Indian weddings are big celebrations that have deep roots in culture, customs, and detailed rituals. Each event has meaning, from the pre-wedding parties like Haldi, Mehndi, and Sangeet to the engagement, big wedding day, and after-wedding festivities. These occasions ask for special Indian wedding dresses, jewellery, and decorations that reflect the traditions and the couple's heritage.
To dress up for Indian weddings, you need to understand the traditional outfits for brides, grooms, and guests as well as the accessories that complete the look. From fancy lehengas and royal sherwanis to family heirloom jewellery and traditional footwear, every part helps to make the overall appearance exquisite. Fashion trends also shape Indian wedding outfits, with today's brides and grooms liking soft colors, modern styles and fusion designs. Here's a full guide to everything you should know about Indian wedding clothes, customs, and trends.
Traditional Outfits for the Bride
A vision of grandeur, Indian bridal wear steals the show at Indian weddings, with every outfit showcasing its own unique style:
1. Lehenga Choli
A three-piece Indian wedding dress has a flowy skirt, blouse and a dupatta. A hit style in North India, lehengas boast detailed embroidery, gold thread designs, and fancy trimmings.
2. Designer Saree
South Indian and Bengali brides often choose this classic outfit. Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Patola, and Banarasi sarees stand out for their rich weaves and old-school designs.
3. Anarkali Set
For events before the wedding, some brides pick grand, floor-length Anarkali suits adorned with fancy details. Perfect for Chooda ceremony, Mehendi or post wedding festivities.
4. Sharara & Gharara Sets
These wedding outfits take cues from Mughal style. They feature flared pants paired with kurtas and dupattas. They're a hit at Muslim weddings.
Bridal Accessories and Jewellery
Bridal jewellery varies by region, with each culture embracing its own stunning adornments.
1. Maang Tikka & Matha Patti
These head ornaments sit on the bride's forehead making her look graceful and honoring her culture.
2. Nath (Nose Ring)
Maharashtrian, Rajasthani, and Punjabi brides often wear a big nose ring linked to the ear with a chain.
3. Necklaces Set
You'll see everything from thick designer chokers to long Rani Haars decked out with diamonds, gold, polki, or Kundan work.
4. Kada Set & Chooda
Red and white bangles (Chooda) play a key role in Punjabi weddings, while other cultures value gold, glass, and ivory bangles.
5. Haath Phool & Rings
This exquisite hand jewellery has a chain connecting the ring to a bracelet. This designer accessory is a must-have for brides.
6. Payal & Bichiya (Anklets & Toe Rings)
Traditionally worn by Indian brides to symbolize their marital status, but now embraced and worn as a fashion accessory.
7. Kaleera Pair
A decorative hand jewellery that dangles attached to the bride's bangles, stands out as a key accessory set in Punjabi weddings.
8. Designer Bags
Brides can never go wrong with a statement Sabyasachi clutch, classic potli bags or designer handbags as a stylish companion.
9. Belts & Kamarbandh
Designer waist belts enhance the bridal outfit silhouette and add a royal feel to the attire. They cinch your waist perfectly.
Traditional Attire for Grooms
Grooms don luxury outfits that match the wedding's splendor:
1. Sherwani Set
A long coat with detailed designs worn with churidar pants or dhoti. Often paired with a stole and turban.
2. Achkan Set
Much like a sherwani but a lighter version, teamed with churidar or straight pants. They are ideal for a cocktail or reception.
3. Bandhgala Set
A smart high-collar jacket that gives off a royal and elegant vibe. This comes with exquisite embroidery on the jacket and straight pants.
4. Kurta Pajama with Nehru Jacket
A timeless yet trendy choice for smaller wedding events like Haldi or Mehendi. These versatile kurta sets with Nehru jacket steal the spotlight.
5. Dhoti Kurta Set
A staple and fashionable choice in Indian wedding attire for Bengali, South Indian, and Maharashtrian grooms.
Groom's Accessories and Footwear
- Mojris/Juttis - Embroidered shoes with needlework to match the groom's clothes.
- Kalgi & Brooches - Pretty decorations pinned on the turban, kurta and blazer. It often features the couple's hashtag.
- Sehra (Veil for Groom) - A veil made of flowers or beads that covers the groom's face, often seen in North Indian weddings.
- Stole or Dupatta - A stole with whimsy details and decorations draped on the groom's shoulders to give a regal look.
- Sword/Kirpan - A ceremonial accessory carried by Sikh grooms during the wedding ceremony.
Indian Wedding Attire for Wedding Guests
- For women, you can find various options like sarees, designer lehengas, kurta sets, or Indo west fusion outfits from bestselling designer brands like Lashkaraa, Samyukta Singhania and more.
- Opt from kurta sets for men, nehru jackets, bandhgalas or Indo western styles like dhoti with jacket from designer brands like Tarun Tahiliani, Arihant Rai Sinha and more.
- Choose a bright colored Indian wedding dress for night events and soft pastel shades during daytime celebrations.
Regional and Cultural Influences on Indian Attire
- North Indian Weddings - Brides wear a heavily embroidered classic royal red bridal lehenga whereas grooms wear a designer sherwani with a stole and turban.
- South Indian Weddings - Brides usually drape silk kanjivaram sarees complimented with temple jewellery and the grooms wear white dhotis with angavastram
- Bengali Weddings - Wear a red or white Banarasi saree with gold jewellery and the grooms wear a dhoti-kurta.
- Maharashtrian Weddings - Brides can be seen in Paithani saree with green bangles and groom in dhoti-kurta with Pheta (turban).
- Muslim Weddings - Brides usually pick sharara set with dupatta covering their head. Whereas grooms wear sherwanis or pathani suits with embroidered topis.
Latest Trends in Indian Wedding Dresses
Fashion trends play a vital role in the selection of wedding attire, which constitutes a significant portion of the fashion industry.
- Soft Pastel & Muted Tones: Soft pink, mint and lavender hues are replacing the traditional colors like red and gold in bridal fashion trends.
- Minimalistic Bridal Looks: Elegant lehengas with simple embroidery and without embellishments make the perfect guest dress for Indian wedding.
- Sustainable Fashion: Eco friendly fabrics and heirloom pieces are gaining popularity.
- Fusion Outfits: Indian wedding dresses like saree gown and dhoti pants offer a blend of tradition and modernity to your look.
- Statement Sleeves & Capes: Dramatic blouse designs and cape style dupattas are trending among modern bride to bes.
The Significance of Indian Wedding Outfits and Rituals
Engagement Ceremony: Brides often wear light lehengas or sarees and the grooms prefer bandhgalas or Indo-western suits for the ceremony.
Haldi Ceremony: Yellow outfits are worn to celebrate this occasion which symbolize purity and positivity.
Mehndi Ceremony: Brides wear green or floral lehengas and guests opt for vibrant ethnic wear choices for this ceremony.
Sangeet Night: The evening is all about dancing in sequin sarees, fusion gowns and sherwanis.
Wedding Day: The big day calls for traditional bridal and groom attire adorned with heavy embellishments, luxury jewellery and accessories.
Reception: Brides has the choice of elegant gowns, lehengas or concept sarees, while the grooms opt for tuxedos or bandhgalas.
Indian weddings are a fusion of tradition, culture, and heritage fashion. Whether you are attending a traditional ceremony or a modern wedding, dressing up according to the culture or custom will ensure you look your best and celebrate the joyous event effortlessly. A well curated bridal trousseau is an essential that all brides need to carry for her wedding journey and beyond.
