Traditional Indian Wedding Wear
Whether you're attending an Indian wedding, part of a bridal party for an Indian couple or planning your own traditional Indian wedding, you should be mindful of what you wear to the ceremony and reception. Today, many Indian couples are choosing to incorporate both cultural dress elements along with traditional Western wedding wear customs to create a unique experience that combines Indian culture with the comfort of Western tradition. Does this Spark an idea?
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Color
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On her wedding day, an Indian bride traditionally wears bright red, as the Western white is what is worn to Indian funerals. Black is also avoided because it symbolizes mourning or death. Wedding guests and members of the wedding party should wear bright colors, while avoiding red, as this is the bride's special color.
Modesty
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Indian weddings that take place at religious temples or other places of worship usually require the bridal party and guests to dress modestly. In some Indian religions, you must cover you head when entering the place of worship, so female guests may want to bring a scarf just in case this is required. Typically, you want to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, and is modest even if you are sitting cross-legged on the floor.
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Groom Attire
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The groom's attire depends on personal preference, where his family lives in India and how traditional he wants to be. Achkans and sherwanis are both very traditional long jacks worn for weddings. Achkans, which are popular in North India, reach to the knees or lower and are usually paired with churidars, which are very tight trousers that bunch at the bottom of each leg. Sherwanis are popular in Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabad and are like a heavier version of achkans. They can be paired with churidars or kurta pajams. Some grooms wear only kura pajams, or loose, lightweight matching shirts and trousers with lots of embroidery, and the jodhpuri suit is another option, which combines Indian and Western looks. Jodhpuri suits have a coat with embroidery on the front, a dress shirt and trousers.
Lehenga
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Most traditional Indian brides prefer to wear red lehenga, usually embroidered with silver or gold and embellished with sequins, stones and crystals. The lehenda is an ankle-length skirt, and it is typically paired with a choli, a top that shows the midriff and has tight sleeves. The bride also traditionally wears a dupatta or chunni, which is a long stole that drapes around the neck and shoulders. Lehenga are most commonly made of satin, crepe or georgette. Brides can wear a longer choli if they are uncomfrotable bearing their midriff.
Salwar Kameez
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Instead of a Lehenga, a traditional Indian bride might choose to wear a salwar kameez. This dress consists of a tunic-like shirt called a kameez, loose trousers called salwar, and a dupatta/chunni. Like with other bridal wear, this option is heavily embellished if word to a wedding and traditionally in red satin or another expensive-looking material.
Benefits
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While many couples who have ties to India want a more modern wedding, the major benefit to including Indian wear is that you're honoring your heritage. This is often very important to older members of your family who may be attending your wedding. It is also a fun way to make your wedding stand out as special.
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References
- Photo Credit indian man walking arm in arm with his family image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
