The Vibrant World of Traditional Indian Wedding Colours & Outfits

The Importance of Traditional Wedding Colours in Indian Culture

Cultural Significance of Colours in India

Colours are never just colours in India; they speak a language of their own. Many traditional wedding colours hold sacred meanings rooted in our ancient texts and beliefs. The deep saffron of a sadhu's robes denotes renunciation. The pristine white of temple walls and khadi embodies inner purity.

Green is the perennial shade of nature, fertility and new beginnings. Pink exudes romance, compassion and the divine feminine. Each colour carries a unique essence that permeates through our arts, architecture, festivals and fashion.

Indian Culture Colour Meanings

These sacred meanings get beautifully woven into our outfits—the resplendent Kanjeevaram pattu sari, the mellow-hued Kerala kasavu, richly embellished Banarasi silks, earthy Rajasthani leheriya, and so much more!

• Red: Passion, prosperity, fertility, Mars
• Green: Growth, harmony, Venus
• Yellow: Knowledge, peace, Jupiter
• Orange: Energy, transformation, innovation
• Blue: Calmness, infinity, Krishna
• White: Purity, healing, mourning
• Black: Mystery, power, absorption
• Purple: Wealth, royalty, third-eye awakening

Traditional Indian Wedding Colours

An Indian wedding is a stunning symphony of traditional wedding colours, each carrying its own blessing and emotion.

• Red is the quintessential bridal colour, symbolising fertility, prosperity, and new beginnings. Crimson bridal lehengas, vermillion sindoor, scarlet alta adorning the bride's feet—red rules an Indian shaadi!

Fun Fact: In many regions, the bride wears green bangles and a green sari for the haldi, as it's associated with the fertile new phase of life!

• Gold: the colour of opulence, abundance, and Goddess Lakshmi herself. From the glistening zardozi work on lehengas to the sacred mangalsutra, gold illuminates every Indian wedding ritual.

Insider Tip: Many modern brides are opting for offbeat metallic shades like rose gold or oxidised gold for a trendy yet traditional look.

• White: A colour of purity and serenity. Many Hindu brides in East India wear elegant white Banarasi saris with striking red borders, while Christian brides don dreamy white gowns.
• Pastels: Fresh, mellow hues like blush pink, mint green, lemon yellow and baby blue are gaining popularity as trendy wedding colours, adding a subtle charm to the festive palette.

How can you interpret these colours in your own wedding look? Here are some ideas:

• Go for a traditional red bridal lehenga from Mohey, but add a twist with a contrasting pink or orange dupatta for a unique colour-blocked effect.
• For a day wedding, choose a cheery yellow or orange Anarkali suit.
• Add emerald green jewellery to a neutral-toned lehenga for a pop of natural glamour.
• For your sangeet or cocktail night, dazzle in a royal purple gown with ornate gold embroidery.
• Go for ombre hues that graduate from one colour to another for an artistic effect.
• Mix and match bold colours like pink and orange or green and purple for a playful mehendi look.
• Don't forget to coordinate with your partner! Choose his and hers outfits in complementary or matching traditional wedding colours.

Significance of Different Traditional Wedding Colours in the Wedding Wardrobe for All

The Bridal Lehenga

Red may be a bridal favourite, but there's a whole rainbow of colour waiting for you! Each region adds its own twist:

• Punjabi brides dazzle in deep crimson and gold bridal lehengas with stunning embroidery and mirror-work from Mohey.
• Bengali brides glow in red Benarasi saris with opulent gold work.
• Gujarati brides shine bright in bandhani lehengas in red, green and sunny yellow hues.
• South Indian brides look divine in grand Kanjeevarams and rich silks in earthy shades of red, orange, green and turmeric.
• For a royal touch, consider regal tones like emerald green, navy blue, wine or royal purple.

The Dapper Groom : Traditional Dresses for Men

Grooms today are going beyond the basic cream sherwani and embracing traditional wedding colours with elan!

• Add a pop of vibrancy with a joyful saffron, coral or teal silk kurta and churidar from Manyavar.
• Go vintage with earthy, warm tones like deep burgundy, burnt orange or chocolate brown.
• Stay classic yet modern in pastel hues like blush pink or powder blue.
• For the bold groom, there are striking jewel tones like sapphire, ruby, and amethyst.

PRO TIP: Choose a safa or turban in a contrasting shade to add more colour to your look. A pink safa over a teal sherwani or an orange one over a blue kurta—such fun pairings!