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I need a British eye - what do you think of my Indian bridal outfit

241 replies

Vlonk · 07/05/2025 18:45

I’m getting married in July. The ceremony will take place in a church (Fiance is white Christian) followed by a reception in a country house known for its gardens. We will have a Sikh blessing at the temple the following day (I am borrowing a cousins outfit for that).

I will wear a white Saree to honour both my cultures (“white dress” plus Saree) for the church ceremony. I will then change into an Indian outfit called a lehengha. I plan to drink, dance and so lehenghas are considered easier to
manage than a sari.

So for Indian sensibilities the outfit I have fallen in love with (pic 1) is very plain and not “heavy”
enough for a bride. BUT I will be the only woman in Indian clothes. Everyone else will be in summer dresses (well maybe my mum will wear an Indian outfit).

So I have fallen in love with the colour and the fact that it is lighter and less fussy appeals somewhat. As does the price…

What do you think from an English or non Indian perspective? Would you be wowed

Just for reference the second image is more typical of Indian reception bridal wear.

I just don’t want to feel like a disco ball compared to everyone else. My hair will be very glam (luckily I’m blessed in that dept) and I think I have chosen a pretty make up look.

Indian jewellery is obviously quite extravagant so that will dress it up.

My cousins and sister think the first outfit is a complete no go.

I need a British eye - what do you think of my Indian bridal outfit
I need a British eye - what do you think of my Indian bridal outfit
OP posts:
101Alsatians · 07/05/2025 20:14

Both stunning! Congratulations in advance 🥳

Zone2NorthLondon · 07/05/2025 20:14

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 07/05/2025 20:11

It’s lovely, but having your midriff on display in church would be v disrespectful, so tweak that bit

No,You consider it disrespectful that’s your subjective view it’s not a universally accepted norm
Looking at responses on thread the majority are affirmative it’s a beautiful outfit
By all means dress to your own sensibilities but don’t impose your rules upon others

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 07/05/2025 20:14

HamiltonHarty · 07/05/2025 20:13

I think OP is wearing a different outfit for the church

Oh I see, well then just it’s lovely

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 07/05/2025 20:13

… I prefer the first too, in the second the skirt is too Disney, seen through Western eyes

HamiltonHarty · 07/05/2025 20:13

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 07/05/2025 20:11

It’s lovely, but having your midriff on display in church would be v disrespectful, so tweak that bit

I think OP is wearing a different outfit for the church

Bubblebubblepoppop · 07/05/2025 20:12

It's really a beautiful outfit. I'm British Asian (punjabi) and I know what you mean about how you'll probably get relatives that wear 'heavier' outfits than that.

But I think these days that doesn't matter, understated and sophisticated is way more of a thing and because you're having your hair and makeup done and presumably wearing heavier bridal jewellery than your relatives, you'll still look like the bride!

In the past it always was the thing that the bride had the most ridiculous heavy makeup (often totally the wrong tone of foundation) and a huge amount of embroidery/bling on the outfit but I've not seen that for years now.

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 07/05/2025 20:11

It’s lovely, but having your midriff on display in church would be v disrespectful, so tweak that bit

emmatherhino · 07/05/2025 20:09

That is absolutely beautiful!!!

FancyCatSlave · 07/05/2025 20:09

Much prefer the first one but they are both beautiful. I work in Leicester and love the cultural fusions. Wear whatever you love.

Zone2NorthLondon · 07/05/2025 20:09

congratulations have a super wedding you’ll look beautiful. You have good taste

Hillsmakeyoustrong · 07/05/2025 20:09

Beautiful! I think you have gorgeous taste. I'm with you on the reception dress. I am a conservative dresser and my mantra is "less is more." The colours are going to look stunning.

May you have a long, happy and loving marriage.

Fangisnotacoward · 07/05/2025 20:07

They are both beautiful outfits, honestly, it's YOUR wedding wear what outfit you have fallen on love with.

If you don't want anything too heavy or embroidered, I think no 1 fits the bill wonderfully

Holiday24 · 07/05/2025 20:07

Wow, it looks beautiful, and so does the ceremony dress! You will look absolutely incredible.

MissBridgetJones · 07/05/2025 20:06

It's so elegant. You will look beautiful

Merryoldgoat · 07/05/2025 20:06

I prefer the first too but both are stunning. You will look phenomenal

Vlonk · 07/05/2025 20:03

Will reply to all the lovely messages. I feel so less unsure. Thanks all x

OP posts:
Senzaunadonna · 07/05/2025 20:02

I think you’ve got this spot on, OP. The first lehengha is beautiful, definitely bridal, and will stand out in all the right ways amongst guests in non-Indian dress.

I don’t mind the second option but as a PP put it, it’s the equivalent of a meringue wedding dress. If that’s not what you want, it’s not what you want.

However, is there an option to try both on? Or at least very similar styles? Only because I know plenty of people who thought they wanted to wear one style of dress for their wedding but ended up choosing something completely different after trying a few on.

The saree for the ceremony is absolutely gorgeous btw.

I hope you have a wonderful couple of days getting married and a very long and happy marriage.

Flamingoknees · 07/05/2025 20:02

I actually prefer your choice OP, it's beautiful - the other is too much for me. Your choice of ceremony dress is also gorgeous - your DH is going to be delighted!

Vlonk · 07/05/2025 20:00

The back is my fav

I need a British eye - what do you think of my Indian bridal outfit
OP posts:
FunMustard · 07/05/2025 19:58

Either or, they are both beautiful. I don't know enough about sarees to ponder appropriateness, but I adore the look and as a guest would be wowed by either.

No one outshines the bride by the way. Not possible.

Enthusiasticcarrotgrower · 07/05/2025 19:57

Sorry, clearly lacking reading skills this evening. For a reception I think go for it. Spectacular!

StupidBoy · 07/05/2025 19:56

They are both absolutely gorgeous. My preference is for the blue sparkly one but I'd certainly be wowed by either. Don't let looking like a disco ball put you off, but if you prefer the slightly more understated one that's gorgeous too. You'll look amazing.

Enthusiasticcarrotgrower · 07/05/2025 19:55

Personally I think it’s a bit inappropriate to have that much stomach out and on show for a church wedding. Sorry! It’s absolutely gorgeous, though.

BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 07/05/2025 19:55

MadeleineAllbright · 07/05/2025 19:22

Would agree - not an issue at all in a more progressive church, but a church with a more conservative congregation/clergy might be shocked by bare midriffs!

I may have confused matters with my bellybutton comment. Sorry folks.

I was aware that these were reception dresses. The OP asked for 'British eyes', so I was pointing out that it might be worth considering that for some Brits that style of top may be a bit of a shock at a wedding reception. That's all.

Devilsmommy · 07/05/2025 19:54

I think it's beautiful and as it's your wedding then wear the dress you want, not what anyone else thinks is right