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.

So I might sound a bit bridezilla. For day 1 which is a church ceremony and then reception I have asked people to wear western attire. Not because i want all eyes to be on me but I just don’t want anyone to feel over or under dressed if someone is blinged out in a lehengha and then someone else is in a understated floral sundress.

Day 2 - is a blessing in a Sikh temple, followed by a meal at an event space with performers. I have asked people to dress up to the nines for this in Indian clothing. I am wearing my cousins red bridal lehengha which I adored (the third bride to get married in it lol)

All of your choices and pictures look and sound absolutely stunning!
I have been to traditional British weddings, but your wedding sounds fantastic!
I would love to know more about your wedding, please, if you can, keep this thread updated with everything! How exciting!

Wear what you like, it's your wedding not your cousin/sister's!

And don't worry about the 'is it decent for church' thing people are bringing up. Presumably you've had a chat with the vicar/whoever is leading the ceremony about the cross cultural element. If they're willing to marry you, they're unlikely to be that judgemental about what you wear.

Sounds fair enough to me. I don't think it's bridezilla to give a vague dress code (probably contrary to most on MN!), especially when you have two separate events and separate dress codes. In that case, your choice looks perfect.

Not being funny but you say you are wearing a white sari for the church? Isn’t white the colour of mourning in Indian culture? The dress is gorgeous though.

It’s gorgeous

The OP has already answered this upthread.

It is.

But I am a British Indian. And obviously grew up with the idea of a “white wedding dress”. To me it’s a way to blend my British/English culture with my Indian/Punjabi culture.

Sure, it’s mourning colour in India. But Im going to pick and choose what I want. I don’t subscribe to every British cultural norm nor do I subscribe to every Indian cultural norm. It’s a reflection of being multi-cultural and my “duality” which is a big part of who I am if that makes sense.

A lot of Indians don’t eat meat or drink. I do. I can’t follow every single rule in India.

It's a bit out of order to try to educate or correct someone on their own culture (or part of their culture anyway). Some British women wear black wedding dresses anyway so what's the problem?

Number one is awesome.
Beats number two any day.

The first one somehow manages to be glamorously Indian but nodding to English summer garden as well. It’s glorious.

I think it’s beautiful

I think they’re both beautiful but probably the 1st one is best for a wedding

The first one is just stunning. I'd be delighted to see a bride in that. Can I come?
Your sister and cousin, with the greatest respect, can do one!

I also love the idea of combining 'British' white with an Indian style. Ignore those cocking a snook because it's an Indian mourning colour; your sensibility comes from both cultures and I like that you're combining them.

I think that’s why I’m drawn to it. Seems like it will work a garden on an English summer’s day. I can absolutely see myself in that dress on the garden terrace with a glass of champagne (and hopefully in the sunshine too).

Both are stunning

I prefer the neckline on the one you like. It seems more flattering on the model.

*I now want to play dressing up.

Both are absolutely gorgeous! Can i come? 😀

I'm so sorry to rain on your parade, but I think it would be disrespectful to show so much flesh in church. They are truly beautiful outfits, but not suitable for church. Also - isn't white the colour of mourning in the Indian culture?

Wearing something in the Indian style, but more covered up, and maybe in a pastel colour rather than white, may be more suitable?

• it isn't for church
• the OP has covered the 'white' thing

🙄

Omg! I love the first one.. so chic!
Listen love, a bit of advice from an older about to be bride again.. you wear what you like! It's your day and your memories with your husband.. go and rock it! ❤️

The first one looks like a much cheaper material. Doesn’t scream quality!

Please could I ask how the Sikh blessing works? My Sister is marrying a Sikh and they have been told they cannot have a Anand Karaj, as she is not Sikh.

I so wish more people would wear fabrics like this at their wedding. Go for it.

I feel like I'm missing something as the two outfits are near identical