Choosing your bridal lehenga choli is one of the most exciting parts of getting married. Some brides even change up their ensembles for the reception. With so many events surrounding a traditional ceremony, you can experiment with different styles for your Sangeet and Mehendi.
October-December has some of the most auspicious wedding dates for the Hindu calendar, not to mention better weather. If you are a fall bride, you can have fun with rich textures and fabrics to help you feel like a queen on your big day. These eight ideas can help you style a bridal lehenga choli combo sure to stun family and friends this fall wedding season.
- Double Dupattas
There is nothing more regal than the double dupatta. This traditional look allows you to make an entrance in style. Choose a sheer and airy dupatta to wear over your head and a more heavily embroidered one to drape across your body.
You can keep with tradition and wear classic red and gold, but try an embroidered gold dupatta across the body to play against the deep crimson choli. Then use a longer sheer dupatta to cover the head and enter your wedding looking like a princess.
- Have Fun With Draping
When it comes to how you drape your dupatta over your lehenga choli, you have options. Try a different draping style for your ceremony and a more flowy drape at the reception so you can dance the night away.
- A U-Back Drape can help show off a stunning backless choli. Pleat, pin the dupatta to your left shoulder, and allow it to fall past your waist. Bring the other end up on the right side.
- The Double-Sided Drape creates a particularly regal look and allows the dupatta to gracefully fall to the front and back. Tuck one end of your dupatta on either side of your waist, bring it forward while letting the length flow down your back and pin it to the shoulder of your choli.
- The Classic Saree Drape may be the most straightforward draping style, but it is so elegant in its simplicity. Tuck one side of the dupatta to your waist on the right. Then drape it under your left arm and throw it over your right shoulder like a saree pallu.
- Long Sleeve Choli
Cooler weather means you can wear a long sleeve choli. With sleeves, you have more fabric to embellish. Make a statement in multi-colored sleeves. Use floral embroidery to highlight your arms.
Different choli styles can add more drama to a look and give your bridal ensemble a modern edge. Pair your lehenga with a full-sleeve choli, or show off your shoulders with a boat neck cut. A more modest bride could even choose an embroidered jacket.
- Ornate Embroidery
Use embroidery to tie together the elements of your bridal lehenga choli. A heavily embroidered dupatta will always make a statement, but why stop there?
Choose pieces that compliment each other’s embroidery. A full lehenga with an embroidered skirt paired with an equally complex choli and an airy dupatta allows the details to come together to create a look fit for a queen.
- Rich Colors
The fall season allows you to play with deep hues and rich colors. For your ceremony, wear traditional red and gold – or try a modern twist using a deep Fuschia.
Even at your Sangeet or Mehendi, jewel-tone colors like emerald, purple, or a decadent teal will ensure you are the center of attention. It is your week to be a queen, after all.
- Ombre Lehenga
Ombre isn’t just for hair anymore. Pairing an embroidered choli with an elegant ombre lehenga can provide a subtle touch for your pre-wedding events. You’ll make a statement without being overdressed.
The color will be richest at the bottom, where your full skirt brushes the floor. Then, fade to a paler tone near your waist to give you a sleek and lean silhouette.
- Silk and Velvet
Leave the chiffon and organza to the brides of spring. As a fall bride, you can play with heavier fabric.
A long-sleeved silk choli will pair perfectly with a luscious velvet lehenga. You could also use a heavier velvet dupatta to drape across your body. Not only is this fabric soft, but it also falls beautifully in elegant pleats.
- Don’t Forget Jewelry
A queen would never entertain without the crown jewels, and neither should the bride on her wedding day. The right jewelry will tie your bridal look together.
Show off your elegant neck with an off-the-shoulder choli and an elaborate choker. Emeralds have always been a sign of royalty, but gold, pearls, or diamonds will always add sparkle to your ensemble.
Not only will you feel like a queen, but you will look like one in your stunning fall bridal ensemble.
