Destination weddings have become a significant trend among Indian couples. Whether it's the serene beaches of Goa, the regal palaces of Rajasthan, or the picturesque landscapes of Kerala, destination weddings offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate love. However, planning your bridal look for such a special occasion comes with its own set of challenges. The key to nailing your bridal look lies in balancing tradition with the practicalities of the destination. Styling your Indian bridal lehenga perfectly for a destination wedding is all about considering the location, climate, and comfort while ensuring you look stunning. In this blog, we will explore in detail how to style an Indian bridal lehenga for different types of destination weddings.
1. Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Lehenga
The fabric of your lehenga plays a crucial role in determining how comfortable and stylish you will feel at your destination wedding. Destination weddings often involve travelling and outdoor settings, so selecting the right fabric is essential. For instance:
For beach weddings: lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, and crepe work wonders. These fabrics are breathable, flowy, and easy to manage. A heavy silk or velvet lehenga might feel too warm and cumbersome in the humid weather typical of beach locations like Goa or Kerala. Consider opting for breezy, fluid fabrics that allow you to move freely and gracefully.
For palace weddings: If you're getting married at a royal palace, such as the Udaipur or Jaipur palaces, you can experiment with luxurious fabrics like silk, brocade, or velvet. The grandeur of these fabrics complements the opulent setting of a palace wedding and helps you stand out in regal splendour.
For hill station weddings: If your wedding destination is a cooler hill station like Shimla or Mussoorie, you can comfortably wear heavier fabrics such as velvet or raw silk, which offer both warmth and elegance. These materials lend a royal look while keeping you cosy in cooler temperatures.
2. Selecting the Ideal Colour Palette
Destination weddings often call for specific colour choices, keeping in mind the location and ambiance. While the traditional red is timeless for Indian bridal lehengas, modern brides are exploring diverse palettes. Here’s how you can select the perfect colour:
Beach weddings: For a beach destination like Goa, pastel hues work beautifully against the backdrop of the ocean and sand. Soft pinks, peaches, mint greens, and powder blues reflect the tropical vibe of the beach while keeping the overall look light and fresh.
Palace weddings: At a palace wedding, bold and royal colours such as deep maroons, royal blues, emerald greens, and rich golds exude elegance and grandeur. These hues also complement the opulent surroundings and the regal architecture of the venue.
Hill station weddings: For weddings in hill stations, you could go for earthy tones or darker shades like wine, burgundy, or dark green that complement the lush green and snowy landscapes. Such colours not only add richness to your look but also blend beautifully with the natural surroundings.
3. Choosing the Right Lehenga Style
When styling an Indian bridal lehenga for a destination wedding, the design and cut of the lehenga are as important as the fabric and colour. The style of your lehenga should reflect your personality but also be suited to the venue.
Beach weddings: For a beach wedding, lighter lehenga skirts with minimal layering work best. Avoid too many layers or heavy cans, as they might make it difficult to move freely on the sand. A mermaid cut or an A-line lehenga can give you an elegant, breezy look while being comfortable.
Palace weddings: Given the grand setting, you can opt for more voluminous lehengas with intricate embroidery or embellishments. A flared or circular lehenga with zari, zardozi, or mirror work can add to the regal charm, making you look every bit a queen at your palace wedding.
Hill station weddings: You can go for a classic A-line lehenga or a panelled lehenga that offers enough volume without being too overwhelming. A well-structured lehenga with embroidery or stonework will complement the cooler weather while giving you the right amount of glamour.
4. Draping the Dupatta: The Perfect Finishing Touch
The way you drape your dupatta can significantly alter your bridal look. The key is to style the dupatta in a way that complements both the destination and your bridal ensemble.
For beach weddings: A lightweight dupatta, preferably in chiffon or georgette, works well for a beach wedding. You can opt for a simple over-the-head drape or a side drape to keep it hassle-free and prevent the dupatta from being weighed down by the humidity or breeze. To keep your dupatta secure, you can use subtle pins or have it stitched to your blouse for a more contemporary look.
For palace weddings: A double dupatta style works wonderfully for palace weddings. You can have one dupatta elegantly draped over your shoulder and the second dupatta pinned over your head for that royal bride look. Ensure one of the dupattas has rich embroidery to add to the regal aesthetic.
For hill station weddings: In cooler destinations, opt for heavier dupattas made of silk or velvet. You can drape the dupatta in a traditional style, such as the Rajasthani drape, to keep yourself warm while adding a cultural element to your outfit. Embroidered or embellished dupattas can elevate your bridal look further.
5. Accessorising Your Bridal Lehenga
Accessories are essential in elevating your bridal appearance. For destination weddings, the key is to balance traditional Indian bridal jewellery with the demands of the location.
For beach weddings: Opt for lightweight jewellery that doesn’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable in the humid weather. Pieces like kundan jewellery, pearls, or minimalistic polki sets work beautifully for beachside nuptials. Avoid large, heavy pieces that might become difficult to manage under the sun.
For palace weddings: A palace wedding calls for royal jewellery. You can go all out with your accessories by opting for heavy jadau, kundan, or polki sets. Statement pieces like a matha patti, maang tikka, choker, and oversized jhumkas or chandbalis add to the regal aesthetic.
For hill station weddings: In cooler hill stations, you can experiment with heavier jewellery without worrying about discomfort. Layered necklaces, heavy earrings, and large bangles or kadas will stand out beautifully. You can also consider accessorising with shawls or stoles, which are not only functional but also add a touch of elegance.
6. Footwear for the Destination Bride
While the lehenga is the star of your bridal look, footwear is equally important, especially for destination weddings where the terrain might differ. Here’s how to select the right footwear:
Beach weddings: Sand and heels are not the best combination. Instead, opt for embellished flats or juttis that complement your lehenga while keeping you comfortable. If you really want a bit of height, wedge heels can be a practical option.
Palace weddings: For palace weddings, you can go for traditional heels or juttis with intricate embroidery or embellishments. The palace floors are usually even, so you can wear stilettos or block heels for a more elevated look.
Hill station weddings: In cooler, possibly uneven terrain, opt for stylish yet practical footwear like block heels or embellished juttis. These will provide support and ensure you don’t trip while moving around on potentially rocky or slippery grounds.
7. Hair and Makeup: Location-Appropriate Glam
Your hair and makeup should complement both your bridal gown and the setting of your destination wedding. Here’s what to keep in mind:
For beach weddings: Opt for dewy, fresh makeup with a natural glow. Avoid heavy foundation that might cake up in the heat and humidity. For hair, loose waves or a messy updo work perfectly for the beachy vibe. You can also accessorise your hair with floral accents or a light maang tikka.
For palace weddings: Go for a bold, royal look with smokey eyes, a statement lip colour, and well-contoured features. Hair can be styled in traditional buns, adorned with gajra (flower garlands), or heavy maang tikka.
For hill station weddings: In cooler climates, you can experiment with heavier makeup without worrying about it melting. A classic red lip and well-defined eyes can enhance your bridal look. For hair, a sleek bun or soft curls pinned to one side can keep things elegant while protecting your hair from the wind.
Conclusion
Styling your Indian bridal lehenga for a destination wedding involves more than just choosing a beautiful outfit. It’s about ensuring your lehenga, accessories, and overall look harmonise with the unique demands of the location while allowing you to feel both comfortable and glamorous. By carefully considering factors such as fabric, colour, design, and accessories, you can effortlessly create a bridal look that not only suits the destination but also leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're getting married by the beach, in a royal palace, or amidst the scenic hills, these tips will help you look radiant and regal on your big day.
Wish to shop the most elegant Indian Bridal Lehenga for your special day? Visit us at The Dress Shop.
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