Lehenga Functionality: Transforming Your Wedding Look

how to use wedding lehenga for function

Wedding lehengas are often expensive and grandiose outfits that hold a special place in a bride's heart. However, they are typically worn only once or twice, leading many women to brainstorm ways to reuse their wedding lehenga. There are several creative and stylish ways to do so, including mixing and matching different outfits, draping the dupatta in a new style, pairing the bridal choli with a plain lehenga, or transforming the lehenga into an anarkali suit. With some ingenuity, you can give your wedding lehenga a new lease of life and wear it to various functions and celebrations.

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Pair with a statement skirt or contrast saree

One way to reuse your wedding lehenga is to pair its components with different skirts, sarees, palazzos, or trousers. This allows you to create a new look while still incorporating elements of your wedding outfit.

For instance, you could pair the bridal blouse with a statement skirt or a contrast saree. If you had a full-length or corset-style blouse, you could convert it into a unique ensemble by pairing it with a plain shirt or a contemporary top. You could also repurpose the blouse by pairing it with a different saree, palazzo, or skirt to create an interesting outfit.

Another option is to transform your wedding lehenga into a saree. You can do this by draping the dupatta to resemble a saree pallu and using the skirt to create the look of a pre-draped saree. This gives you an unconventional saree look while still utilising your wedding lehenga.

When pairing your bridal blouse with a statement skirt or contrast saree, consider the colour and style to create a cohesive look. You can either match the colour of the blouse to your skirt or saree, or you can colour block by wearing the opposite colour to create a contrasting and experimental look. Additionally, choose jewellery that complements the embroidery or colour of your outfit. For example, if your blouse has gold embroidery, pair it with gold jewellery.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of choosing the right footwear to complete your look. Consider the venue of the function when selecting your shoes, and ensure the hemline of your outfit is at the right length to avoid any tripping hazards.

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Style with a silk blouse or shirt

Wearing a silk blouse or shirt with your wedding lehenga is a great way to repurpose this expensive garment for future functions. The traditional lehenga is a long, flowing skirt worn with a cropped top or blouse (choli) and a long scarf (dupatta) wrapped around the shoulders or head. The silk blouse or shirt can be styled in a few ways to create a modern or Indo-fusion look.

Firstly, you could wear a statement white shirt with your lehenga. This combination is perfect for a mehendi function or sundowner party. You could also add a traditional jacket to make the outfit more ethnic and suitable for a mehendi or haldi function.

If you want to go for a more modern look, you could ditch the dupatta and wear a silk blouse with drop shoulder neck detailing or halter neck detailing. You could also belt the lehenga to give it a polished look.

For a fusion look, pair your bridal blouse with gold palazzo pants and a long cape jacket. You could also wear the lehenga with a maxi skirt or a statement skirt or sari.

If you are feeling creative, you could even stitch your wedding lehenga into a floor-length anarkali suit.

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Transform into a floor-length anarkali suit

Anarkali suits are trendy in Indian marriages and other functions. You can transform your wedding lehenga into a floor-length anarkali suit in several ways.

One way is to stitch the lehenga skirt and choli together to create a long frock-style top, which can be paired with a matching slim-fitted bottom. You can also wear matching tights under your lehenga skirt and pull the skirt up to right under your chest, over your choli. Then, tie the skirt tightly and wear a matching waistband above the tucked-in choli. You can also stitch the skirt and choli together and add a matching bottom to create a floor-length anarkali.

You can make the upper portion of the anarkali suit unique by adjusting the length of the lehenga blouse. You can make it shorter and then stitch the skirt along, or change the pattern on the backside. You can also make the upper portion plain and use the lehenga top as a jacket.

The impeccable embroidery and embellishments on your bridal lehenga will accentuate your figure in an anarkali suit. You can also drape the dupatta in a new way to make the outfit look new.

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Wear with a long-sleeved jacket

Wearing a long-sleeved jacket with your wedding lehenga is a great way to create a Mughal-inspired look and make a bold statement. Here are some tips and ideas to style your wedding lehenga with a long-sleeved jacket:

Jacket Fabric and Design

The fabric and design of the jacket can vary depending on your preference and the occasion. For a winter wedding, opt for heavier fabrics like velvet, silk, or net. These fabrics provide an elegant base for intricate embroidery and embellishments. Lighter fabrics such as chiffon or soft net are ideal for summer events, with minimal embroidery or light embellishments like zari, sequins, or beads. Pastel colours are a quirky yet rich choice, while crimson, blue, green, and pink are popular colours for long jacket lehengas.

Jacket Embellishments

When choosing a long-sleeved jacket to pair with your lehenga, consider the level of embellishment on both pieces. If your lehenga is plain, opt for a jacket with some embroidery or embellishments to add a touch of glamour. Conversely, if your lehenga has heavy work or intricate designs, balance it out with a simple, plain jacket. You can also experiment with contrasting colours or similar hues to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Accessories

Complete your jacket lehenga ensemble with carefully chosen accessories. Jhumkas, chandbalis, or a mangtika can add a touch of tradition and elegance to your outfit. If you're wearing a dupatta with your lehenga, experiment with different draping styles to showcase the beauty of both the lehenga and the dupatta. You can also add a brooch or a statement accessory to highlight the collar of your jacket for a festive touch.

Footwear

Don't forget to choose the right footwear to complement your lehenga and jacket ensemble. If you're tall, Juttis are a better option than slippers or flats. Ensure the hemline of your lehenga isn't too long and trailing on the floor. If you're on the shorter side, opt for heels or wedges to elongate your silhouette, and adjust the hemline accordingly.

Occasion

The beauty of a jacket lehenga is its versatility. You can style it for both day and night functions, depending on the fabric and embellishments. They are perfect for weddings, festive celebrations, and evening functions like sangeet parties or anniversaries. The key to rocking a jacket lehenga is confidence and comfort, so choose a style that makes you feel fabulous!

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Drape the dupatta in a new way

The dupatta is a versatile accessory that can be draped in many ways to change the entire look of your lehenga. Here are some unique and innovative ways to drape your dupatta:

Gujarati Style

The Gujarati style of dupatta draping draws inspiration from the traditional Gujarati saree. To achieve this look, first pleat one side of the dupatta and drape it at the front, leaving 3/4th of the dupatta flowing towards the back. Then, pleat the free end at the back and tuck it to the side of the waistband. Finally, secure the corner of the underlying border at the front to the side seam. This style is ideal for festive occasions and captures the essence of Gujarati traditions with grace and elegance.

Veil-like Drape

For a timeless and sophisticated look, drape the dupatta over your head and shoulders, allowing it to cascade down like a veil. This style adds a touch of romance and elegance to your ensemble, making it perfect for weddings and formal events.

Cape Style

The cape style is a new and chic way to drape your dupatta. Simply wear the dupatta over your shoulders and pin it on both sides. This contemporary look will make you stand out and feel like a modern princess.

Double Dupatta

Experiment with colours, styles, and fabrics by using two dupattas. One dupatta can be draped over the head, while the other can be draped to accentuate the visual aesthetics of the overall bridal look. The double dupatta style adds a regal touch to your outfit and is a great way to showcase the beauty of both dupattas.

Classic Shoulder Drape

This traditional lehenga dupatta style involves draping the dupatta over both shoulders equally, allowing it to fall evenly on either side. It is a simple and classic way to showcase your beautiful lehenga while also providing freedom of movement.

Frequently asked questions

Drape the dupatta in a new style. You can also wear a cape over your choli, or pair the lehenga with a long-sleeved jacket.

Stitch your lehenga into a floor-length anarkali suit. You can also mix and match the lehenga with other outfits, such as pairing the lehenga's dupatta with a different lehenga or anarkali.

Get rid of the can-can and added frills to make your lehenga lighter and more breathable. You can also alter the length of the lehenga to suit your needs.

Pair it with a statement skirt, a contrast saree, or a maxi skirt. You can also wear a silk blouse or shirt with the lehenga and ditch the dupatta for a modern princess look.

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