We’ve already discussed how planning a fusion wedding is tough (but totally possible!) We touched on wardrobe choice a bit and now we want to really get into it: What on Earth is a desi bride to wear when she’s set to marry a non-desi?
The answer, for me, is simple: You wear whatever makes you comfortable. With that being said, I’ve found there are ways to blend Indian culture with ‘Western’ culture. It’s actually becoming so much easier as Indian fashion becomes more and more fluid – Indian designers are taking cues from European and American fashion by incorporating different silhouettes and embellishments into their work. For me, these five rules helped tremendously when choosing my fusion wedding outfit.
1. Think outside the lengha box: If you’ve always pictured yourself getting married in a lengha, by all means, do it. On the other hand, if you want something a bit more “fusion,” think about maybe wearing an anarkali or even a gown made by an Indian designer instead. Indians expect to see brides wearing belly-baring cholis, but consider that someone who is not used to this might be taken aback by a bride showing so much midriff. If this doesn’t matter to you, don’t worry about it. On the other hand, if you’re looking to seamlessly blend two cultures with your outfit, why not opt for something other than a lengha?
2. Go for a pastel: If you’re not wild about the idea of getting married in red, consider bringing Western elements into play with your outfit’s color palette. A white lengha would look incredibly beautiful and would act as a great compromise between cultures.
Photo courtesy of Gene
3. Opt for a long lengha: “Long lenghas” are becoming very popular right now. They are almost like lengha/gown hybrids, combining the two-piece construction of a lengha with the long, fluid lines of a Western gown. They’re sweeping and dramatic options for a bride.
Photo courtesy of Aventography
4. Check out Pakistani designers: Indian fashion is all about gorgeous bold colors and heavy metallic embellishment. I adore this aesthetic, but I’ve found it can be a bit much for a fusion wedding. Pakistani fashion can be a little bit more Western in appearance. Look at a few designers from Pakistan as they tend to design with softer colors and more delicate embellishments.
Photo courtesy of U Me Us Studios
5. Ditch your chunni/dupatta: Your outfit will instantly take on a more Western look if you remove your dupatta. Consider keeping it on for the early part of the night and removing it for the dancing portion (think of how much easier it will be too maneuver the dance floor without it!)
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Photography
Finding the perfect outfit for your fusion wedding isn’t easy, but it is fun! What are your top tips for finding the perfect dress for a fusion wedding?