Pratima Ati
Indian weddings are stereotyped as “big fat weddings,” but so be it. It is a celebration of two families coming together. We are talking about a truckload of people, innumerable ceremonies to plan, and every detail that needs attention, because did I mention? Indian weddings!
The first in line is the bride’s trousseau. But instead of the wedding, mehendi, and sangeet outfits, we will talk about the not-so-popular reception outfit. It is an opportunity to bring out the fashionista in you, and we have outfit ideas that will help you do just that. Take a look!
20 Best Reception Dresses For Indian Brides
The wedding reception is a chance to let out your inner fashionista. Since you need to stick to a theme for the sangeet and mehendi and keep things traditional on your wedding day, you can go all out with your reception outfit. We’ll show you how! We have rounded up 20 of the best reception dresses for Indian brides. Check them out here.
1. Abaya Style Embroidered Suit
If you have salwar suit in mind, try an abaya style salwar kameez. The floral applique work all over it (instead of the usual sequins, resham, zari, and stonework) speaks of bridal grandeur and sets the dress apart. The sheer waist lining and matching dupatta add to the charm of this outfit.
2. Yellow Embroidered Net Lehenga In Yellow
Steer away from the usual heavy outfits and go for a net lehenga. The floral embroidery all over this net lehenga, the understated crop top with embroidered borders, and the sheer pastel dupatta finish off this look perfectly. If you are into contemporary jewelry, this is your chance to flaunt it!
3. Zari And Stone Embroidered Pink Suit
The heavily embroidered body of stones, zari, and sequins on this pastel dress creates a beautifully balanced outfit. Dresses like these are perfect choices for outdoor affairs. Kundan or vintage jewelry is the way to go here.
4. Red Taffeta Silk Lehenga
We love how this outfit treats the color red. It is not blown out of proportion just because it’s red and because it’s a wedding color. But, it has also justified the grandeur of the color with the thread and mirror work, tulle dupatta, and the oh-so-stunning crop top.
5. Racerback Style Pastel Lehenga
anitadongre / Instagram
Two of the most beautiful pastels come together in this racerback crop top style lehenga. The intricate (but not over the top) embroidery of the skirt, the whisper-like pleats, the western twist to the top, and the powder blue dupatta will make you feel like a beautiful star in the midnight sky.
6. Emerald Green Lehenga With Gotta Patti Work
anitadongre / Instagram
This lehenga by Anita Dongre shows her prowess and why she stays above the million other designers in the country. The luxurious emerald silk of this piece is accentuated with silver gotta patti work. The heavy (but not busy) choli and mesmerizing dupatta add to this outfit’s glory. Choose fabrics, colors, and embroidery that stand out because your reception is the one function that gives you this freedom.
7. Blush Silk Lehenga
anitadongre / Instagram
For a destination wedding in a Jaipur fort or a vintage-themed reception, lehengas like these are a great idea. This blush pink lehenga in silk is not too loud and plays along with the decor and vibe perfectly. The intricate embroidery complements the bride’s glow. You can choose contemporary jewelry if you want to put your own spin on it.
8. Ruffle Saree
payalsinghal / Instagram
Ruffle sarees are on the rise and fit the bill if you like breaking the stereotypes. You can step away from heavy jewelry and all the weight from other wedding dresses to easily slip into a pre-made ruffle saree. Tie a slick ponytail, put on some big jewelry, and let the design stand out.
9. Powder Blue Saree And Cape Blouse
payalsinghal / Instagram
They say not all superheroes wear capes. So, maybe some brides can! This unique creation by Payal Singhal brings Indo-Western outfits together like no other. If this style resonates with you, consider this saree that will set you apart. Remember that it’s your day and your chance to try whatever you have in mind.
10. Tulle Skirt And Peplum Blouse
This whimsical piece is sure to take everyone’s breath away as you walk into your reception. The soothing hues of blush and gold come together to make this masterpiece. The tulle skirt opens out as it trickles down, and the heavily-embroidered gold peplum blouse checks all the boxes for modern day princesses.
11. Contemporary Raw Silk Lehenga
Make way for this unique and elaborate green lehenga with a gold foiled print, oversized bird motifs, and a chic embroidered silk choli. Smokey eye makeup and a chignon updo with this outfit is a beautiful way to evoke the badass bride in you.
12. Ivory Embroidered Lehenga
Here’s an outfit that brings the best of both worlds – saree and lehenga. Make note of the ivory color and the dupion silk fabric. The applique work embroidery and illusion sleeves of the blouse make this the perfect outfit for outdoor receptions. All you need is a choker or a statement neckpiece to finish off this look.
13. Drape Style Olive Lehenga
If you like experimenting with outfits and playing with colors, this outfit might be it for you. The eccentric combination of olive green and princess pink brings the most out of the scintillating lehenga-saree blend. It stays intact, so you can dance the night away comfortably!
14. Pastel Green Organza Lehenga
The sage green lehenga is sophisticated without being bland. The silk skirt with muted pleats that billow out makes for a beautiful silhouette. The embroidered blouse and sheer organza dupatta with scattered motifs finish off this look in a way that it deserves.
15. Sequin And Floral Embroidery Lehenga
mmalhotraworld / Instagram
Only designers like Manish Malhotra can conceive eponymous designs like this one. This lehenga brings together two things that modern Indian brides love: style and character. The heavily sequined skirt in pink with a threadwork blouse, frayed sleeves, and powder blue dupatta creates an ensemble no one can resist. Step outside the stereotype a little bit and consider such designs for your reception.
16. Peshwa Kurta With Pant Style Outfit
This ensemble is quite mesmerizing with all its details screaming romance. The glistening sequins, sumptuous embroidery, ultra-feminine cut, illusion neckline, and irresistible charm paint a breathtaking picture.
17. Blush Pink Lehenga With Full Sleeves Choli
This feminine vintage lehenga with a flirty touch tells a romantic tale. The delicate rose shade accentuates the dainty pearl and sequin embroidery, and the keyhole neckline complements the long sleeves. The net kamadani dupatta wraps up this outfit perfectly.
18. Regal Blue Velvet Lehenga
anamikakhanna.in / Instagram
Look like a showstopper at your reception – because, well, you are one. This electric blue velvet skirt with larger-than-life motifs, a high-neck choli, and silk dupatta has everything a regal reception outfit should.
19. Blush Cold Shoulder One Piece Gown
carma.india / Instagram
The modern princess meets the elegant Indian bride halfway in this cold-shoulder gown. The heavy embroidery on the bodice, the illusion sweetheart neckline, and the surreal silhouette marries elegance with charm.
20. Half-And-Half Organza Lehenga Set
A wedding trousseau is incomplete without a piece from House of Masaba. Her eclectic patterns, flamboyant prints, quirky colors, and peculiar motifs bring joy and high spirits to any ensemble. Flaunt all of this with this half-and-half organza lehenga set in magenta and ivory.
That’s one hell of a list! We know it’s tough to choose from these stunning outfits, but trust us when we say it was harder to compile it and cull through the overwhelming options out there. What is your dream wedding reception dress? Which ones are you pinning at the top as your favorites? Let us know by dropping a message in the comments section below.