Weddings are special not only because they celebrate the bond of two individuals who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. But in India, weddings are also important because they become occasions for relatives from all around the world to gather and celebrate together.
As India is known for its diversity and plethora of traditions, every wedding is special and governed by a distinct set of rituals. While North Indian weddings are known for their grand and magnificent celebrations, South India prefers subtle and quieter events. Even the main ceremonies are conducted differently in different states.
Similarly, a Bengali wedding, too, is a visual treat. Referred to as ‘biye’, it is a combination of deep and meaningful rituals rich in culture, which are performed in the midst of vibrant decorations. The best part about wedding venues in Kolkata is that they are transformed into an amalgamation of hues, camaraderie and grace when the wedding begins. Hence, it comes as no surprise that such interesting weddings also call for intriguing outfits and adornments.
So, if you have a Bengali wedding in the offing and are confused about what to wear and how to adorn yourself, here is a guide to everything you should do to fit right in:
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- Haldi ceremony: Gaye Holud
The ‘Gaye Holud’ is the haldi ceremony in which both bride and grooms are applied with haldi. This involves close friends and family and is an intimate affair. As it is a day event, bright colours are usually preferred, with yellow being the most popular choice. As a bride or a guest, a good idea for accessories on this day is to adorn yourself with flowers instead of jewellery. This will give a unique and refreshing look to your outfit.
- The wedding: Biye
‘Biye’ is the main ceremony. Even though there are many trends currently when it comes to lehengas, Bengali weddings still rely heavily on Benarasi silk sarees. A red Benarasi saree is a must when it comes to a Bengali bridal outfit. Even though this is pretty much a sure shot thing, it does not mean that a bride or a guest cannot accessorize it and give it some personal touches with her own quirks and unique adornments. Along with the saree, a topor (paper crown), gold jewellery, aalta (red colour on hands and feet), chandan on the face, and dupatta covering the head are also important accompaniments to the traditional red saree. The groom usually wears a silk dhoti and he also sports a topor on his head. If attending the function as a guest, it is a good idea to stay clear of a red Benarasi to avoid confusion and awkwardness. However, a saree is a good look for a Bengali wedding. One can also go for innovative nose rings for a traditional look.
- Wedding reception
For the reception, the bride has many options. She can either tie her hair or leave it open in curls. A fishtail braid can also be made to stand out of the normal trends. If attending the function as a guest, you can also go for fancy buns that go beautifully with heavy sarees and lehengas. As guests, one can also try elaborate hair accessories so that the outfit stands out more than usual. In fact, Bengali weddings organized in 5-star hotels in Park Street, Kolkata, the likes of The Lalit—that is very close to Park Street—have an advantage as these hotels often allow for easy accessibility to parlours that offer the services for fashionable hairstyles and makeup.
