Bridal fashion changes based on who and where you are. For South Indian brides outside of India, authentic Indian garments may be tricky to track down. There’s also the question of tradition to keep in mind.
Wedding traditions vary based on religion and particular culture. It can also be complicated by the local traditions where you are living, especially if the groom is not Indian.
Religious pluralism and geography both inform the way a bride dresses. Different religions have different ceremonies. India is a highly pluralistic nation, which the nation’s citizens take pride in. This richness of diversity provides ample opportunity for individuals to celebrate their heritage and define themselves through shared connections.
Navigating the interlocking parts of one's identity affects much of how we move through the world. It shouldn’t come in the way of choosing your dress, however. If anything, your own sense of history and aesthetics should inform your choice of dress.
What Are Bridal Traditions in South India?
Indian women have a wide variety of dresses to choose from. The diversity of the nation in religion and culture is expressed in a rich diversity in bridalwear. For southern Indian women, there are clear dominant trends.
For most brides, the saree will be the order of the day. For others, lagna voli, a variety of lehenga choli, will make an appearance. These two garments largely define South Indian bridal fashion. For this reason, the dresses we’ve selected will embody either Saree or Lehenga Choli fashion.
Choosing Your Dress
Choosing your dress can be challenging, especially if you are somewhere without much in the way of ethnic attire. That’s why Lashkaraa is here to make sure that women everywhere can easily shop for authentic (and beautiful) Indian apparel. We have traditional Indian attire for women, men, and children so that you can take a little Indian culture and style with you wherever you go.
For special situations, we provide custom tailoring for many garments. In addition to traditional sizing, we offer unstitched garments so you can get them tailored to your body. We also ship custom-stitched garments with individually-chosen measurements, necklines, and other features.
The end result is that the below garments can be effectively customized for the perfect selection on your wedding day. With the style and possibilities highlighted, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Indian bridal-ready outfits!
Beige Multicolor Sequins Embroidered Saree
The modern embroidery and off-the-shoulder design add a degree of contemporary sophistication to the Beige Multicolor Sequins Embroidered Saree. The net fabric shimmers under light, perfect for any celebration. The body of the garment is covered in sequins and dabka booties, while the arms and torso feature elaborate embroidery.
A bail of embroideries on the pallu reflects these more complex patterns. Though the design itself is contemporary, the workmanship is as traditional as could be. Each piece is individually made and hand-checked in India, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship.
Dusty Purple Sequins Embroidered Saree
The above piece makes for a bold, shimmering statement. Our next item features rich saturated colors for an understated, classy mood. Red and gold are the traditional colors of an Indian bride, but for the celebration leading up to the main event, some brides might like to go for an unexpected pop of color.
The Dusty Purple Sequins Embroidered Saree features sequin and floral threadwork embellishments to bring out the beauty of any bride. The shape of the blouse and lush purple shade come together to trim the waistline.
The matching tulle saree creates an effortless mystique through its subtle contrast and floral etchings. Pair it with complementary and metal-tone jewelry for a breathtaking look that exudes elegance.
Black and Dusty Mint Velvet Saree
The Black and Dusty Mint Velvet Saree embraces the joy and beauty of detailed embroidery wholeheartedly. The mint net saree reveals golden flowers running through the knee and bottom of the garment. Meanwhile, delicate thread, zari, sequins, and stonework are visible throughout, including on the velvet blouse.
The end result is a garment that carries true weight, both physical and emotional. Matte black velvet contrasts with the glittering embellishments and bright embroidery. These luscious dualities make the perfect symbolic gesture on a wedding, as a day of joining together.
To Veil or Not to Veil
The veil is one of the most common wedding accessories globally, regardless of culture. The color of the veil and how it is placed is a fashion statement in itself.
Your veil color may speak to the religious significance of your service. Many Indian Christian brides wear white veils with white or gold sarees or Western wedding gowns. Some Christian brides in India will wear red, seen commonly in Hindu ceremonies.
Historically, yed is one of the most frequent veil colors for Indian brides, thanks to its symbolism of beginnings and power.
Even in the Western world, the veil originated as a red roman garment intended to ward off evil. This garment, called a flammeum, covered a bride from head to toe and made her appear as if on fire.
Classically, a veil would be styled with a saree. However, there is nothing stopping a modern bride from either foregoing it or pairing it with a lehenga.
Blush Pink Sequins Embroidered Net Lehenga
An elegant lehenga choli can add a different look to your wedding apparel. The dueling primary colors of our Blush Pink Sequins Embroidered Net Lehenga, gold and pink, help allude to lucky colors. Gold and pink, taken as a more delicate version of red, speak of prosperity and love to come.
The net lehenga features a silk kameez, with a stoon bottom and inner. A net dupatta with embroidery hem is also highlighted. A combination of lace and sequin embroidery results in a light and effervescent figure.
Red Heavy Embroidered Net Lehenga
Let’s discuss the ultimate class choice: Our Red Heavy Embroidered Net Lehenga utilizes a net top and bottom and satoon inner spectacularly. The net features some heavy thread and stonework. This creates an elaborately complex look when the sheer net gives wary to matte satoon.
A net dupatta is also featured, using net with heavy thread embroidery and stonework along the hem. Red is ravishing, but especially so on a bride. Use this lehenga to highlight the best of traditional and modern aesthetics.
Deep Red Sequins Embroidered Saree
If you prefer a red saree, look no further. At least, this much is the case if you don’t mind being the center of attention in this glamorous offering:
The Deep Red Sequins Embroidered Saree cannot help but sparkle as you move about, thanks to the intricately inlaid sequins on the saree and its pallu. The pallu also features elegant lace embroidery to provide a complexly textured appearance. The garment is easily slender, polished, and perfected.
The sleeveless nature of the garment, low back, and deep-cut sweetheart neckline make this the perfect opportunity to showcase jewelry. Pair your favorite necklace, earrings, and headpieces to make a truly unforgettable appearance.
Light Grey Heavy Embroidered Net Lehenga
Weddings are a time for plenty of colors — in your decorations and your garments. For that reason, choosing an intricate dress with a neutral color can be a powerful statement all its own. When worn elegantly, grey evokes modernity, collectedness, and refinement.
The Light Grey Heavy Embroidered Net Lehenga achieves all this and more with jaw-dropping attention to detail.
Thread, sequins, and stonework rappel down every inch of the garment. The body of the choli is flanked by buoyantly decorated hems with more restrained bodywork. The embroidery of the lehenga cascades down, increasing in complexity as it descends towards the floor. The net dupatta reflects both the most complex and most restrained portions, in its hem and its body.
Grey also holds an interesting place for its color palette. It is lighter than black but darker than white, both traditional mourning colors in Hinduism. Grey will likely never overtake the modern standbys of Indian weddings, but the statement it makes causes pieces like this to be worth examining.
Dusty Blue Ombre Sequins Embroidered Saree
The Dusty Blue Ombre Sequins Embroidered Saree drips radiance. This bold dress is perfect for any event leading up to the wedding day. The spaghetti strap blouse fuels a party-ready energy that’s perfect for high-energy engagements.
An array of silver sequins creates a dazzling blue-grey look that catches the eye and keeps in there. The overall effect creates an ombre pattern that goes from silver to dusty blue. Lace embellishments further enhance the pallu.
The Perfect Fit For You
Choosing the right apparel to wear for your wedding and the countless events it entails takes time. Once it’s all completed, it may seem that it has passed in a whirlwind. The fact remains that, on this day, no detail is insignificant.
Your dress is a reflection of your values and heritage, but it is above all a reflection of your unique personality, style, and love story. Finding the perfect dress may take time, but once you know — you know. The perfect, traditional Indian dress, no matter how elaborate, can’t possibly outshine the smile of a joyous bride!
Sources:
Diversity and pluralism in India | Pew Research Center
Why Do Indian Brides Wear Red? | Brides
Everything You Need To Know About the Wedding Veil Tradition | Brides