Indian Bridesmaids Outfits: The Perfect Timing For Ordering

Indian weddings are a grand affair, with multiple days of rituals, ceremonies, and festivities. The dress code for each event varies, with women often wearing bright and vibrant suits, lehengas, or sarees, and men opting for casual kurta-pajamas or festive shirts with trousers. When it comes to bridesmaids' outfits, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, it's important to order outfits that complement the bride's attire and add a splash of colour and elegance to the wedding ceremony. Secondly, the outfits should be uniform and coordinating, whether it's a traditional saree, a lehenga choli, an Indo-Western gown, or an Anarkali suit. Lastly, it's essential to keep in mind the specific cultural and regional traditions, as well as the preferences of the couple and their families, to ensure that the dress code is respectful and appropriate.

Choosing the right fabric and embellishments

Fabric Selection:

• Consider the Season: Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or cotton for summer weddings. For winter weddings, opt for luxurious and warmer fabrics such as brocade, velvet, or silk.
• Comfort and Style: Prioritize your bridesmaids' comfort by selecting fabrics that allow for movement and flow. At the same time, consider the style and fall of the fabric to ensure a polished and elegant look.
• Cultural Respect: Indian weddings celebrate the rich history and culture of the nation. Respect and honour these traditions by incorporating luxurious and intricate fabrics such as silk, velvet, brocade, or chiffon.

Embellishments:

• Coordination with the Bridal Outfit: Pick an element from the embellishments of your bridal outfit and incorporate it into your bridesmaids' outfits. This could be a specific type of embroidery, mirror work, or a particular motif.
• Colour Combinations: Play with colours to create a cohesive look. You can choose to match the colour of the bridesmaids' outfits to the bridal lehenga or add a contrasting twist by selecting softer neutrals or a combination of white and gold.
• Individuality and Variety: While coordination is essential, allow for some individuality and variety in the embellishments. Mix and match different styles, such as lehengas, sarees, or Anarkali suits, to add interest and uniqueness to each bridesmaid's look.
• Personalisation: Consider incorporating personalised elements into the bridesmaids' outfits, such as their names or initials, to make them feel extra special.
• Comfort and Functionality: Embellishments should not only enhance the aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose. For example, opt for comfortable and secure fittings, especially for heavy or intricate embellishments, to ensure your bridesmaids can move and dance freely throughout the celebrations.

Remember, the key to choosing the right fabric and embellishments is to strike a balance between style, comfort, and cultural respect. By incorporating these tips, you will create a stunning and harmonious look for your bridesmaids that complements your bridal outfit perfectly.

Coordinating with the bridal lehenga

Coordinating the bridesmaids' outfits with the bridal lehenga is a crucial aspect of planning an Indian wedding. Here are some tips and suggestions for achieving a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look:

Fabric Choice:

Firstly, consider the fabric of the bridal lehenga. If the bride has chosen a net lehenga, known for its lightweight and exquisite design, the bridesmaids can opt for similar net lehengas or go for other lightweight fabrics like organza or chiffon. Velvet lehengas are ideal for winter weddings, adding a luxurious sheen to the bridal party. Silk lehengas, on the other hand, offer a classic and elegant look, available in a myriad of colours, designs, and patterns.

Colour Coordination:

While it is not necessary for the bridesmaids to match the bride's lehenga colour exactly, coordinating within the same colour family or choosing complementary shades can create a stunning visual effect. For instance, if the bride is wearing a pink lehenga, the bridesmaids could opt for dusty pink, rose gold, or lavender purple lehengas. If the bridal lehenga is red, the bridesmaids might choose pink or orange shades to complement it.

Embellishments and Embroidery:

The bridesmaids' lehengas should complement the level of intricacy and detail of the bridal lehenga. If the bride's lehenga features heavy embroidery or embellishments, the bridesmaids can mirror this with their own outfits, perhaps choosing lehengas with similar embroidery patterns or opting for elegant zari work.

Accessories:

Accessories can further enhance the coordination between the bridal lehenga and the bridesmaids' outfits. Potli bags, clutches, and dupattas in matching or complementary colours can be used to accessorise the bridesmaids' lehengas. Additionally, jewellery can be used to tie the looks together. For instance, if the bride is wearing a Polki jewellery set, the bridesmaids could opt for similar jewellery styles or choose classic gold and diamond sets.

Timing:

Lastly, it is important to consider the timing of purchasing the bridesmaids' lehengas. Typically, it is recommended to buy the bridal lehenga and finalise the bridesmaids' outfits three to four months before the wedding events begin. This allows ample time for alterations and ensures that the bridal party's ensembles are ready well in advance of the big day.

By following these guidelines and drawing inspiration from the bridal lehenga, you can create a beautiful and cohesive look for the bridesmaids that will make the wedding ceremony even more memorable.

Selecting a style that suits everyone

Consider Different Styles: Lehengas, Sarees, and More

Indian bridesmaids' outfits come in a variety of styles, including lehengas, sarees, salwar kameez, and Indo-Western dresses. Lehengas are a popular choice for bridesmaids, offering a wide range of styles and colours to choose from. Sarees, a classic choice for desi women, can add a traditional touch to your wedding. Salwar kameez, on the other hand, offers a comfortable and versatile option. Indo-Western dresses blend traditional and modern elements, giving you the best of both worlds.

Choose a Common Colour Palette

One way to ensure your bridesmaids' outfits complement each other is to select a common colour palette. This can be a specific colour, such as pink, maroon, or purple, or it can be a range of colours, like pastels. By sticking to a certain colour scheme, your bridesmaids' outfits will look coordinated even if they are not identical.

Mix and Match with Similar Prints/Embroidery

Another way to create a cohesive look is to mix and match outfits with similar prints or embroidery. For example, you can choose a Banarasi lehenga in different colours but keep the top or shirt the same for a synchronised look. This way, each bridesmaid can showcase their unique style while still maintaining a unified appearance.

Accessorise Wisely

Accessories can play a crucial role in tying together the overall look of your bridesmaids' outfits. Consider adding a bouquet, a statement necklace, or a potli bag to enhance the style and elegance of the ensemble. Accessories can also be a fun way to incorporate your wedding colours or add a touch of sparkle to the outfits.

Discuss with Your Bridesmaids

Remember to involve your bridesmaids in the decision-making process. Take into account their individual styles, budgets, and preferences. By having an open discussion, you can ensure that everyone is happy with the chosen outfit and feels comfortable and confident on your special day.

Ordering from the right place

Reputable Online Platforms:

Opt for well-known online platforms that specialise in Indian ethnic wear, such as Panash India, Etsy, Utsav Fashion, Lashkaraa, and Andaaz Fashion. These websites offer a wide range of options, from traditional sarees and lehengas to contemporary gowns and salwar suits. They often provide custom stitching, ensuring a perfect fit for your bridesmaids. Additionally, they may offer discounts, worldwide shipping, and customer-friendly policies, making your shopping experience convenient and budget-friendly.

Craftsmanship and Quality:

When ordering Indian bridesmaids' outfits, look for vendors who showcase intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and elegant designs. Indian wedding attire is renowned for its elaborate craftsmanship, so ensure that your chosen vendor highlights these elements. Whether it's the intricate zari work, zardozi embroidery, or the use of rich silks and velvets, the quality of the outfits should be a key consideration.

Variety and Customisation:

Bridesmaids come in different shapes and sizes, so it's essential to choose a vendor who offers a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and body types. Look for websites that provide custom tailoring and size options to ensure a perfect fit for everyone. Additionally, some vendors allow for customisation, enabling you to coordinate your bridesmaids' dresses with the groomsmen's outfits for a picture-perfect look.

Customer Service and Reviews:

Prioritise vendors who offer dedicated customer service and support. This is crucial in case you need assistance with customisation, sizing, or have any other queries. Also, take the time to read customer reviews to gain insights into the quality of the outfits, the timeliness of deliveries, and the overall shopping experience. Positive reviews from previous customers can provide reassurance about the vendor's reliability.

Shipping and Returns:

Consider the shipping duration and costs offered by the vendor, especially if you're on a tight schedule. Additionally, check their return policy to understand the process in case you need to exchange or return any items. Vendors with global return centres can make this process more convenient.

Cultural Sensitivity:

When ordering Indian bridesmaids' outfits, ensure that the vendor respects and celebrates the cultural heritage associated with the attire. Look for websites that provide context about the cultural significance of the outfits, the traditions they honour, and the importance of specific colours, motifs, and embroidery styles. This demonstrates their understanding and appreciation of Indian wedding traditions.

Understanding the cultural significance

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and grand celebrations, with the wedding outfits playing a crucial role in honouring the rich history and culture of the nation. The bridesmaids' outfits are no exception, and understanding their cultural significance is essential.

Indian weddings are a showcase of cultural diversity, with various traditional Indian clothes worn by the bride, groom, and guests. The bridesmaids' outfits are an integral part of this display, often consisting of sarees, lehengas, or other traditional attire that complements the occasion. The saree, a staple choice for bridesmaids, boasts intricate patterns, fine cloth, and vibrant colours, with certain rituals like the Sangeet ceremony calling for sequined sarees. Lehengas, on the other hand, are two-piece outfits with trendy cropped tops and billowy skirts that have gained popularity.

The colours chosen for the bridesmaids' outfits also hold significance. For instance, bright colours like yellow and orange are perfect for an August wedding, while neutral colours like beige or cream suit indoor weddings during autumn. Additionally, in Indian culture, the wedding dress of the bride is traditionally provided by the groom's family, and red is considered the most auspicious colour for Hindus.

Indian weddings are not just about the main ceremony but also include several pre-wedding rituals such as the Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies. The Haldi ceremony, where turmeric is applied to the bride and groom, calls for bright-coloured outfits, while the Mehendi ceremony, where henna is applied, is an opportunity for more comfortable and floral-printed outfits.

Indian bridesmaids' outfits are more than just fashionable choices; they are a way to honour the cultural diversity and rich history of India. Each outfit is carefully selected to match the occasion, with colours and styles that hold symbolic meaning. By embracing these traditional outfits, bridesmaids add to the vibrant and grand nature of Indian weddings.

Frequently asked questions