Crafting A Wedding Lengha: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding lengha is a popular choice for brides in North India. The lengha's opulence and glamour make it a favoured option for those seeking a majestic and flattering appearance on their wedding day. When making a wedding lengha, there are several factors to consider, such as the fabric, colour, and embellishments. The fabric chosen depends on the event's formality, the season, and the desired level of comfort. For instance, silk or brocade are suitable for formal occasions, while cotton is ideal for more casual events. The colour of the lengha can be chosen to match the wedding theme or coordinated with the bridegroom's outfit. Red is a traditional choice, symbolising love and prosperity, but modern brides may opt for alternatives like pink, blue, peach, gold, or pastels. Embellishments such as embroidery, zari work, mirror work, and gota patti add a unique touch to the lengha and can be paired with delicate or elaborate jewellery.

Choosing the right fabric for your body type and the weather

The choice of fabric for your wedding lengha is crucial as it determines how the outfit will sit on your body and give you the desired fit. Here are some tips for choosing the right fabric for your body type and the weather:

Weather

The weather plays a significant role in determining the type of fabric you should choose for your wedding lengha. If you're getting married during the warmer months, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, crepe, organza, net, cotton, or linen. These fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.

For winter weddings, choose thicker fabrics that will keep you warm, such as velvet, silk, satin, or brocade. These fabrics have a luxurious feel and will add a regal touch to your bridal look.

Body Type

When selecting a fabric, it's important to consider your body type. Different fabrics drape differently and flatter various body shapes. If you have a petite frame, go for lightweight and flowy fabrics like chiffon, georgette, crepe, or organza. These fabrics won't overwhelm your figure and will create a delicate, elegant look.

For plus-size brides, fabrics like velvet, brocade, or georgette are excellent choices. They provide structure and will flatter your curves beautifully. If you're tall, you have the advantage of being able to wear almost any fabric gracefully. Just ensure the length of the lengha is altered to suit your height.

Skin Tone

The colour of the lengha is often chosen based on the bride's skin tone, and certain fabrics complement specific skin tones better than others. For fair skin tones, bright colours like pink, emerald green, turquoise blue, and all shades of red are flattering. Wheatish skin tones are complemented by lighter shades like peach, warm pink, light gold, and chilli red. For dark skin tones, medium red, apple red, and deep orange shades are ideal, while avoiding neon shades that may clash with the undertones of the skin.

In conclusion, choosing the right fabric for your wedding lengha involves considering the weather, your body type, and your skin tone. Opt for fabrics that will keep you comfortable while accentuating your best features. Remember to also choose a colour that suits your skin tone and complements the theme of your wedding.

Selecting a colour that suits your complexion and matches the wedding theme

Selecting the right colour for your wedding lengha is an important part of curating your dream bridal attire. Here are some tips to help you choose a colour that suits your complexion and complements the wedding theme:

Skin Tone and Undertone

Determining your skin tone is the first step in choosing the right colour for your wedding lengha. If you have a fair complexion, you can effortlessly pull off a wide range of hues, from mint green and powder blue to scarlet and pink. For tan or medium skin tones, rich and earthy shades like ochre, maroon, and olive green are most flattering. If you have a dusky complexion, deep and intense colours like black, grey, mauve, and burgundy will make you look exceptionally elegant.

Your undertone is another important factor to consider. If you have cool undertones, soft shades like light pink, light green, and pastels will complement your skin, while warm undertones will be enhanced by shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Weather and Season

The season and weather of your wedding also play a role in choosing the right colour. If you're having a winter wedding, opt for darker colours like red, maroon, or orange. For a summer wedding, choose lighter shades like light pink, powder blue, or lemon yellow.

Wedding Theme

To create a unified and mesmerizing look for your wedding, it's important to consider the wedding theme and venue when selecting your lengha colour. If you're having a traditional wedding, red, gold, and jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, and maroon are classic choices. These colours also exude a regal appearance. If you're having a daytime wedding, soft and refreshing colours like mint green or pastel shades can be an elegant choice.

For a modern twist on traditional wedding attire, pastel colours like blush pink, mint green, and lavender are perfect. You can also experiment with unique colour combinations like pistachio green and light pink, mustard and ice blue, or magenta and ice blue.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a colour that resonates with your style and makes you feel confident and happy.

Knowing how to style your wedding lehenga with jewellery, footwear, hairstyle and makeup

Styling your wedding lehenga with the right jewellery, footwear, hairstyle and makeup is essential to achieving a cohesive and stunning bridal look. Here are some tips to help you style your wedding lehenga like a pro:

Jewellery

The jewellery you choose to pair with your bridal lehenga can make or break your look. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Colour Contrast: Opt for jewellery in contrasting colours to your lehenga. For example, pair a simple bright yellow lehenga with a heavy, green necklace or a baby pink lehenga with a dark blue haar.
• Modern and Vintage Cocktail: Mix and match traditional and modern jewellery pieces. Pair a contemporary bridal lehenga with a vintage necklace or a traditional outfit with modern jewellery.
• Multi-Coloured Stones/Hues: If you've chosen a minimal work lehenga, go bold with multi-coloured jewellery. This will add a royal finish to your outfit.
• Diamonds: Diamonds are a classic choice that will never go out of style. They complement any wedding lehenga colour and are a safe bet if you want to keep it elegant.
• Dual-Tone Hue and Palette: Use two strands of jewellery, one matching your lehenga and the other in a contrasting colour. This adds richness and a regal touch to your overall look.
• Match with Dupatta: For a subtle yet stylish impact, match your jewellery to the shade of your dupatta. This ensures your jewellery complements your lehenga without being overwhelming.
• Gold: A classic, heavy gold necklace is always a safe choice. Gold jewellery adds a traditional and luxurious touch to your bridal ensemble.

Footwear

Comfort and style are key when choosing your wedding footwear. Here are some options to consider:

• Sandals: Lightweight and versatile, sandals come in various colours and styles, with or without heels. They are easy to wear and can be matched with your outfit.
• Ballerinas: Comfortable and elegant, ballerinas can make you feel like a princess. Their flat sole makes them ideal for long durations.
• Pumps: Pumps add a slight elevation and complement heavy attire. They are a good choice for brides who want to appear taller.
• Wedges: Wedges provide more stability than pointed heels and are easier to walk in. They come in different styles, from simple to glamorous.
• Mules: Mules are easy to wear and take off, making them a popular choice. They have a slight heel and go well with most outfits.
• Slip-ons: For minimalists, slip-ons are a comfortable and convenient option. They are lightweight and have minimal banding, making them hassle-free.
• Kolhapuri: Kolhapuri shoes are traditional and colourful, often featuring bead and embroidery work. They add a touch of royalty to your look and can be found in various heel types.
• Stilettos: Stilettos have thin, pointed heels that add height and make it easier to manage long attire. They are lightweight and can be found in various colours.
• Sneakers: Bridal sneakers add a quirky and comfortable touch to your ensemble. They can be blingy and eye-catching, with or without laces.
• Juttis: Juttis are traditional footwear originating from Punjab and Rajasthan. They add a 'desi' vibe to your look and go well with almost any colour. Some juttis feature intricate embroidery.

Hairstyle

Your hairstyle should complement your lehenga and face shape. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Single Diagonal Braid with Curls: This style is simple yet elegant. Curl your hair inwards and braid a small section diagonally. Add flower clips to the braid for a soft, romantic look.
• Buns with Ambada Veni: A traditional and timeless hairstyle, buns with Ambada Veni have been favoured by brides for centuries. Wrap multiple gajras around your bun and add an Ambada Veni for old-world charm.
• Half-tie with Curls: Let your hair down in gorgeous curls, but secure half of it with a starry clip for a simple yet stunning look. This style is perfect for brides who want their hair to stay in place during the celebrations.
• Braids with Centre Parting, Bun, and Gajra: If you plan to wear a maang tikka and gajra, this hairstyle will enhance your elegance. Create a centre parting, twist and twirl your hair into braids, then tie it into a bun. Add a white gajra and maang tikka to complete the look.
• Crown Puff and Edgy Braids: This intricate hairstyle takes time and patience. Twist and braid the front hair, curl the back hair, and create a half-knot with lavender flowers. Style the rest of the hair into double braids and bubble ponytails.
• French Braid Twist: Multiple French braids gathered together create a full and tidy appearance. Add a flower that matches your lehenga for a romantic touch.
• Top Pinup Hairstyle: This simple and subtle style works well with lehenga choli and is ideal for heavy lehengas. Braid your hair from both sides and secure it into a bun.
• Short and Simple: If you prefer short hair, a simple short haircut can be elegant and stylish. Pair it with a thick lehenga for a trendy look.
• Floral Tiara: Leave your hair in loose waves and secure half of it with a floral headband. This style is perfect for those who dislike bulky embellishments.
• Ponytail with Braided Crown: A high ponytail with a braided crown is attention-grabbing and often favoured by ladies with strong personalities.
• Messy Bun with Accessories: A messy bun with a few accessories and hairspray is a simple and classic look for bridesmaids.

Makeup

The key to bridal makeup is striking the perfect balance between complementing and contrasting your lehenga. Here are some tips to consider:

• Lehenga Makeup Match: Use the same colours as your lehenga for your makeup palette. For example, if your lehenga is gold and pink, use those colours for your eye makeup, lipstick, and blush.
• Contrast: If you're wearing light or pastel lehenga colours, you can experiment with bold contrasting eye makeup and lips. For a pastel pink lehenga with gold and purple thread work, try bold purple eye makeup.
• Nude Look: The nude makeup look is popular among millennials. It involves soft colours and nude shades that accentuate your features without being overwhelming. It's perfect for daytime weddings.

Understanding the different types of bridal lehengas, such as mermaid, multi-colour, and ruffled lehengas

When it comes to bridal lehengas, there are many options to choose from, each offering a unique and beautiful look for the bride's special day. Here are some of the different types of bridal lehengas to consider:

Mermaid Lehengas

Mermaid lehengas are fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, before flaring out into a full skirt, usually at or below the knee. This style is known for its curves and romantic silhouette, and it suits all body types and styles. While similar to the trumpet style, which flares at the thigh, the mermaid lehenga makes a more statement appearance.

Multi-Colour Lehengas

An offbeat yet traditional option, multi-colour lehengas can be a charming choice for a bride's wedding day. This style can incorporate colour-coordinated outfits for the bride's family and friends, creating a cohesive and eye-catching look for the entire wedding party.

Ruffled Lehengas

Ruffled lehengas add a trendy, feminine, and dreamlike touch to a bride's ensemble. Ruffles and frills can transform a simple lehenga into a stunning and unique bridal outfit, making the bride's dream come true.

Other Lehenga Styles

In addition to the above, there are several other types of bridal lehengas to consider:

• Net Lehengas: These lehengas are lightweight, with a luxurious and feminine appearance. They often feature intricate embroidery and embellishments, adding glamour to the outfit.
• Blended Velvet Lehengas: Velvet lehengas are ideal for winter weddings, providing a luxurious sheen and regal theme. The magnificent flare of this style gives it a universally flattering silhouette.
• Melded Silk Lehengas: Silk lehengas are classic and elegant, with a unique texture that gives the bride an exuberant appearance. They come in various colours, designs, and patterns, making them versatile and appealing.
• Sequin Lehenga Cholis: Perfect for evening receptions, these lehengas sparkle with every step, adding a touch of glamour to the bride's look.
• Pastel Lehenga Cholis: Pastel colours like blush pink, mint green, and lavender offer a soft and modern twist to traditional bridal attire.
• Ombre Lehengas: For brides who want to experiment with colours, ombre lehengas provide a beautiful gradient effect, usually with two tones, creating a stylish and unique look.
• Brocade Lehengas: Brocade fabric is show-stopping when it comes to traditional, royal, and splendid weddings. It adds a breath-taking touch to the bride's ensemble.
• Raw Silk Lehengas: Raw silk is a popular choice for weddings, providing a grand and inspiring appearance for the bride's special day.
• Buti Work Lehengas: Buti work adds a delicate and fairy tale-like touch to the bridal lehenga. It is a classic choice that will make the bride look and feel like a princess.
• Mirror Work Lehengas: Mirror work lehengas are perfect for making the bride shine on her special day. They add a glow and a million-dollar smile to the bride's face.
• Gota Patti Lehengas: Gota patti is a classic, ethnic, and timeless choice. It can be effortlessly styled with delicate or elaborate jewellery, making it a versatile option.
• Zardosi Lehengas: Known for its richness and royalty, zardosi adds charm and charisma to the bridal lehenga. It blends well with the magnificence of a grand Indian wedding.

Knowing how to store and fold your bridal lehenga

Read the Label:

Before storing your bridal lehenga, carefully read the care label attached to it. If you purchased it from a store, the label will provide specific instructions on how to wash and dry the material. Be sure to follow these instructions and relay them to your dry cleaner. If you had your lehenga tailored, consult the maker to understand the fabric quality and texture before planning the cleaning method. Consider using a professional dry cleaner that specialises in bridal outfit preservation.

Fold, Don't Hang:

It is generally recommended to fold your bridal lehenga instead of hanging it. The weight of the lehenga can deform and sag the contours over time if hung. Lightly fold your lehenga and place it on a flat surface for storage.

Folding Technique:

When folding your lehenga, it is important to do it properly to avoid creases and damage to the embroidery or design. Start with the sleeves of the blouse, folding them inwards, and then fold the rest of the blouse over. For the skirt, begin folding from the outer edges, making small folds to protect the embroidery. Place sheets of acid-free tissue paper, butter paper, or soft fabric like malmal or muslin between the folds to prevent the fabric and embroidery from entanglement and rubbing against each other. You can also stuff the blouse and sleeves with bundled muslin cloth to maintain their shape.

Wrap in Muslin Cloth:

Once you have carefully folded your lehenga, wrap it in a soft, clear muslin cloth. The muslin cloth acts as a shield, protecting the delicate embroidery from moisture and unnecessary creasing. It also helps keep the lehenga fresh and dust-free.

Choose the Right Storage Box:

Invest in a good-quality, spacious box with soft rounded edges and acid-free linings. Ensure the box is big enough to accommodate the lehenga comfortably. Avoid using boxes that are too small, as they can damage the heavy fabric and intricate embellishments.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place:

Store your boxed lehenga in a cool, dry place that is spacious and airy. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. You can keep the box under the bed, inside a large cupboard, or even in the closet, as long as it is not subject to frequent temperature changes and dust.

Protect from Insects and Moths:

To prevent insect and moth infestations, use natural repellents like lavender sachets, dried neem leaves mixed with cloves in a muslin pouch, or mothballs. Cedar oil balls or naphthalene balls can also be added to the box to keep insects away and impart a pleasant smell.

Air it Out:

Once every few months, take out your bridal lehenga and air it out in mild sunlight. This helps freshen up the fabric by drawing away moisture and preserving its rich colour.

By following these steps, you can effectively store and fold your bridal lehenga, ensuring its longevity and preserving your precious memories.

Frequently asked questions