Indian weddings are replete with fun-filled events both before and after the main event. They are also high on emotions, from tears to laughter and ecstatic joy. Reflected in the rituals, colours, celebration styles, cuisines and traditional wedding fashion is the abundant cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

For Indians irrespective of region and traditions, wedding festivities are momentous opportunities to feel the overwhelming richness of our centuries-old roots. Two very important ceremonies of the big fat Indian wedding are haldi and mehendi. The former is a ritual beautification of the bride and groom in which relatives and friends ward off evil. The latter is a pre-wedding ritual of applying henna formations as symbolic body art on the bride’s hands and legs.

While haldi is a daytime ceremony, the time for mehendi varies. Wedding guests join in the celebrations with much gaiety and dancing during these exciting functions.

Ethnic Dresses for Wedding Festivities

Today, statement clothing for pre-wedding events includes haldi dresses and mehendi dresses for women. You’ll find in their designs that these pieces are not too far from ancient traditions, and yet bring out the vivacious beauty of the contemporary woman who’s up to date with trends. In their colours, cuts and embellishments, mehendi and haldi dresses complement the intriguing spirit of these occasions.

Haldi Dresse

Stunning ensembles designed in rich, bright-coloured fabrics are the perfect choice for this ceremony. The colour in focus for the day, of course, is yellow. Outfits are worn in sumptuous shades of deep mango, vivid citrus, perky lime, golden sunshine, and of course, the colour ruling the roost for the day courtesy its ritual use – haldi, or turmeric.

Just like Indians play Holi during spring with a riot of colours, haldi has similar play but with turmeric paste. This is primarily smeared lovingly on the bride and groom in their respective parental homes. Designers have created memorable styles in a spectrum of yellow with dress silhouettes inspired by flamboyant lehengas, flowy sarees and asymmetrical dresses often paired with overlays, capes, dhotis, jackets, stoles and so on.

Mehendi Dresses

Just like haldi is a celebration of yellow, mehendi has its own distinct shade of green and unforgettable fragrance. The bride is adorned with intricate patterns inspired by nature and her husband’s name is inscribed within the verdant forms. Her female relatives and friends (and increasingly in a changing world, her male friends too) give her company and get unique designs drawn on their hands too.

It’s a great opportunity for photographs captured with loved ones. The outfit is chosen to complement the henna paste, around which the practical concern is the very staining property that enriches the bride’s look. Elegant styles in various jewel tones, including deep emerald, often enhanced with florals and bohemian motifs, are preferred.

Designer Dresses

Discover masterpieces specially designed for wedding occasions from labels like Ritu Kumar, Amit Aggarwal, Payal Singhal and Torani, to name a few, on multi-designer platforms like Ajio Luxe, Myntra Luxe, Ogaan, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop and more. Find rich fabrics and intricate embroideries that guarantee a vibrant look. Team up your ensemble with delicate jewellery such as polki and meenakari pieces.