Clothing
The bride wears a sari. Traditionally, the sari is red and heavily embroidered with gold thread. The color red symbolizes a married woman; Indian widows never wear red. The color red has also traditionally been used to symbolize fertility. In modern times, brides might opt for other colors to display personal preference. However, they rarey wear either white or black, but instead select joyful colors to indicate celebration.
The bride also wears gold ornaments, many of which are given to them by their families as gifts prior to the wedding.
The bride might also choose to wear her hair in a traditional bun and cover it with a crown, a veil, or both. Covering her head during the wedding shows respect to the deities.
The bride also wears gold ornaments, many of which are given to them by their families as gifts prior to the wedding.
The bride might also choose to wear her hair in a traditional bun and cover it with a crown, a veil, or both. Covering her head during the wedding shows respect to the deities.
The groom wears a kurta, typically either white or cream. It is often made of silk, brocade, or other rich fabrics. Traditionally, the groom might also wear a turban. The groom may opt for accents in red (for fertility) or other bright colors to indicate celebration. In modern times, many men opt to wear suits instead. At the wedding I will attend, my brother has opted for the traditional kurta, though he has opted against the turban.
The bride and guests might also choose to deocrate their hands and arms with sandalwood or henna or the occassion. At the wedding I will attend, the bride and her parents are employing a henna artist to attend two celebrations during the week before the wedding to decorate family and friends. The decorative designs are known as mehndi. Wedding guests should also dress in bright colors to join in the celebration.