From the Geography class back in school till now, we have always been taught about India's diverse cultural aspects. We have a history of being the strongest and the most diversified nation where multiple cultures and traditions are valued and celebrated with equal significance.
Going by the Culture-Rich Values of the Country, the essence of Indian heritage can be also visualized in its languages, lifestyles, rituals, practices, festivals, and attires.
According to the Indian Culture, marriage is the auspicious occasion where two souls are tied together for the following seven births, and the bride and the groom take vows to be with each other in good and bad, attired in their traditional wedding dress.
“In India, we celebrate the commonality of major differences; we are a land of belonging rather than of blood.” – Shashi Tharoor
When discussing wedding lehengas, India has to be at the top of the list with so many wedding lehenga styles inspired by its rich cultural traditions. They bring out the core essence of Indian heritage in its truest form.
People of India are deeply connected to their land even more than blood, and it is the land that has given birth to so many varieties of art and artisans to bring to the forefront innumerable embroidery styles and stitching methods.
A wedding in India is a grand celebration of two souls taking vows for a lifetime, and all contribute together in preparing the bride for the special day. The artisans celebrate every marriage with their finest works done on wedding lehengas India so proudly talks of.
“Unity in Diversity” - Yes, that is what we say about India with so many languages, religions, cultures, customs, rituals, food habits, and dresses. The local cultures and the climate of the region primarily inspire dresses.
Although there are differences, one attire unites all: the wedding outfit. India has brought so many different bridal lehenga styles and designs to the world fashion industry. They are elegant, rich, diverse, detailed, and regal in type to perfectly match the happy and luxurious occasion of marriage. If you are also searching for wedding lehengas, India is the place to be.
Let us show you some wedding lehenga styles that bring out the Indian heritage.
Starting from the extreme North, Kashmiri Lehengas are known for carrying the legacy of the Pheran and Kalidar ensemble. They are not typical lehengas but have the bridal lehenga touch in them.
It has a long, loose outer garment and flared trousers that give that lehenga look to it. Intricate Kashmiri motifs are the charm holders of regal Kashmiri heritage, which can be noted on these Silk or Velvet Kashmiri lehengas.
Punjab is known for its lively Culture and vibrant lifestyles of its people, and to mark that spirit of Punjab, Punjabi Phulkari bridal lehengas are made for the brides. Hand-embroidered floral motifs are prevalent in their traditional wedding dress.
It is the bright-colored Phulkari floral patterns that provide a rich cultural touch to the wedding lehengas. India has expertise in making Punjabi wedding lehengas based on luxurious silk and crepe materials with Phulkari drapes that are both lightweight and can be carried with grace.
Bandhani is a tie-dye method used by the local artisans of Gujrat to preserve their local Culture and roots. Over the years, Gujarati people have welcomed and appreciated this Bandhani style to such an extent that it is now a part of their traditional wedding dress. Some lehengas are designed using bandhani patterns on the base and kacchi mirror work in the form of embroidery on it.
Kacchi mirror work also symbolizes the skilfulness of the artisans from the Kutch region of Gujarat. With minimalist designs, the entire focus remains on the colourful Bandhani patterns created on the Gujrati wedding lehengas. India is a canvas of tradition, and the Bandhani Wedding Lehenga is an integral part of that canvas.
Rajasthan is the land of the Royals with remains of the Traditional King and Queen culture. It is also famous for another thing. If you say wedding lehengas, India will say Rajasthani lehengas are a perfect extension of the Rajasthani Royalty. In Rajasthan, it is the lehenga choli with the regal elegance that makes the bride feel like a princess.
Rajasthani craftsmen specialize in gota patti works which, when done on vibrant-coloured traditional wedding dress, create a captivating look to bring out the bride’s aura. Intricate leheriya prints and Rajasthani Zarikari works are tempting enough to make you choose one for your special day.
Bengali Wedding Lehenga
Bengali weddings are a reflection of rich cultural traditions of the region and carry a long histoy but Bengali lehengas are comparatively new in this segment. Although earlier, Bengali brides preferred to wear their traditional wedding dress on their special day, which was sari, modern Bengal brides have shown an inclination towards wearing lehengas.
To meet the demand, fashion designs have come up with Wedding lehengas for Bengali brides that keep their traditions alive as well as add that extra modern touch to it. Hence, a fusion wedding lehenga style has come up. New lehenga designs have been introduced using the traditional Bengali motifs and polkas that were originally used to create traditional wedding dresses for Bengali brides. It is a perfect combination of Culture and fashion.
Banaras is popularly for its Banarasi silk fabric which comes with intricate detailing using gold and silver threads. Brides from the earlier times have always preferred to go for Banarasi silk lehengas with refined brocade works and zari borders to get that exquisite look on their best day.
Over the years, this skill to weave the intricate details on the banarasi silk cloth has been passed down through generations and it still holds the same grandeur and aura like the old days. As a part of North India’s unique cultural aspect, Banarasi silk lehengas have always been the winner.
When talking about wedding lehengas, India has a rich history that speaks of Mughal era and its splendour. To keep that splendor alive, Uttar Pradesh's artisans have excelled in creating Zardozi bridal lehenga style.
This traditional wedding dress has rich and heavy embellishments on sumptuous fabrics like silk or velvet to give the bride that lavish look. These are one of the riches and finest wedding lehangas India can boost about. Brides can be the living symbol of rich cultural heritage on their special day by wearing such luxuriously made bridal outfits.
The Nizams have a significant role to play in Hyderabad’s history and their styles have also stayed in this part of India for a longer period of time. Gharara style wedding lehengas which are prevalent in Hyderabad act as a mirror to the Nizami elegance that once existed.
There is Zari and sequins along with intricate hand embroidery in this lehenga style, which further adds to the bride’s regal look. Gharara is not like any other lehenga choli set. It comes with a tunic, flared pants, and a scarf-like dupatta all emitting a royal vibe.
South Indian Silk Lehengas are the carriers of South Indian heritage and, at the same time, modernity. When talking of South India, wedding lehenga styles vary from one state to the other. In Kerala, the traditional wedding dress is a white and gold Kasavu lehenga, while in Tamil Nadu, vibrant silk lehengas are more common. Although South India has a rich cultural tradition and craftsmanship, their brides prefer to keep their attires simple and comfortable.
To pay homage to the temples present in this part of India, temple motifs are found on the lehenga skirt. With minimalistic designs on silk-based fabrics, South Indian silk lehengas are made to celebrate the region's textile heritage. Some popular silk fabrics found here are Mysore silk, Dharmavaram silk, and Kanchipuram silk, which are also the favourites for brides.
Not only the designs, motifs, and embroidery styles are diverse in the wedding lehengas, India is also about showcasing artistry and cultural significance during weddings. Here, brides wear different varieties and styles of traditional wedding outfits to perform different wedding rituals. So, in terms of attires and wedding lehengas, India portrays the diversity and artistic brilliance.
The aesthetic bridal look and the smiles on the bride’s faces on their big day bring satisfaction to the vast number of artisans who work day and night to preserve the cultural heritages of India.
We salute not only the bride’s choices of traditional wedding outfits but also the meticulous hard work of the craftsmen in India. With them, artistry lives, and progressive India carries forward its rich Cultural traditions.
With every wedding, India celebrates its cultural diversity and traditional heritage. It spreads with attires.
