Fashion Blogs

Gujarat has one of the most vivacious cultures in India, which is reflected perfectly in the wedding traditions, costumes, customs and décor of Gujarati weddings. The traditional costumes for the bride and groom are sarees and dhoti-kurta, respectively. However, both these garments have a distinct Gujarati essence to them.

The bridal dress is a combination of the Panetar and the Gharchola. Although both of them are sarees, the former is gifted to the bride by her maternal uncle and she wears this during the wedding ceremony while the latter is a gift by her in-laws which she wears after the ceremony. In modern days however, brides drape the Gharchola around their heads during the wedding ceremony itself.

Gujarat has an illustrious textile heritage, especially concerning tie and dye. This is reflected in the Panetar which is a white saree with red borders made of Gajji silk, having designs in gold zari on it. The Gharchola has a more complex texture in comparison as it is woven using silk and zari with embellishments in brocades. It features bandhni or tie and dye prints in traditional motifs like peacocks, blossoms or religious structures. Both of these sarees when donned are draped in the typical Gujarati manner viz. to take the pallu over the right shoulder and bring it down the front with one end pinned at the waist. Kundan and diamond accessories for the neck, ears, arms, wrists and toes are the go-to in the Gujarati wedding ensemble. The hair can either be tied in a bun or braided down the back. The forehead is ornamented with a maang tikka and designer bindi.

The groom’s wedding attire consists of an elaborate dhoti kurta along with a tie and dye dupatta draped around the neck, known as the Achkan.

Many modern men and women are opting for lehenga cholis and sherwanis, respectively, instead of the traditional attire.