Indian weddings are grand affairs filled with rich traditions, vibrant colors, and lively celebrations. The attire plays a crucial role in setting the mood and adding to the festive atmosphere. While sarees and lehengas are iconic choices, there are several other equally stunning options for wedding guests, bridesmaids, or even the bride herself. Whether you’re attending a mehendi ceremony, sangeet, or the reception, there’s a beautiful outfit for every occasion. Let’s dive into some of the best dresses to wear at Indian weddings that don’t include the usual saree or lehenga choli.
1. Anarkali Suit: Effortlessly Elegant
Why It's Perfect:
The Anarkali suit has a timeless appeal and is synonymous with grace and grandeur. Its long, flowing silhouette and flared bottom make it an excellent choice for a wedding celebration. It’s versatile enough for various wedding functions, from the mehndi to the reception, making it a reliable go-to for many wedding guests.
How to Style:
- Embroidered Anarkali: Choose a heavily embellished Anarkali for an opulent look. Intricate zari, thread, or stone work on fabrics like silk or velvet gives the outfit a luxurious touch. Dark, rich hues like royal blue, red, and emerald green are perfect for evening events.
- Chikankari Anarkali: For a daytime event or less formal gathering, opt for a delicate chikankari (a traditional form of hand-embroidery) Anarkali in soft pastel shades. These fabrics exude elegance while keeping you comfortable for long hours.
- Layered Anarkali: If you’re looking for a more modern twist, try a layered Anarkali with contemporary cuts and styling. The addition of a high-low hem or asymmetrical design adds a fresh and stylish element to the traditional form.
Style Tip: Pair your Anarkali with delicate, minimal jewelry such as a statement maang tikka, jhumkas (earrings), and a sleek clutch. You can also add a light dupatta for added flair.
2. Sharara or Gharara: A Trendy Twist
Why It's Perfect:
The sharara and gharara are stunning alternatives to the traditional lehenga and saree. These flared pants, often paired with an embellished kurti or kameez, create a unique yet regal look. Perfect for weddings that require movement and comfort, these outfits combine traditional Indian designs with a bit of contemporary flair.
How to Style:
- Traditional Gharara: A classic gharara set typically consists of a long, voluminous skirt-like pant paired with a short kurti or kameez. The outfit often features intricate embroidery, perfect for the wedding ceremony or reception. Opt for colors like ivory, gold, or maroon, which are perfect for these grand occasions.
- Modern Sharara: The sharara offers more flexibility and movement, often with a slightly more contemporary design. You can try a cropped top or a more tailored silhouette to modernize the look. For a lively mehendi or sangeet, vibrant colors like teal, peach, or mustard can stand out beautifully.
- Fusion Styles: Some fusion-style ghararas or shararas feature contemporary elements like a peplum top, cropped jacket, or cape, adding a modern edge to a traditionally rich garment.
Style Tip: Since shararas and ghararas are already statement pieces, go light on the accessories. A simple maang tikka, a few bangles, and a statement clutch can finish the look.
3. Floor-Length Gown: Western Glam Meets Indian Tradition
Why It's Perfect:
If you're looking for something that balances Western chic with Indian elements, a floor-length gown is a sophisticated option for wedding receptions, cocktail parties, or evening celebrations. The gown’s modern, elegant silhouette can easily be enhanced with traditional Indian touches like embroidery or embellishments, making it a versatile choice for the contemporary bride or wedding guest.
How to Style:
- Embellished Gown: To make a statement, choose a floor-length gown that incorporates traditional Indian embroidery or embellishments like zari work, sequins, or stone detailing. Dark, regal shades like deep red, navy blue, or black work beautifully for evening events.
- Lightweight Gown: If you’re attending a less formal event or a daytime wedding, opt for a lightweight, A-line gown in pastels or metallics. Fabrics like chiffon or satin will give the gown a soft, flowing movement, while still feeling glamorous and festive.
- Fusion Gown: For an innovative look, try a fusion gown that combines a structured bodice with a lehenga-style skirt or even incorporates elements of a traditional anarkali into the design.
Style Tip: Since gowns often make a bold statement, balance the look with understated jewelry. A pair of chandbalis (traditional Indian earrings) or a delicate necklace can be enough to keep the outfit in harmony.
4. Kurtis and Tunics: Casual Yet Chic
Why It's Perfect:
For a more relaxed or intimate wedding celebration, like a haldi or mehendi function, kurtis and tunics are an easy yet fashionable choice. These outfits are comfortable, effortless to wear, and can still be styled to suit the occasion. They offer a range of versatility, from casual to semi-formal, depending on how you accessorize.
How to Style:
- Chic Short Kurtis: Pair a short kurti with palazzo pants or leggings for a casual yet elegant look. Opt for kurtis with minimalistic designs, rich embroidery, or even subtle mirror work to add texture and vibrancy. Bright colors like pink, yellow, and green work well for daytime events.
- Long Anarkali Kurtis: For a more formal look, a long Anarkali-style kurti, paired with flared pants or churidars, can offer an elegant silhouette without the heaviness of a full lehenga. Choose kurtis with fine detailing like zari or threadwork to make the look more festive.
- Embroidered Tunics: If you’re aiming for a more contemporary vibe, try a tunic-style dress with traditional motifs like bandhani, block prints, or tie-and-dye patterns. These can be paired with sleek leggings or straight-cut pants for a chic, fusion-inspired look.
Style Tip: When styling a kurti or tunic, keep accessories simple and elegant. Layered necklaces, jhumkas, and a simple clutch work best. Choose comfortable footwear like juttis or sandals to keep the look grounded.
5. Maxi Dresses with Indian Elements
Why It's Perfect:
For an effortlessly stylish and modern look, a maxi dress with Indian-inspired embellishments is an excellent choice. This dress works well for a more relaxed pre-wedding event or a laid-back reception. The flowy, floor-sweeping silhouette offers comfort while allowing you to show off a blend of Indian artistry with Western fashion.
How to Style:
- Embroidered Maxi Dress: Choose a maxi dress with embroidery or embellishments that echo traditional Indian designs like floral motifs, mirror work, or zari. Dark, rich hues with gold embroidery work particularly well for evening celebrations.
- Boho Maxi: For a more contemporary, bohemian look, try a loose, boho-style maxi with ethnic prints, tassels, or intricate beadwork. This relaxed style is perfect for less formal functions such as a mehendi or haldi.
- Layered Maxi Dress: You can also go for a layered maxi dress with a light dupatta or scarf to add an ethnic element without compromising the overall comfort and flow of the dress.
Style Tip: Pair your maxi dress with sleek, minimalist jewelry, like a delicate bracelet or a set of stacked bangles, and keep your hair natural and relaxed for a boho-chic effect.
Conclusion
Indian weddings offer the perfect opportunity to showcase a mix of tradition and modern style. While sarees and lehengas are certainly timeless, dresses like Anarkalis, shararas, floor-length gowns, kurtis, and maxi dresses provide fresh, stylish alternatives. Each outfit carries its own charm and can be styled to fit the occasion, whether it's an intimate gathering or an extravagant celebration.
When choosing your wedding attire, always consider the comfort, style, and cultural significance of the event. Whatever you decide, make sure your dress allows you to enjoy the celebrations while feeling confident and radiant.