehendi designs.
- Bengali women dress in Banarasi silk and elaborate headgear for their wedding
-
- Punjabi Brides – Brides in Punjab and neighboring areas often choose a salwar-kameez with a phulkari dupatta for their wedding day, with heavy embroidery or embellishment. Anarkalis in velvet or silk are a popular choice too, as these gorgeous outfits are both comfortable and stylish!
- A salwar-kameez is the quintessential Punjabi bridal outfit!
-
Image Courtesy: pinterest.com
- Rajasthani Brides – A flowing ghagra or lehenga worn with an embellished choli top is the wedding attire of choice for Rajasthani brides. These skirts are normally colorful and feature intricate zari or embroidery designs for extra visual impact.
- Embellished lehengas and ghagras are popular in Rajasthan and other areas
-
- Maharashtrian Brides – Paithani silk sarees in vibrant shades of green are the preferred wedding outfits for brides in Maharashtra. These 9-yard sarees are often worn in the traditional Nauvari dhoti-style variation, which is unique to this region.
- Maharashtrian brides are traditionally dressed in green sarees
-
Image Courtesy: jewellerypics.com
- Gujarati Brides – Brides in Gujarat are dressed in Patan Patola front-draped sarees or panetar chenia cholis - bridal lehengas made of lightweight fabrics like georgette and heavily embellished with embroidery, sequins, gemstones, etc. Parsi brides normally dress in a white or off-white Gujarati-drape saree with a veil.
- Gujarati bridal wear includes unique styles like the panetar, as well as sarees
-
- South Indian Brides – In southern India, brides normally wear sarees of Kanjivaram silk, in bright shades of blue, green and gold. Kerala is an exception, with kasavu sarees in cream or off-white with gold borders.
- White, off-white and cream sarees are often worn by brides in Kerala
-
Image courtesy : pinterest.com
- North Eastern Brides – Assamese brides normally opt for a white or off-white Assam silk saree on their wedding day, while other regions feature gorgeous tribal dresses woven in beautiful colors and draped in different styles. Christian brides may wear a saree or a Gown in pure white or cream, with a veil draped over her head.
- Christian brides in India dress in white gowns or sarees for their big day
-
There are many other variations in Indian bridal outfits, but some common factors too. Red is considered an auspicious color for Hindu brides, while some communities prefer green, gold and other bright hues. Wedding outfits are usually made of silk, which is considered a symbol of purity in many regions and communities.
-
Beautiful jewelry and adornments are common to every region
Most regions in India follow the practice of covering the bride’s head and face, with a veil, saree pallu or dupatta. The popularity of gold jewelry is also spread across the whole country - on its own or enhanced with region-specific adornments and accessories!
Images Courtesy: pinterest.com, thejewelleryeditor.com, post.jagran.com, subhmuhurat.co.in, myshaadiplanning.com, marrymeweddings.in
