Lifestyle
The Art of Choosing Your Wedding Reception Outfit.
The roots of wedding receptions in India trace back to a time when marriages were more of a communal affair than the personal, intimate ceremonies we often see today. Families not only united but entire communities, villages even, came together in shared jubilation. It was an opportunity for those not involved in the preceding rituals to partake in the joy and to bless the couple.
India is filled with many unique rituals - you can read about some of the most unique ones here - of which, a wedding reception is one that is prevalent in almost every culture. Today's Indian receptions are a blend of the old and the new. They still retain the essence of their primary purpose - a grand introduction and celebration - but have evolved to incorporate contemporary touches. The once homogenous reception layouts now show glimpses of global influences, from ballroom dances to international cuisines.
Recent years have seen receptions becoming more personalised. Couples are moving away from the generic and are weaving elements of their stories into every aspect of the celebration. In this medley of echoing age-old traditions while embracing the new, choosing the right kind of outfit and planning a truly memorable reception can be quite daunting.
Instead of just dressing up and posing for pictures with guests, consider these simple ideas to help you ace the art of choosing the right outfit for your reception. We’ve also added a few pro tips to make your reception perfect, continue reading to find out!
The Latest Wedding Reception Outfit Trends
An enchanting blend of the age-old traditions and modern silhouettes seems to be the theme this year.
For Brides
Zari Work Lehengas: An ancient technique that transcends time, Zari is a timeless craft with which you can never go wrong. Today’s zari work is an homage to the rich heritage that zari kaarigars have crafted over centuries. In modern iterations, the classic golden, silver or copper thread work is combined with a variety of colours ranging from pastels to vibrant hues and go well with all types of personalities.
Sequins & Mirror Work: A dance of light, sequins, and mirrors add a dimension of dynamism to bridal wear. These elements capture and play with light, ensuring that the bride glitters from every angle. While sequins add an understated sparkle, mirror work, rooted in the traditional artistry of Rajasthan, reflects the world in its myriad hues.
For Grooms
Angrakhas: Evoking the regality of yesteryears, the angrakha is an emblem of elegance. With its crossover style and tie-ups, it's reminiscent of the Rajputana valour. Modern designers have played with this template, infusing it with contemporary patterns, ensuring the groom looks every bit the prince of his tales.
Jodhpuri and Indo-Western Suits: Marrying the western suit silhouette with indigenous intricacies, the Jodhpuri and Indo-Western suit is for the groom who strides in two worlds and is well suited for most personality types. It’s regal, yet modern and allows the groom to celebrate global sensibilities while staying rooted in Indian ethos.
How to Choose Your Reception Outfit?
By now, you know the perfect outfit ideas for your reception. But, there are a few important things to consider while choosing your reception outfit - the location, the time, and most importantly, your comfort.
Beach Affair: A gentle sea breeze, the rustle of palms. Brides, think flowy, lightweight chiffons in pastels - perhaps a lavender or blush pink lehenga with delicate embroidery and sequin work. Grooms, a soft-hued sherwani, maybe in aqua or peachy hues to complement the seascape.
Historic Forts: Amidst ancient stones that echo tales of yore, deep, royal colours reign supreme. A burgundy lehenga with intricate mirror work or an emerald sherwani, rich with Jacquard patterns, to match the grandeur.
Indoor Hotels: The controlled ambiance gives you the flexibility to choose different fabrics, but pick your colours according to the lighting. Brides can experiment with silvers, golds, or even midnight blues. Grooms, charcoals, deep blues and plums are your friends here.
Resorts amidst Greens: Brides, envision earthy-toned lehengas embroidered with nature motifs. Grooms, olive or beige sherwanis with subtle gold thread work to echo the setting.
Remember to dress according to the time and season, lighter colours and fabrics work better for summer and daytime receptions, while heavier hues and fabrics are better suited for wintry evenings. Also, comfort is King (and Queen!) - amidst the whirlwind of events, comfort should remain paramount. Seek fabrics and fits that allow for movement and dancing.
The art of selecting the perfect reception attire lies in balancing practicality with cultural roots. As you stand at the threshold of a new beginning, drape yourself in an outfit that's a canvas of your dreams, aspirations, and traditionst.
Pro Tips from Manyavar - Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Wedding Reception
The heart of any celebration is its people and the memories they create. So, as promised, to help you plan your reception better, we’re also throwing in some fun ideas to make your day truly unforgettable!
Interactive Photo Corners: The stage is passé. Imagine a corner with a retro Bollywood theme, replete with vintage props, or a fairytale enclave complete with cascading wisteria and lanterns. These thematic corners aren't just for clicks; they're mini escapades, transporting your guests into varied worlds, ensuring every photograph tells a unique tale.
Cultural Potpourri: Bring energy into the evening by inviting indigenous artists to perform different Indian dance or music forms. From the mesmerising swirls of a Kathak dancer to the soulful renditions of a Sufi singer, these engaging performances are a celebration of India’s culture and promote Indian talent.
Guest Caricatures: While photo booths are fun, going old school and getting a caricature artist to capture the essence of guests, can be a lot of fun. Plus, they’ll have a quirky memento from your special day to cherish for years to come.
Memory Lane Gallery: Have a curated gallery of the couple’s journey. From childhood photos to the story of how they met, let guests take a stroll down memory lane.
Message in a Bottle: Set up a station where guests pen down wishes or advice for the couple, sealing their messages in a bottle for the couple to open later.
Your reception day should be a reflection of you and the traditions you wish to uphold. Most importantly, remember that at the heart of it all, it’s about celebrating love and making memories.
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