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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Washingupdone · 09/05/2025 07:46

A church wedding is not legal ceremony in France, you have to have a town hall signing as well to be legally married in the eyes of the law. Have you booked for this, as this is very important.

godeeva · 09/05/2025 08:21

I love your choice of Lehenga. Many brides will tell you about the expensive and exquisite outfits packed away after 1 use because it's too heavy to wear again. At least you won't be in that position.
If you get a chance, take a look at the Frontiers Southall site which has a range of fusion style Asian outfits for weddings. You may find a gown which is more comfortable than the gorgeous Lehenga.
Also don't worry about light or heavy. You can accessorise to get the look you want.
Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and please post photos here of the glorious outfits you will be wearing.

Diddlyumptious · 09/05/2025 08:26

I've been to both weddings, your dress shines brightly and you will look beautiful on your day. Do wear it. Prefer pic 1 but both are beautiful. Have a amazing day ☺️

ThreePointOneFourOneFiveNine · 09/05/2025 08:29

All three dresses you’ve shown pictures of are absolutely stunning and you will look utterly gorgeous in all of them. Choose the one you want. As someone with no real knowledge of these traditions, I can’t see a huge amount of difference between the first two. The second is more glitzy, but not by a huge amount. You’re the bride, have the dress you want.

Washingupdone · 09/05/2025 16:15

Vlonk To be legally married in France you both have to sign papers in the townhall with two witnesses. Any other ceremony is not a ‘legal’ marriage either in the UK or France..

Religion and state are completely separated in France. If you have not signed the legal documents you will have no legal married rights.
Either get it done in the UK or in France before the religious wedding, it is the most important act to do.

GetMeOutOfHere20 · 09/05/2025 19:39

Vlonk · 08/05/2025 18:32

Sikh gurdwaras in the UK have definitely shifted in recent years in terms of not allowing non-Sikhs to perform the anand karaj/Sikh wedding ceremony. Two of my uncles married non-Sikhs and had anand karajs in the early 2000s.

Instead we are having an Ardas which is a prayer and a sort of request to God for blessings, guidance and support. The prayer essentially blesses the couples future. There will be some hymns too. My family are also paying for a guruwara to serve langar (communal free meal) in my mum and dad’s ancestral villages.

I know it can sound unwelcoming but I had it explained to me why it’s not appropriate for non-Sikhs to participate and I have come to actually think it’s the right decision.

(in the wedding ceremony the Sikh couple walk around the holy book as a proclamation of living by its teachings. Sikhism rejects empty rituals so having a non-Sikh participate arguably undermines the meaning of the ceremony)

The Ardas has become the go to compromise for interfaih couples who still want to incorporate Sikh traditions.

Edited

Thank you for sharing this is understandable and helpful.

Peppermintcreamz · 09/05/2025 19:41

Both are absolutely stunning and so intricate. I actually much prefer the first one!

DoItLikeAWoman · 09/05/2025 22:29

It’s beautiful, I think the criticism comes from those who possibly want a bit of red in your outfit to make it more bridal?
I think you can go with this one but think carefully about jewellery to make it a bit more ‘bridal’ look. It’s a lovely lovely lehenga which you can style up or down and use for so many occasions with the lovely memories of your own weddings.
congratulations!!

AliceMcK · 11/05/2025 23:21

I honestly think your think8ng way too much about this, especially in-the way of colour. Unless your marrying a serou bike badher whose family is extremely ott restricted FLAGGS RUN AWAY) then any man who knows you respect his families belives should be jumping at mak8ng YOU WANT HIM!

Gossipisgood · 12/05/2025 14:21

Both are beautiful, but I prefer the first one. Wear what you know you'll feel comfortable in & be happy that you'll be the only person in Indian wear. You are the bride after all & should stand out. Have a lovely day & enjoy every minute.

okydokethen · 12/05/2025 14:24

Stunning. On my initial glance, I thought it was the same dress. I prefer the first in terms of details. You must have an incredible stomach! Wear what you love it’s your day

Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 12/05/2025 14:57

While the point about France is accurate how is it relevant to a thread about a church of England wedding which are most definitely legal

ACynicalDad · 12/05/2025 14:57

I definitely wouldn't wear a white sari, it's what widows wear, and whilst you'll know your culture way better than I do, I'd still find it really weird and inauspicious at a wedding. I think the one you've found is wonderful.

TreeDudette · 12/05/2025 15:09

I think you will stand out in that beautiful outfit. I am British and my chosen evening dress for my wedding was a dark purple cocktail dress. It wasn't more dressy than other guests, I guess I didn't feel I needed it and wanted to be comfortable. Everyone had already seen the big white ceremony dress.

Am getting married again next year and looking for something white and simple.

forthistimeonly · 10/06/2025 12:14

Absolutely beautiful

Slippingthroughthenet · 10/06/2025 12:18

Both absolutely stunning outfits. You’ll look lovely in either. We have an Indian wedding dress shop near us and I can’t help but stare and sigh at all the gorgeous dresses 🩵

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