Marriages are made in heaven. Every wedding is carefully planned, for they are not just the union of two people, but two families.
Weddings in India are more than just ceremonies; they are grand celebrations that go on for days and involve numerous rituals. They are rooted in tradition, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for the couple. From the Sangeet to the Reception, every function in an Indian wedding holds a lot of cultural and emotional significance. This emotion increases when the bride or groom is your close friend.
The crucial question then arises: what are some good dress ideas for weddings?
Indian weddings are very elaborate; each function has a theme and dress code, which makes choosing the right outfit for your friend’s wedding important. What you choose will reflect your respect for tradition, adherence to the theme and your style. Making the right choice will enhance the experience of the event, allowing you to fully participate in the celebration. Wearing the perfect wedding outfit will also help you create timeless memories at your friend’s wedding.
Understanding Wedding Themes and Dress Codes
Traditional Indian Weddings:
- Sangeet: This pre-wedding event is everyone’s favourite, dedicated to music and dance, making for a fun night. Hence, colourful and vibrant outfits are the norm. Lehengas with mirror work, Anarkalis or even fusion wear, like crop tops with skirts, make for the perfect dress for a friend's wedding.
- Mehendi: This function involves the application of henna, making comfort more important than anything else. Pastel-coloured kurta sets or kaftan suits are ideal as they allow for ease of movement. Try Suvidha Fashion’s elegant co-ord sets for the best quality and comfort.
- Wedding: This is the main event, calling for traditional and grand clothes. Try sarees with different draping styles, or heavy lehengas with intricate embroidery. Suvidha Fashions has a wide range of sarees, ranging from crepe and silk to tissue sarees, in various elaborate designs. Or, you could also try the exquisite lehengas; from the classic A-Line to the twirling circular lehenga, and an Indo-western fusion collection, Suvidha Fashions has it all!
- Reception: This is the final, glamourous celebration, and needs sophisticated attire, such as designer gowns, or even fusion outfits. If you are confused about the best designer wedding outfit ideas for women, then try Suvidha Fashions’ extensive gown collection, which is the perfect blend of modern and traditional!
Contemporary Themes
- Destination Weddings: Since these weddings are held in picturesque locations around the world, the outfits need to match the backdrop. Light flowy fabrics and pastel colours are the best choices.
- Fusion Weddings: This blend of traditional and modern allows for creative outfits that mix Indian and Western elements: pairing a lehenga with crop tops or sarees with Western silhouettes makes for the perfect modern marriage function dress for females.
- Beach Weddings: These types of weddings are held by the seaside, and call for airy, comfortable outfits in light fabrics, like chiffon or georgette. Try out Suvidha Fashions tissue or crepe sarees; they can be styled in any way you want!
- Rustic Weddings: These weddings are inspired by nature, hence why they often feature earthy tones and traditional weaves. Silk sarees and cotton sarees with intricate zari work, in gold or green hues, are a good choice for these types of weddings.
- Minimalist Weddings: These weddings focus on simplicity and elegance, and inspire understated yet chic outfits that have clean lines, subtle and neutral colours.
Aligning your outfit with the theme - How to stand out while fitting in:
- Colour palette: Stick to the theme’s colour scheme, while also making sure you choose a shade that complements your skin tone and stands out subtly.
- Fabric and texture: Choose fabrics that fit the setting. For example, light and flowy work well for beach weddings, while rich and textured outfits are perfect for rustic themes.
- Design Elements: Incorporate a unique design element to add a personal touch, such as custom embroidery, or a unique draping style.
- Accessorise smartly: Use accessories that highlight your outfit, while also being a subtle and simple addition to the ensemble, and not overpowering it.
Outfit ideas by function:
- Sangeet: Dancing is a major part of this function. So while looking your best is important, you must choose fun, vibrant outfits that allow for easy movement. For example, lehengas with mirror work or sequins can add a sparkle under the lights. Or, you could try the circular twirling lehenga by Suvidha Fashions: a long skirt with flowing flares that whirl mesmerizingly, making them perfect for a function like the Sangeet. You could also wear Anarkalis or fusion wear with crop tops with skirts.
- Mehendi: For this function, comfort is the most important. Co-ord sets in pastel shades are trendy and practical, while kurta sets ensure that you stay comfortable while maintaining style. Kaftan sets are a great option as well, as they offer both comfort and ease of movement.
- Wedding Ceremony: This is the most traditional part of the event, which requires dresses that fit traditional norms and are grand. Sarees with contemporary drapes, such as a pleated style, or an addition in the form of a belt, add a modern twist to a classic outfit. Heavy lehengas with intricate embroidery, or sharara sets could help reflect the significance of the occasion, while also offering a stylish touch to the occasion.
- Reception: If you have been waiting to go all out, then the reception is the function for you! Flaunt your style with designer gowns in luxurious fabrics, sarees with a metallic sheen or fusion outfits are the best choices to make a sophisticated style statement.
Unique Outfit Inspirations
- Mix and Match Lehengas: This is one way to maximise your wedding wardrobe; mix and match lehenga skirts with different blouses. Pair a heavily embroidered lehenga with a simple crop top, or swap the choli for a contrasting colour and make it the best marriage dress for a girl!
- Saree draping techniques: Use innovative saree draping techniques to transform the traditional outfit into a trendy and unique attire! A dhoti-style drape makes for the perfect contemporary look, while a pant-style saree is the best if you are going for a fusion twist. These new draping styles add an element of surprise and allow for greater comfort and ease of movement.
- Western Fusion Outfits: If you want to blend Western and Indian fashion, consider outfits like jumpsuits with ethnic embellishments, or gowns with traditional embroidery. Strike that balance between modern and traditional, making them ideal for contemporary weddings.
Accessorising for the wedding
- Jewellery: Statement pieces are the key to elevating any wedding outfit. Chokers work well with sarees and lehengas, while a maang tika will draw attention to your face. Wear bangles to add an extra layer of elegance, especially if you are wearing a simple outfit.
- Footwear: Comfort is key when it comes to wedding footwear; you don’t want to hurt your feet with all that movement you need to do. But that doesn’t mean you should compromise on style. Embellished Juttis are a great option for traditional outfits, as they offer both comfort and glamour. At the same time, block heels can provide support while adding height, making them a good choice for long events. Kolhapuris are perfect for casual functions like the Mehendi.
- Bags and clutches: Having a bag is important for wedding functions. You need a place to safely keep your essentials, like your phone, tissue paper, money, some makeup etc. Choose clutches with intricate embroidery that complement your outfit. It will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Weddings:
- Fabric choice: Summer weddings mean fabrics that are breathable and comfortable. Cotton, chiffon and organza are the perfect choices, as they are lightweight and allow air to circulate, keeping you cool all day. Consider the wide range of chiffon and tissue sarees from Suvidha Fashion. This collection will keep you cool and stylish at the same time!
- Outfit Ideas: For the best dress for marriage function for girls, opt for light and airy outfits in pastel colours. Mint green, blush pink and powder blue reflect the sunlight but add a refreshing touch to the ensemble. You can choose either a flowy Anarkali, a simple lehenga with minimal embroidery, or lightweight sarees. Avoid heavy outfits that can add weight to the outfit and cause discomfort.
Winter Weddings:
- Fabric choice: Winter weddings call for heavier and richer fabrics like velvet, brocade or silk. These materials add warmth and bring a regal touch to your outfit!
- Outfit Ideas: Consider opting for an outfit where you can incorporate shawls, capes or jackets as part of the design. Velvet lehengas with intricate embroidery, sarees with heavy pallu drapes, or Anarkalis with matching jackets are great options. Or, you can add a shawl or stole to the outfit. Go for rich, deep colours, such as maroon, navy blue or emerald, as they complement the winter wedding theme perfectly.
Outfits for different body types
Curvy Figures:
- Flattering Options: For curvy figures, it’s important to choose outfits that highlight curves while providing comfort. A-Line Lehengas are perfect as they flare out at the waist and flow gracefully. In case you choose a saree, go for a well-structured blouse that offers good support and pair it with sarees in flowy fabrics.
Petite Frames:
- Outfit Ideas: Petite frames can benefit from outfits that add more volume, and create the illusion of height. Ruffled sarees, with cascading layers, can add dimension to the frame. Tiered lehengas are another good option, as the layer can give the illusion of added height. You could pair peplum tops with skirts or lehengas and create a balanced look by adding volume at the waist.
Tall Figures
- Outfit Ideas: Tall figures can easily pull off maxi dresses and lehengas with heavy borders, which help balance out the height. Outfits with broader pallu drapes in sarees are also a good choice, as they add horizontal interest to your silhouette. Avoid vertical stripes or patterns as these can draw attention to the height.
Budget-Friendly Options
Affordable Ready-made options:
- For those who are looking to find stylish wedding outfits without spending too much, consider shopping in stores that specialise in affordability. Many high-street brands and online platforms offer trendy and budget-friendly outfits. Try local markets and boutique stores like Suvidha Fashions for unique pieces at reasonable prices.
- Consider renting outfits; this new trend is growing, especially for high-end garments that might be worn only once. Rental services offer a variety of designer outfits at a fraction of the purchase cost. This is a budget-friendly yet fashionable option.
Sustainability in Wedding Fashion
- One of the most effective ways to embrace sustainability in wedding fashion is to reuse and repurpose outfits. A wedding lehenga, for example, can be restyled by pairing the skirt with another blouse or converting it into an Anarkali. By altering and updating older outfits, you will be able to give them a new life. It will help reduce waste and help hold a sentimental value for years.
- With sustainability as a prime function in fashion, many designers and brands are embracing eco-friendly fabrics for wedding wear. Organic cotton, khadi and recycled materials are gaining more popularity as they reduce environmental impact while still offering style and comfort.
Conclusion: Confidence is Key
The outfit you choose will be the one that you will create endless memories with, so make sure that whichever one you opt for, is the one you are the most confident in.
Whether it is a traditional lehenga, a fusion saree, or an organic cotton saree with zari work. It could be a winter wedding or a destination wedding, but what will matter the most is your comfort.
To aid you in finding this comfort, come to Suvidha Fashions. With a wide range of wedding outfits in different styles, you will find the perfect option for your friend’s wedding, and do not need to ask “What to wear in a friend's wedding?”
