Indian wedding culture And the Significance of the bridal lehenga

Indian weddings are a grand and elaborate affair, steeped in tradition and customs that have been passed down through generations. These customs and traditions vary depending on the region and religion of the couple getting married, but they all share a common goal: to celebrate the union of two individuals and their families.

Here are some of the key customs and traditions that are typically observed during a Hindu wedding ceremony :-

1. Pre-wedding rituals :- Indian weddings typically begin with a series of pre-wedding rituals that are meant to prepare the couple and their families for the big day. Some of the most common pre-wedding rituals include haldi (a turmeric paste applied to the bride and groom's skin), mehendi (henna applied to the bride's hands and feet), and sangeet (a musical evening where the families of the bride and groom come together to celebrate).
2. Baraat :- The groom's wedding procession, known as the Baraat, is one of the most iconic and extravagant parts of an Indian wedding. The groom, along with his family and friends, arrives at the wedding venue riding a horse or a decorated car, while dancing to the beat of drums and music.
3. Jaimala ceremony :-  After the groom and his family arrive, the couple exchanges flower garlands in a ceremony known as the Jaimala. This ceremony signifies the couple's acceptance of each other and marks the beginning of the wedding rituals.
4. Kanyadaan :- This ritual is performed by the father of the bride, where he gives away his daughter's hand in marriage to the groom. This is a very emotional moment for the father and the bride, as it symbolizes the end of the father's responsibility for his daughter and the start of the groom's responsibility for her.
5. Sindoor and Mangalsutra :- Sindoor is a red powder applied by the groom on the forehead of the bride, and Mangalsutra is a necklace tied around the bride's neck by the groom, both the rituals signify the couple's marital status.
6. Saat Phere :- The couple takes seven vows in front of the fire and the priest, which are the seven promises they make to each other.
7. Reception :- The reception is a grand celebration where the newlyweds are presented to the public as a married couple. This is a time for the couple to thank their friends and family for their support and for everyone to celebrate the union of two families.

These are just a few of the many customs and traditions that are typically observed during an Indian wedding. Each wedding is unique and will have its own set of customs and traditions that reflect the couple's religion, culture, and family background. 

With the wedding itinerary sorted, the big decision comes to selecting the bridal lehenga. Indian bridal lehenga also known as lehenga choli, is a traditional and popular choice for Indian brides on their wedding day. A Lehenga is a long skirt that is worn with a short top, called a choli, and a dupatta, which is a long scarf that is draped over the head and shoulders. The lehenga can be made of various materials such as silk, satin, and velvet and is often heavily embroidered with gold or silver thread, as well as sequins and beads. One of the main reasons why lehengas are so popular is that they are incredibly versatile. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs, making it easy for brides to find the perfect lehenga to match their personal taste and style. Some Lehengas are simple and understated, while others are heavily embroidered and adorned with crystals and pearls. This means that whether a bride is looking for something traditional or modern, she is sure to find a lehenga that suits her needs.

Lehengas are also very popular because they are very comfortable to wear. The long skirt provides a lot of coverage and allows the bride to move around easily, which is important during the long and busy wedding day. Additionally, the dupatta can be used to cover the head or shoulders, which is important for brides who want to show respect for their culture and traditions.

Here are a few things you must consider before selecting your bridal outfit - 

1. Color :- Color is an important consideration when choosing a bridal Lehenga. Traditionally, red and gold are popular choices, but many brides are now opting for more modern shades like pastels and blues. It's also important to consider the significance of color in your respective culture.
2. Fabric :- The fabric of the lehenga is also something you must keep in mind while selecting your Lehenga.. Different fabrics have different draping and fall, so it's essential to choose a fabric that will work well with your body type. Silk, satin, and velvet are popular choices for bridal lehengas.
3. Design and Embroidery :-  Lehengas come in a wide variety of designs and embroideries, so it's essential to choose one that suits your personal style. Some popular designs include paisleys, florals, and temple borders. It's also important to consider the type of embroidery and embellishments used on the Lehenga, as these can greatly affect the overall look and feel of the garment.
4. Body Type :- Another important consideration is your body type. Not all lehengas will look the same on everyone, so it's essential to choose a style that flatters your figure. 
5. Jewellery :- The jewellery you wear with your lehenga is also an important consideration. It's important to choose jewelry that complements the Lehenga and adds to the overall look of the bride.
6. Occasion :- Consider whether you are choosing the Lehenga for your wedding day or for other ceremonies like pre-wedding functions, reception and so on. Different occasions call for different styles of lehenga. Do ensure that you’re not repeating colors when selecting outfits for your celebrations.
7. Comfort :- Lastly, it's crucial to choose a lehenga that is comfortable to wear. You'll be wearing the lehenga for several hours, so it's essential to choose a style that won't weigh you down or cause discomfort.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a bridal lehenga that is not only beautiful but also suits your personal style, body type, and budget. It's also important to remember that you should feel comfortable and confident in your bridal Lehenga as it's a reflection of your personal style and a lifetime memory of your special day.

At WeaverStory, we believe that no celebration or wedding is complete without a  Banarasi Lehenga. Banarasi silk Lehengas are typically heavily embroidered with intricate designs, such as zari work, zardozi, kadhwa and cut-dana. These Lehengas are often adorned with gold and silver thread, which gives them a very rich and opulent look. Each lehenga has been carefully made in a variety of colors keeping in mind that you have to look and feel your best on your big day

Pigeon Blue Handloom Pure Katan Silk Banarasi Lehenga with Gotta Patti Dupatta and Blouse

A vintage light blue banarasi lehenga is a timeless classic. The lehenga is made from opulent katan silk fabric and includes an organza dupatta and a blouse made of fine silk. Gota patti is used to complete the four sides of the dupatta.

 

This stunning pink lehenga is the ideal traditional outfit for all of your celebrations. The vibrant and striking pink of the lehenga is undoubtedly eye-catching and it all comes together with a matching organza dupatta and satin blouse.

 

Author - Aditi Bapna