Indian Wedding Dress: Part of Indian Religious and Social Life

Marriage is an important custom in the Indian religious and social life. It is highly regarded as one of the most essential stages that an individual will take. The Indian society is concentrated on the family roots, particularly to the extended one, therefore involving not only the merging of two individuals but also the merging of their respective families as well. Since marriage is an important part of the Indian culture, it is considered to be a major social and religious event which involves not only the Indian couple but also the guests as well.

Regarded as one of the most exciting and lively events in their culture, Indian weddings are characterized by colorful wedding dresses and accessories. The Indian bride usually wears elegant saris with gorgeous lahanga which is made from colorful brocades and textured silks which gives a traditional touch as well as nature of sensuality.

The lahanga suit that is worn by an Indian bride is a skirt with choli and odhani and the salwar kameez is composed of trousers which a quarter-length tunic and shawl of god and red that is gathered on the ankle.

Indian Muslim brides often wear the above-describe lahanga suit or the salwar kameez while the Indian Sikh brides commonly wear the salwar kameez with dupatta.

In addition, Indian brides from the northern part of India like their head to be covered, whereas the brides from the southern and central part of India want to have their heads uncovered. Thus, the variation of wedding clothes is influenced by the Indian’s different religious affiliation as well as the geographical location.

The garments used in making the bride’s wedding gown is made from abundant materials like velvet and silk and often adorned and trimmed in gold thread, which Indians believed to be bringing good fortune to the newly-wed couples.

Maroon, pink, and red are the most-preferred colors for the garments, with red is highly regarded as the most promising color for an Indian wedding. It corresponds to fertility, energy, life, abundance, joy, and marital bliss. The choice of colors is decided by the Indian groom and bride; however, white and black are considered to be inappropriate for the occasion.

The Indian groom often wears sherwanis which are inspired from the Mogul era with long kurtis adorned by gold embroidery and dupattas. They look simpler with the accessories and embellishments which are adorned with traditional chunky mojris and jewelry. In addition, they also wear turbans, cufni suits, and swords.

According to an Indian fashion designer, the bridal trousseau includes the following:

• Formal and heavy sari;
• A pair of light and simple salwar or churidaar-kurta sets;
• Sleep wear which includes a pair of lingerie;
• Home wear which includes short kurtis, ponchos, pants, and others;
• A piece of corset which can be paired to saris, skirt, lehenga, and denims; and
• A pair of gold shoes.

Although there are wide variations of Indian wedding dress because of the effect of religious as well as regional differences, you can not deny the fact that Indian wedding is part of their faith and it is recognized not only by the community as well as by the Indian society. Indian wedding dress symbolizes many things, with all of it leading to prosperity and happiness of an Indian couple for years to come.