Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and diverse cultural traditions, and Indian wedding dresses for women come in various styles, colours, and designs. The choice of wedding attire often depends on the bride’s cultural background, personal preferences, and the region of India she hails from. Here are some popular Indian wedding dresses for women:
- Lehenga Choli: This is one of India’s most common and iconic bridal outfits. A lehenga choli consists of a flared skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli), and a matching or contrasting dupatta (stole). It is available in various fabrics, including silk, velvet, and brocade, and is often heavily embellished with embroidery, sequins, and intricate beadwork.
- Saree: The saree is a traditional Indian attire with a long fabric draped elegantly around the body. Bridal sarees are typically rich silk and feature intricate embroidery, zari work (metallic threadwork), and embellishments. The blouse paired with the saree is often heavily adorned and can be customized to match the saree’s design.
- Anarkali Suit: Anarkali suits are floor-length, flowy dresses with fitted bodices and flared skirts. They offer a royal and regal look and are often chosen by brides who prefer a combination of tradition and style. Anarkali suits come in a range of fabrics, colours, and designs.
- Gharara: A gharara is a two-piece outfit with a short kurti (tunic) and wide-legged pants. Muslim brides traditionally wore it; today, it is a popular choice among brides who want a unique and stylish look.
- Sharara: Similar to the gharara, a sharara is a two-piece outfit comprising a short kurta and wide-legged trousers. The difference lies in the silhouette of the trousers, which are flared from the knee down. Shararas are often chosen for their elegance and comfort.
- Bridal Salwar Kameez: Salwar kameez is a comfortable and versatile choice for brides who prefer ease of movement. Bridal versions of this outfit are adorned with intricate embroidery, heavy embellishments, and luxurious fabrics.
- Pant-Style Suits: Modern brides often opt for contemporary styles like pant-style suits, which consist of straight-cut pants paired with a long tunic or kurta. These outfits can be customized with traditional embroidery or modern embellishments.
- Fusion Wear: Some brides prefer fusion wear, which combines elements of traditional Indian attire with a modern twist. For example, a bridal gown with Indian embroidery or a saree-inspired gown can offer a unique and trendy look.
- Colour Choices: While red and shades of red are traditional choices for Indian bridal attire, modern brides also experiment with other colours like gold, pink, maroon, green, and pastels. The choice of colour often depends on regional traditions and personal preferences.
Remember that Indian wedding attire is often heavily customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Additionally, bridal jewellery, henna designs, and intricate hairstyles complement the chosen outfit to complete the bridal look.