A few decades ago, Indian brides used to be ornately decked in heavy red fabrics and saris. To symbolize the importance of the day, the bride also used to be covered in luxurious gold jewelry including bangles that go all the way up to the elbows, nose ring, large earrings, anklets, as well as a forehead chain known as ‘mang-tika.’
While this used to be the traditional attire for brides in India, the emergence of new styles, as well as the myriad of new, emerging cultures ultimately led to an upsurge in Indian fashion. Indeed, Indian ladies are nowadays eager to explore several new avenues and indulge in new trends. For example, other than the traditional sari, one of the most popular dress option for the Indian bride also includes an elaborate two piece colloquially known as the ‘Lehenga.’ Available in any color, this consists of a crop top designed to show off the stomach, coupled with a matching skirt which is usually flared, ball-gown, A-line or mermaid. While most of ‘Lehengas’ are often in red, gold or pink, contemporary brides can experiment with colors and try a multi-colored two-piece in contrasting shades.
Trendy brides might even consider an Indo-Western outfit for their special day. A novel albeit rapidly emerging trend in Indian fashion, these outfits manage to strike the perfect blend between the East and the West. Since there’s no set style in fusion clothing, don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with different combinations until you find the type of outfit that works for you. An idea would be to wear an elaborately decorated mermaid skirt and tunic and add some classical Indian jewelry like the ‘Mang-Tika.
And then of course, if you’re eager to venture into new trends and explore different cultures, why don’t you go for a traditional white wedding dress paired with traditional accents? In fact, several bridal magazines have gushed over the exquisite combination of the western white dress coupled with Indian henna patterns, makeup and jewelry. Bear in mind that this is your wedding day so it’s really important that you wear something in which you feel completely confident and comfortable in, even if it’s not within the norms. In fact, some Indian brides- who wish to wear white on their wedding day while infusing a slice of their culture- are opting for white bridal ‘lehengas’. This may or may not include the customary wedding veil and bridal crown that Indian brides usually wear.
