Indian Weddings: How to find your dream bridal outfit?

For Indian brides, where weddings typically span 3 to 4 days, there’s more than one outfit to consider. However, the main one, worn during the wedding ceremony itself has to be the grandest of them all. And that’s bound to add some form of stress amidst all the wedding planning.

So before a full down meltdown ensues, let’s start with the basics to bridal wear shopping.

Type of outfit

Pick the type of outfit you’re going to wear – saree, lehenga or salwar kameez – before you even begin to think of anything else. Most brides tend to go with the lehenga which is a blouse, a full circle skirt and scarf, as it usually looks far more exquisite and glamourous from the moment you step forth into the venue. Otherwise since Sikh weddings involve sitting and standing after the recitation of each hymn during the ceremony, some brides would prefer to don the salwar kameez (long top with pants and scarf) as it allows for ease of movement.

Colour

Now that you’ve decided on the type of outfit, proceed to colour. The colours of choice essentially vary between red, pink or maroon but certain brides have also experimented with purple or gold and navy. One other aspect that you could consider is to colour co-ordinate your outfit with your husband to be’s – so in that sense you’d have to ask if he’s ok with having pink in his get up.

How heavy should it be?

You’ve probably heard it many times over by now, all thanks to the many curious aunties who will no doubt want to have a part of the planning, that the heavier your outfit, the better. While the heavier weight no doubt would equate to better quality beading and embellishments, let’s face it, why would you want to torture yourself with carrying all those extra pounds on your wedding day?

Instead ignore the weight of the outfit and consider how comfortable you would feel while dressed in it. Wear it at the studio, walk around, have the scarf draped over your head and see if it’s too much for you to handle. The last thing you need is falling over from the weight of the garment.

Decide on one

Once you’ve settled that, sleep over it and think it through several times until you decide to stick with one colour. Done? Now, venture forth into the glitzy world of bridal wear, try on as many options that fit the two basic categories of type and colour, and narrow down your choices. Finally, all that remains is to bring your most trusted friend along for the ride who would eventually help select that all important dream dress. Just remember, this has to be the dress you want to be remembered in as you complete your wedding vows – no pressure.

Most Indian brides tend to source for their bridal outfits in India but if you don’t have the capacity to go or would simply rather look for one right here in town, we have two of the best studios in town. Trust us, you’ll be left speechless from the moment you lay your eyes on the impeccable bridal options.

Tarandip Kaur