This question is a hot topic in our forums:“Can I wear white to an Indian wedding?” White is, traditionally, the colour of mourning in many cultures across India. However, many of our bold, modern brides are breaking these norms and traditions. (We have had several brides in white lehengas/saris with colourful borders and embellishments for their main ceremony, Mehendi, Sangeet or reception-you can see these in our real weddings section). In many South Indian cultures, the wedding sari is white or beige with a golden border.
White Indian wedding dresses-The advantages
The advantage of wearing white, according to colour experts is : “White symbolizes purity and peace. People who wear white come across as trustworthy and dependable.” White is an ideal summer wedding colour when the mercury is rising relentlessly.
Off late, white has been one of the most popular colours in Indian wedding Receptions. Grooms and brides can also coordinate their attire in this colour: White sherwani with a contrasting Dhoti or dupatta for the groom and a white or beige lehenga with contrasting and complementary motifs for the bride.
White Indian wedding dresses-Not all that bland
Your white Indian wedding dresses need not be bland or ‘meh’. Your chosen attire can come in dazzling motifs and embellishments that are sure to set all eyes on you. Simply opt for luxurious materials like silk, chiffons and georgettes having embroidered hems, shiny beads, zari work, ruffles and all other bells and whistles that are sure to add the oomph factor to the otherwise monotonous white.
You can also go in for seasonless gowns in white-many of our Indian Fashion week designers have experimented with white gowns-so do browse through these collections for inspirational ideas. For summer weddings, brides can opt for sheer sleeves and backless cholis whereas for winter weddings, one can pair up the white gown with a pretty Pashmina Shawl. You can also go in for beautiful headpieces or tiaras and accessories to complete the look.
White Indian wedding dresses for mother of the bride
The mother of the bride and groom can also choose elegant, timeless and sophisticated white sarees which can be worn beyond their son/daughter’s wedding. (A practical way to get more mileage for expensive sarees or lehengas).
Today, there are many options in white wedding attire for the mother of the bride/groom. Luxury fabrics, imported silks with beading and rhinestones or zari work offer many choices for the well-dressed mother of the bride/groom regardless of the season in which the wedding takes place.
White Indian wedding dresses for the guests
The appropriate wedding dress of a guest at an Indian wedding is a complicated issue these days. Since the bride herself is choosing non-traditional wedding wear, it can indeed be quite confusing to a guest as to what would be deemed appropriate to be worn at the Indian wedding. Many non-Indian guests wonder if they can wear white at Indian weddings. The answer to this question is: Yes, as long as you are comfortable, most people would not really mind as long as your attire is conforming to the Indian standards of decency: well covered arms, legs and shoulders. You could also choose your attire that is comfortable since you would likely wear it for longer periods of time on the wedding day.
What do you think of wearing white Indian wedding dresses at your own wedding? Do comment below!
images: Rasna-Chirayu real wedding by WedRed Photography
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