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

[Vlonk]

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’m white British and I think that outfit is beautiful. The colour, the shape, the lace, how light and yet sophisticated it is. In a different life I’d get married in that in a heartbeat.

sigh.

What is it about the first outfit that your cousins don’t like? It seems pretty informal for me for something as serious as your wedding. You can wear glam anytime but holy only a few times. It’s absolutely stunning though and congratulations on your marriage.

I love all of them.

CofE is a very broad church. Adding cap sleeves and covering your stomach would be apt for high church weddings.

Wearing something to honour your own culture and family really will be fine. honestly, my DH is a priest, if you have any concerns about if the church is high or low just ask the priest who will be at your church wedding.

Love both! But I think the second one is more suitable for the occasion. The first one looks like a festive sari to me

Gorgeous!

I love the 2nd one, so pretty.

@sabbii Etiquette is the grooms family should get the bridal legendary. Both look party dress and not bridal ( due to uncommon colour). Secondly is missing a lot of accessories. Ultimately it's your choice and what is comfortable

I think a more proper etiquette is don’t piss on the bride’s chips.

@Vlonk wear what you love, and don’t let anyone (including your sister) tell you otherwise.

I once attended a very traditional religious wedding. The priest (not the right word, but the Indian religious man in charge) was asked by the bride and groom what she should wear, what traditions etc she should follow, apparently she was told by him ‘it’s your wedding, wear whatever you want to’.

You’ll look amazing in either of those outfits 😍.

The lehenga is beautiful, OP, and the saree also looks lovely. I'm white but DH is Punjabi so I've been to a lot of weddings!

I think the joy of fusing cultures is that you can pick and choose what you like from each of them, and you don't have to stick closely to the traditions of either side. If you love the slightly simpler lehenga, then absolutely go for it..it's gorgeous and I'm sure you will look amazing. Plus ultimately, it's your wedding, so as long as you and your groom are happy, nothing else matters!

wow. go for it and ignore the critics

I prefer number one. Its beautiful. Go for it!

British non-indian (although not English), and I think the first outfit is beautiful. I think generally no matter what a bride wears people will think (or at least say) she looks amazing, and in this case where it's clearly a cultural choice no British person is going to be sitting thinking oh it's a bit drab! Do you know for a fact nobody else will be in lehenghas? If you have family or friends with Indian heritage?

I think regardless of your culture, your family (particularly your mum) will have something to say about your preferences! My mum is like a magpie whereas I chose a very sleek, chic understated wedding dress. It's your wedding, choose what you want.

I LOVE the first outfit, it's beautiful. I would be wowed, it looks perfect to me. I don't like the second outfit, it's too much for my taste.

I agree with you. Picture 1 is my favourite. It's lovely. Both nice

I think the outfit you've picked is absolutely stunning!

If no one else will be wearing Indian clothing then you don't need to worry anyone will wear something more extravagant than you anyway, but I think your choice is beautiful.

Oh it’s wonderful.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The back is my fav

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!

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.