Desi Bridal Dresses

The fit of the wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of its look

Changes in fashion and preference have developed the demand for Desi bridal dresses.  Western wedding dress designs are being enhanced with colour, style or accessories to add a Desi touch. These are being chosen by some brides instead of the more traditional attire such as wedding lenghas.

South Asian Christian brides usually wore wedding gowns or Western style wedding dresses but now it is certainly not limited to this group any more.

Designers and stylist are given the challenge to produce an interesting fusion between East and West with these costumes. The chance to create formal wear with a chique look whilst at the same time keeping some tradition, gives designers a rich area to explore. The mix and match culture of fashion is upon us, especially for bridal wear.

The traditional colour of the Western wedding dresses in white. ‘White’ or ‘Wedding White’ includes creamy shades such as eggshell, ecru and ivory. However, the choice of colours in wedding dresses has evolved towards the use of the traditional Desi colour of marriage which is red or shades of red, including pink.

The styles vary from pure Western styles to a hybrid look, taking elements of traditional Desi design applied to the dress. Fabrics include use of Silk, Chiffon, Lace and Velvet and the use of hand embroidery on these materials produces exquisite looking garments.

One style is that of the Coti (Jacket) which is embroidered with Dabka  geometric motives and colours, to give a stunning look to the upper part of the dress. Another style is to have embroidery and sophisticated stitching all around the lower half of the dress making it look immensely attractive.

The couture sense of design is being applied to Desi bridal dresses by many designers, including Raishma of London. Raishma is one of the most prestigious and established Asian Designers in the UK.

Raishma has been successfully retailing designer Asian Wedding Dresses as well as Evening Wear since 1998. Specialising in bridal wear, her styles are beautiful and very couture indeed.

Raishma’s studio in London, offers a personalised one to one service, which provides consultancy for the bride in order to design the wedding dress of her dreams.  Her bespoke design will aim to suit the bride’s figure, colour palette and cultural background.

This is one example of couture bridal dresses being made for Desi brides. Others include engaging designers in India or Pakistan, to produce the dress that is the style of the wedding gown but has a unique look provided by the South Asian designer.

The fit of the wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of its look. The foremost thing is that your attire should have the perfect fit. This also includes careful choice of all the accessories and underwear associated with the design of the dress. Because, most dresses are backless or off-the-shoulder designs.

Since the the bride must look different from everyone else, it is important also to co-ordinate what the bridesmaids wear. Especially with a couture bridal dress. The choice of a different colour is always good but it must not clash or look too contrasting from the bride.

We have compiled a photo gallery of bridal dresses that would suit a Desi bride to give you ideas of designs available. Enjoy!