What Do Indian Brides Wear?

In an Indian wedding, the bride’s beauty and grace on her wedding day is the highlight of the event. Despite the attention lavished on everyone else, the Bride remains the show-stopper on her wedding day.

In case you were wondering, here is a rundown of the traditional wedding attire for brides in India.

What Do Indian Brides Wear?

Indian brides typically wear traditional attire such as a saree or lehenga choli. The bride may also wear traditional jewellery, such as a maang tikka, bangles, and earrings. The attire and jewellery worn by the bride are often heavily adorned with intricate embroidery and beading and may be made of silk, satin or other luxurious fabrics.

1. Sarees:

Sarees are a type of traditional clothing worn by ladies in India. They are especially popular among women who are getting married in India. A saree is a traditional garment consisting of a long piece of fabric that is wrapped in a particular way around the wearer’s body. Sarees normally range in length from 4.5 to 9 meters.

The piece of fabric is first thrown over one shoulder, after which it is wrapped around the waist. The other shoulder and the belly remain uncovered. A saree is often worn with a blouse, which is a shirt with short sleeves that covers the upper body, and a petticoat, which is a long skirt with a narrow waistband that is worn underneath the saree.

Together, these three garments are known as an ensemble.

There is a wide variety of sarees, each of which has a distinctive appearance and set of qualities that are all it’s own. The following are some examples of popular types of sarees:

Kanjeevaram Sarees:

Kanjeevaram sarees are distinguished by the intricate zari work that is woven throughout the fabric. These sarees are woven from the silk. In India’s Tamil Nadu state, the city of Kanchipuram is where the traditional production of these items takes place.

Banarasi Sarees:

Banarasi sarees are distinguished by the elaborate zari and brocade work that is woven into the fabric of the saree, which is composed of silk. In India’s Uttar Pradesh state, the city of Varanasi is where they are usually crafted, as the name suggests.

Chikankari Sarees: 

Chikankari sarees are distinguished by the intricate embroidered work that is woven into their cotton fabric. These sarees are traditionally worn in India. In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Lucknow is where traditional manufacturing takes place.

Jamdani Sarees:

Jamdani sarees are well-known for the intricate weaving work that is featured on their fabric, which can be either cotton or silk. West Bengal, in the country of India, is where they are historically manufactured.

In addition to being worn by brides, sarees are also commonly seen on other women at events such as festivals, ceremonies, and other ceremonial gatherings.

2. Lehenga Choli:

Women in India traditionally wear a dress called a lehenga choli, which is also referred to as a ghagra choli. This type of dress is most common in the country’s northern and western areas. A long, full skirt, a blouse, and a scarf make up this outfit, which has a more contemporary aesthetic.

The lehenga is a traditional Indian dress consisting of a long, voluminous skirt that is wrapped around the wearer’s waist and then falls to the feet. It is frequently crafted from expensive materials such as silk, satin, or other materials, and it may feature embellishments such as embroidery, beading, or other adornments.

The choli is a top that is worn over the lehenga and covers the wearer’s upper torso. It often has short sleeves. In addition, it is frequently constructed of silk or other types of luxury textiles, and it could be embellished with adornments that are comparable to those on the lehenga.

To round off the look of the lehenga choli, a long scarf called a dupatta is draped over the wearer’s head and shoulders in place of a traditional shawl.

The lehenga choli is a traditional outfit for Indian women that is known for its adaptability and ease of wear. It is appropriate to wear this garment to a variety of events, including festivals, ceremonies, and other formal gatherings. Because it is a more contemporary and comfortable alternative to the traditional saree, it is also a popular choice for brides in India.

The lehenga choli comes in a wide variety of designs and styles, ranging from more traditional to more contemporary. The A-line lehenga, the fishtail lehenga, the circular lehenga, and the straight-cut lehenga are just some of the most popular lehenga styles. The looks and patterns change from place to place, from culture to culture, and from religion to religion.

3. Maang Tikka:

Women in India traditionally accessorize their hair with a headdress called a maang tikka, which is also referred to as a matha patti. It is a sort of jewellery that is worn on the forehead and is often made out of a central pendant or jewel that hangs from a chain or string of beads.

This type of jewellery is known as a tiara. The pendant is typically a huge gemstone that sparkles, like a diamond, emerald, or ruby. Other options include sapphire and tanzanite. A little hook or comb is used to keep the chain or string of beads in place across the wearer’s forehead as it is worn across the forehead.

The maang tikka is an essential piece of jewellery for Indian brides, and it is customarily accessorized with traditional Indian garb like a saree or lehenga choli.

It is traditionally considered to be a lucky charm for the bride and her future husband, making it an essential component of the bridal jewellery set. On more formal occasions, such as festivals, ceremonies, and other important events, other ladies will also wear the maang tikka. These occasions include:

The design of the maang tikka alters according to the geographic location as well as the cultural traditions of the wearer. Some designs include single string maang tikka, double string maang tikka and temple style maang tikka. Some of the designs also include a necklace, earrings, and bangle that all go together.

4. Bangles

Bangles are a sort of traditional jewellery that is worn around the wrists of women in India. Bangles are called bangles. They are often crafted from precious metals like gold or silver, and they can be left unadorned or adorned with elaborate patterns and decorations.

They are typically accessorized with other pieces of traditional Indian jewellery, such as a maang tikka and earrings, and are always worn in pairs.

Bangles are an essential component of the jewellery that a traditional Indian bride would wear. As a representation of their new marital status, many brides choose to accessorize their arms with an assortment of bangles crafted from various metals and adorned with a variety of patterns.

Other ladies also wear bangles on formal occasions such as festivals, ceremonies, and other special events. Bangles can be found in a wide variety of styles.

Bangles come in a wide variety of styles and can be crafted from a wide variety of materials, including gold, silver, glass, wood, lac, and many others besides. The following are some examples of popular varieties of bangles:

• Kada: A Kada is a huge bangle with a thick band that is worn on the wrist.
• Chooda: Chooda is a set of bangles that are traditionally worn by brides in Punjabi culture. These bangles are typically composed of ivory or red and white bangles.
• Payal: Ankle bangles
• Jhumka: Earrings in the form of a bell are called jhumka.

Bangles have a significant place in Indian culture and history, which contributes to their widespread popularity among Indian women. Bangles are frequently handed down as heirlooms from one generation to the next. In addition to this, many people view them as a representation of luck, wealth, and happiness in their lives.

5. Earring:

Earrings are a sort of traditional jewellery that is worn on the ears of ladies in Indian culture. They are available in a wide variety of looks and designs, ranging from small studs to huge danglers with intricate detailing.

Diamonds, pearls, and emeralds are just examples of the valuable and semi-precious stones that can be used to adorn these items, which are often fashioned out of metals such as gold or silver.

Earrings are a significant component of the jewellery that is worn by a traditional Indian bride. To convey the message that they are now married, many brides choose to accessorize their ears with multiple pairs of earrings that are crafted from various metals and adorned with a range of designs.

On more formal occasions, such as festivals, ceremonies, and other special events, other ladies will also wear earrings to accessorize their ears.

Earrings are available in a wide variety of styles and configurations, each of which has its signature look and set of qualities. The following are some examples of popular varieties of Indian earrings:

• Jhumkas: Jhumkas are earrings in the style of bells that are typically very huge and elaborate.
• Chandelier earrings: Earrings with numerous tiers and danglers that are large and spectacular in appearance
• Stud Earrings: Earrings with a solitary pearl or precious stone that are understated and elegant
• Kundan Earrings: Earrings that are constructed by setting small pieces of glass or stone onto a mounting and then covering the mounting with gold or silver foil
• Meenakari Earrings: Earrings with elaborate enamel work that are featured on them

Earrings are also quite popular among Indian women because of the cultural and traditional significance they hold. Earrings are frequently treated as heirlooms and passed down from one generation to the next. In addition to this, many people view them as a representation of femininity, elegance, and beauty.

6. Dupatta:

Women in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh wrap themselves in long scarves called dupattas, which are also referred to as chunnis and odhnis. It is often worn over the head and shoulders and is constructed from a floaty fabric such as cotton, silk, or chiffon. Traditional Indian clothing, such as sarees and lehenga cholis, always includes a dupatta as an integral component.

There are a variety of different ways to tie the dupatta depending on the event that is being attended as well as the cultural context. It is common practice to drape it over the head and allow the excess fabric to fall down the back of the wearer; however, it is also possible to drape it over the chest or use it to cover the head.

Traditional Indian society views the draped shawl known as the dupatta as a representation of the qualities of modesty and grace. Because it is thought to bring the bride and her marriage good luck, it is a traditional component of Indian wedding attire and a significant adornment.

On more formal occasions, like festivals, ceremonies, and other important events, other ladies will also wear the dupatta. These occasions include:

Designs for dupattas can be as varied and varied as the people, places, and cultures that make up India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The following are some examples of popular styles:

Phulkari Dupatta: 

The Phulkari dupatta is characterized by the elaborate embroidery work that is characteristic of the region of Punjab, India, where it is usually produced.

Chikankari Dupatta: 

Chikankari dupattas are defined by the intricate embroidered work that is customarily done on them in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. These dupattas are traditionally created in Uttar Pradesh.

Kantha Dupatta: 

These dupattas are defined by their hand-stitched embroidery and are historically manufactured in the state of West Bengal, India. The state of West Bengal is located in India.

The dupatta can also be found in a variety of materials, widths, and lengths, all of which are selected according to the event and the wearer’s taste. They can be worn in conjunction with traditional garb or even with more contemporary garments to lend an air of authenticity to the ensemble.

7. Ghoonghat:

Hindu women in India traditionally cover their heads with something called a ghoonghat, which is commonly referred to as a veil. This practice is most prevalent in the country’s northern and western areas. It is worn over the head and faces to conceal the wearer’s hair and face, and it is often constructed from a lightweight fabric such as cotton or silk.

The ghoonghat is a traditional headpiece that serves as a visual indicator that a woman is married. Women who are married often wear it. It is a sign of respect and modesty, as well as a method to demonstrate a wife’s commitment to her husband, and many cultures still practice it.

On more formal occasions, such as festivals, ceremonies, and other special events, other ladies will also wear the ghoonghat. 

It is customary to don the veil along with other items of traditional Indian clothing, such as a saree or lehenga choli. It is frequently embroidered or embellished with beautiful designs, and it can be worn in a variety of different ways, depending on the event as well as the wearer’s taste.

In certain circumstances, it is also possible to wear it in conjunction with other pieces of traditional Indian jewellery like a maang tikka, bangles, or earrings.

Over time, fewer people have been seen wearing ghoonghat since it is seen as a sign of oppression and values associated with patriarchy. Currently, it is not worn nearly as frequently as it was in the past, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations.

It is more likely to be worn in rural areas and among older generations, both of which are more influenced by tradition than more urban places and younger generations.

The clothes that Indian brides wear are frequently imbued with a wealth of cultural and symbolic meaning, and they are selected with great care to reflect the bride’s ancestry and the values she holds.

Conclusion

On the occasion of their wedding, Indian brides customarily dress in traditional garments, such as sarees and lehenga cholis, according to Indian culture. The majority of the time, these outfits are crafted from sumptuous materials and decorated with labour-intensive needlework and beadwork.

The bridal garb worn by Indian women is imbued with a wealth of cultural and symbolic meaning, and it is selected with great care to reflect the bride’s heritage and the values she holds.

Indian brides frequently include parts of traditional wedding rites into their dress, such as wearing a red or maroon saree or lehenga, which is regarded to be an auspicious hue in Indian culture.

This is done in addition to the traditional costume, which is worn by Indian brides. They might also put on a ghoonghat, which is a type of veil that typically represents a married woman in Hindu culture and is worn by brides.

Traditional Indian brides accessorize their outfits with maang tikka, bangles, earrings, and a dupatta in addition to donning maang tikka, bangles, and earrings. Traditional garb for the groom consists of a turban and either a dhoti-kurta or a sherwani, both of which are worn together.

The wedding garb that Indian brides and grooms wear is a combination of elegant and traditional styles.