The grand finale! A wedding reception- the closing meet is one of the main functions of elaborate Indian marriages. After an array of pre-wedding ceremonies and a well organized wed-lock, the reception party is more of a quiet get-together, with almost nil religious rituals. However these days the calmness of receptions is being replaced by a full-fledged bash- with loud bass music and a well-lit dance floor! No matter how this function is held, it is mainly organized for the purpose of socializing where extended family, friend circles and other associates are invited to congratulate the newly-married couple. The reception crowd is usually massive and for the ones who wish to get noticed, it’s a call for some innovative thinking and additional efforts for your wardrobe!
Traditional outfits for wedding reception
Whether you’re old school or a lover of unconventional attires, for attending a wedding reception a traditional lehenga choli or an ostentatious silk saree is one of the safest things to wear. Also, majestic silhouettes like floor-length Anarkali suits and zardozi embellished sharara suits are good options for the event.
The alluring appeal of handloom silks, hand-embroidery and artistic details like Kalamkari and hand-block prints have witnessed growing number of patrons across the globe. So the ‘total desi’ look, which was considered ‘outdated’ until few years back, is now a trending style statement. In fact these days a lot of foreigners too are seen flaunting completely traditional attires at Indian weddings. Spirited colour palettes, combined with the shimmer of zari weaves and the dazzle of stone and mirror work- you can proudly indulge in the everlasting charm of Indian ethnicity!
If you’re the gorgeous bride-to-be, then you can pick a heavy velvet saree or a golden lehenga choli which is meticulously ornamented. If golden does not appeal to you then maroon-navy blue-bottle green and brown- the choice of traditional hues are endless!
Accessorizing your desi look
A purely Indian wedding look is incomplete without heavy ornaments and a detailed hair-do. So go ahead and pamper yourself with golden or silver ornaments, rubies and sapphires! Layered kundan and pearl necklaces are a trending piece of jewellery for such grand celebrations. Keep your accessories as pompous as your attire to match the Indian standards of festive dressing.
Contemporary outfits for wedding reception
For all those who like to stand apart from the rest- the individualistic ones-the dramatic ones- the attention seekers and the patrons of modernity- you have a wide pool of contemporary ethnic wear to be explored and sported with a difference! Snazzy dhoti suits, graceful Anarkali gowns, fairy-tale evening gowns, frilly layered saris worn with a sizzling blouse- the innovations of Indian designers will have you spoilt for choice.
Whether you are a style-addict wedding attendee or a modern bride, the wedding reception being a basic socializing event gives you the liberty to experiment with your wardrobe. As a bride you can walk in to your reception wearing an elegant one-shoulder gown or a front-slit detailed indo-western lehenga suit.
Styling your modern attire
Keep it minimal- it is mantra usually followed with the idea of contemporary dressing. Rose gold danglers, single stone rings, studded choker bands and delicate hand-harnesses; your accessories should be a blend of cultures and definitely not overdone! Your hair-do should be relatively simple, soft curls or medium waves are a go-to style for such modern outfits.
Choosing the right outfit for wedding reception
You may be attending over a dozen weddings this season, but the same kind of outfits may not work for all. While finalizing your reception outfit, keep in mind the following points:
Time and venue
The reception is usually held after dusk and under the dazzle of crystalline lights. Pick darker tones like brick red, maroon, chocolate brown, bottle green and midnight blue, or you can display some pomp and opulence by wearing metallic tones!
The venue is a very important factor to consider while choosing your reception outfit. For outdoor parties like open ground functions, pick breathable silhouettes with quick drying fabrics like georgette and chiffon. For an outdoor summer reception, bridesmaids and other attendees can even sport a printed cotton lehenga choli!
Relation with the couple
Dressing up for a family wedding or for your bestie’s reception is way different that choosing your attire for a far-off relative, neighbor or business associate’s reception meet. When you’re in the core circle of hosts, there’ll be more eyes on you and so getting yourself a good designer lehenga or a catchy silhouette is a must!
Figure type and comfort level
We may have mentioned this point in the end but it is indeed the most important factor that should rule your selection of outfits. Choose silhouettes and styles that complement your figure, like if you have a heavy bust then an anarkali suit with a plain dark top and an embellished flare will be a perfect pick. Such an outfit will highlight your waistline while taking away attention from your upper body.
Above all, your comfort level matters the most. It is only when you feel confident about how to look that you can carry yourself in the best way to impress the world!
