5 unique bridal dresses from around the world and what they symbolise 

Wedding is a memorable event in every person’s life. It’s a day that not only celebrates love, but also marks a crucial new beginning. Of course, one would want to look the best for such a momentous occasion, which is how the customary wedding attire came into existence. However, wedding attires vary with cultures owing to different ideas about what represents good fortune and luck. Let’s explore five unique bridal outfits today. 

The lehenga 
The lehenga is a three-piece outfit made up of a long skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli) and a sash (dupatta). The dupatta can be worn in one of two ways: On top of the head or over the choli. This costume is stunning and is also decadent due to the intricate artistry, such as embroidery, sequins, elaborate motifs and zardosi work.  

However, you’d be surprised to know that the lehenga was not initially a part of the Indian culture. It was introduced by Mughal emperors during the 12th to 18th century. The three-piece outfits that Mughal women wore were reminiscent of their Persian background and consisted of a peshwaj (robe-like dress), paijama (pants) and patka (sash).  

Indian (Hindu) brides often wear a red or saffron lehenga, as these colours are considered pure and sacred. In some traditions, the lehenga is considered so pious that married women wear it on Karawa Chauth and Teejh, as a symbol of the purity of their marital bond. 

White Kimono 
These Japanese initially used the word ‘kimono’ to refer to garments. Later, it was used to describe the traditional Japanese attire. The kimonos you see today came into form during the Heian period (794–1185). There are different varieties of kimonos that represent culture from different centuries and are worn on different occasions. The bridal kimono is known as Shiromuku. Originally worn by samurai families during weddings, the Shiromuku has evolved into a bridal kimono. The attire comprises a white furisode kimono with a Takeshita-style trailing hem. A Maru or Fukuro obi (wide sash) is worn around the waist and fastened with an Obi-age (which resembles a scarf) and an Obi-jime (which is a rope). Then, an additional robe-like kimono, an Uchikake, is worn over the entire outfit. In the Japanese culture, ‘white’ signifies purity and ‘readiness to be coloured as per the conventions of the house the bride is wedded to’. Since centuries, the Japanese have believed that white represents the bride’s intense determination to live in the home where she is married.  

Polleras and poncho 
Traditional Peruvian wedding attire is typically vibrant and features woven cloaks and caps embellished with tassels and a shiny fabric. Polleras are the name for their vibrant, hand-woven skirts. They are usually made of wool or other fabrics. These bright and layered skirts, with geometric patterns, come with bright and thick fabrics. Typically, a Puyto band in various colours is attached to the skirts. Like other traditional clothing in Peru, Pollera skirts indicate the bride’s social status and place of origin. The hues and designs used in Peruvian wedding attire are intended to symbolise the dominance of the Incas (1400 and 1533 CE), who once ruled the country. 

Cheongsam or Qipao 
Chinese brides traditionally wear Cheongsam, also referred to as a qipao, a body-fitting garment that dates back to 1920s Shanghai. Specifically, evidence of cheongsam can be found post 1912, after the Qing dynasty was overthrown and the Republic of China was established.  

On the wedding day, the traditional bride wears a red qipao and a red veil. Red qipao symbolises energy, celebration and fertility and is hence the traditional wedding colour for brides. Interestingly, the colour is thought to ward off evil spirits. Although qipaos can be made using different fabrics, the traditional ones are usually made of silk with embroidery over them. For their wedding qipao, brides frequently choose embroidery with phoenix and/or dragon motifs.  

The Hanbok  
For several millennia, hanbok has played a significant role in the Korean culture. It has two parts: a top and a bottom. Historically speaking, hanbok originated during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD). The hanbok we see today in Korea has remained unchanged since the Joseon era (1392–1910). Traditional brides wear hanbok of red, pink or purple colours. 

The traditional bridal hanbok has a galore of layers. The sokchima, a layer resembling a corset with a skirt attached, comes first. The red dress, called chima or hanbok skirt, makes the second layer. Then the jeogori, or hanbok jacket, is put on. The ceremonial jacket known as the wonsam or hwalot, that used to be worn by queens and affluent women during the Joseon dynasty is put on next. The wonsam is vibrant and rather intricate, with red silk on the exterior and vibrant silk inside. It also has flowers stitched in the fabric to signify riches, longevity and nobility. The brides tie a ribbon (daedae) around the chest after the wonsam is worn to keep it in place. A daedae is a belt made of red woven silk with gold embroidery. The red skirt, customarily worn by brides, represents fortune and wealth.