The Punjabi Indian Wedding Dresses...
The wedding outfit is one of the most important ensembles a woman will ever wear in her life. It should represent who she is and stand the test of time,” declares Kamiar Rokni, half of the design team behind Pakistan’s popular Karma label. And while Rokni couldn’t be more right—after all, those pictures are going to be around for a long time—that’s a lot of pressure on just one (but sometimes two or three) ensemble. Because you don’t need any more stress as you plan your wedding, Nirali sought the advice of those who know what it takes to put together a beautiful bridal trousseau—some of the best designers from India and Pakistan. Here are their 10 tips for achieving the perfect wedding look.
Most South Asian brides have at least two events to dress for, whether it’s a sangeet and wedding or a ceremony and walima, so mix it up. “Always try to do two looks for the different functions—choose different colors, makeup, and styles so you have variety,” suggests Bilal. And that means you can dress like a classic Mughal princess one day and a modern bride the next. South Asian wedding ensembles weren’t necessarily designed for comfort, but things are changing. “Make sure that your outfit is physically comfortable,” advises Rokni. “If you are uncomfortable, it will show in your body language and face.” Beri agrees: “You don’t want to look uncomfortable in your wedding pictures. I suggest a bride to spend some time wearing her bridal outfit before the wedding to feel relaxed in it.” And if you’re comfortable, you’ll be free to focus on having a good time, says famed sari designer Satya Paul. “It will help you relax and enjoy the party.”
You probably won’t ever spend as much money on clothes as you do for your wedding, so you have a right to be pampered and listened to. But Bilal adds that it’s important to keep an open mind: “Trust the designer to know what will look good. Experience has taught us a lot, and we can tell immediately what will work. When some people insist on doing something that the designer doesn’t agree to, the end result is never perfect.” Beri strives to provide a good balance between attention and suggestion: “The wedding is something which every girl looks forward to—it is the most important day of her life. So I feel it’s very important to understand the bride’s choice, her taste and her physicality. I don’t like to force something on a bride, but I like to create something unique for her.”
