Indian wedding dresses for women

Indian wedding dresses for women

There is no denying that Indian bridal attire is synonymous with grace, elaborate designs, and striking hues. Marketed by diverse traditions, they differ from one part of India to another due to the nation’s vast cultural variety. Listed below are some of the most famous Indian wedding garments for women: 

Indian wedding dresses for women
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Saree

  • Region: Pan-India (especially, Jharkhand, South India, Maharashtra, and Bengal)
  • Description: A saree comprises a lengthy and unstitched piece of cloth that is usually between 5 to 9 yards in length, and is elegantly wrapped around the body. Rich fabrics like silk with heavy embroidery, zari work, and intricate designs are used to make bridal sarees. Some of the traditional styles are the Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Banarasi from Varanasi, and Paithani from Maharashtra.

Lehenga Choli

  • Region: North India (especially Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab)
  • Description: A lehenga is a long skirt that is complemented by a choli (blouse) and a dupatta (scarf). Bridal lehengas are typically adorned with heavy embroidery work done using zari or zardozi or studded with stones. They are often chosen in bright colors such as red, maroon, or gold because they are considered auspicious.
Anarkali Suit
  • A region code in which the areas of North India are particularly significant (especially in Punjab or Delhi)
  • Description: An Anarkali suit features a long, flowy kurta (top) that flares out, paired with churidar (tight-fitting pants) and a dupatta. Bridal Anarkali suits are often adorned with heavy embroidery, sequins, and other embellishments.

Sharara/Gharara

  • Region: Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad
  • Description: A sharara consists of a short kurta (top) paired with wide-legged pants that resemble a skirt, and a dupatta. The gharara is similar but with a flare at the knee. These are typically adorned with elaborate embroidery and embellishments, making them popular. 
Banarasi Silk Saree
  • Region: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Description: For many North Indian brides, a Banarasi saree is indispensable. The remarkable silk material and fine zari (gold or silver thread) embroidery are the hallmarks of these sarees. Traditional motifs like flowers, paisleys, and Mughal-inspired designs are prominently featured in them.

Kanchipuram Silk Saree

  • Region: Tamil Nadu
  • Description: Kanchipuram sarees are known for their long-lasting nature. They are made with vibrant colors and are hence popular. The various designs on these sarees differ from their borders thereby making it possible to wear each differently. In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, these items are worn by the brides almost always.

Mekhela Chador of Assam

  • Region: Assam State
  • Description: Mekhela Chador is a customary Assam bridal dress comprising two significant parts: the Mekhela (a shape like a cylinder worn about the waist) and the Chador (a cloth draped across the shoulder). It is spaciously made using silk with exquisite designs.

Phulkari

  • Region: Punjab
  • Description: Phulkari refers to “flower work” and is an old-fashioned stitching method from Punjab. The bridal dress employs Phulkari which lends an eye-catching look due to its bright colors, and densely packed flowers.
Patiala suit
  • Region: Punjab
  • Description: The Patiala suit is a traditional dress that has its roots in the state of Punjab. It comprises a knee-length kurta, baggy pants called Patiala paired with it, and a dupatta. Patiala bridal suits come with heavy embellishments and bright colors which makes them ideal for pre-wedding functions like Mehendi or Sangeet.
Sambalpuri Saree from Odisha
  • Region: Odisha
  • Details: Sambalpuri sarees are popular for their unusual motifs and detailed ikat weave. In Odisha, these garments are often donned by brides and boast conventional designs along with vivid hues.

Pattu Pavadai

  • Region: Tamil Nadu, Kerala
  • Overview: The traditional attire of the South Indian girls comprises a silk skirt and blouse, often worn at marriages or festivals.

Ghaghra Choli

  • Region: Rajasthan, Gujarat
  • Definition: The ghagra choli resembles lehenga choli and is worn by brides in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The ghagra (skirt) is often more flared and paired with a choli (blouse) and a dupatta. The dress is generously decorated with mirror work, embroidery, and traditional designs.

Kasavu Saree

  • Region: Kerala
  • Definition: The Kasavu saree represents the traditional bridal attire worn by Keralan women wherein it may have either white or cream color combined with gold borders. Overall, it has both a simple and elegant style characterized by the woman putting on necklaces made from gold. This type of sari makes it particularly famous during weddings among Hindus within the boundaries of Kerala.
More than just clothes, Indian bridal dresses stand for the innovation, culture, and traditions of the country; therefore every one of them becomes a unique work of art.

Frequently Ask Questions

What are the most popular Indian wedding dresses for women?

Indian women who are getting married usually prefer Lehenga Choli, Saree, Salwar Kameez, Anarkali Suit, and Ghagra Choli as their best dresses. These attires differ in terms of region, culture, and ritualistic practices that accompany them depending on the type of ceremony being performed.

Which Indian state is known for the Banarasi Saree?

The state of Uttar Pradesh in India, particularly in Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras) is well-known for its Banarasi Saree. It is made from pure silk and has exquisite gold and silver brocade work that makes it a favorite among brides-to-be.

What is traditional bridal dress in Kerala?

In Kerala, the Kasavu Saree is a traditional bridal wear that is normally white or creamy with a gold border. It is often worn with heavy gold jewelry by brides during Hindu and Christian weddings in the state.

What characterizes Punjabi bridal attire?

A traditional Punjabi bride outfit generally contains a heavily embroidered Lehenga or Salwar Kameez, a dupatta, and traditional accessories like Chooda (red and white bangles) and Kaleere (dangling ornaments). The outfit usually has bold colors and elaborate embroidery.

How does a South Indian woman usually dress for her wedding?

Most South Indian brides wear Kanjeevaram sarees that are made from heavy silk materials which are embroidered/gold thread work on it. The saris tend to have very bright colors complemented with typical Indian gold ornaments especially those in temple designs.

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