Related articles
- What If You Can Make an Exclusive Designer Dress by Re-Using Your Old Saree(2020)? Create Magic by Transforming Sarees into Lehenga Using Our Craft Ideas and Be Proud of Yourself!
- The Swish of a Gorgeous Lehenga and a Breathtaking Dupatta is All It Takes to Stand Out in a Crowd(2022)! 10 Best Lehenga Dress to Steal the Show at Any Occasion and Look Like a Showstopper
- Every Parent Likes Their Kid to be the Center of Attention(2020): Check Our Lehenga for Kids to Make Your Child Look Cute and Have a No-Fuss Outfit for Your Next Occasion.
Things to Look for in a Lehenga
Define Your Budget
Before buying a lehenga, carefully define your budget. This means that if you are buying lehenga for your own wedding, make a list and assign an estimated amount to each item. Give the maximum as well as the minimum price to each item, and before buying a lehenga, get your priorities straight, and be clear on what kind of lehenga you want.
Then, do a little research and see if the designer/branded lehenga suits your budget or if you have to get local lehenga. After that, check the stores that are near to you and make an appointment. Do not buy your lehenga in a hurry, and take out some time to carefully select the colours and design that suits your body shape, complexion, and the wedding event. Also, make sure that you choose a lehenga that fits you well.
Altering Options
Before buying a lehenga, you are suggested to try it several times to be sure that it fits you well. This is so because you are purchasing the wedding lehenga way before you are actually going to wear it and you may gain or even lose some weight. So, you should have some extra cloth in it that you can utilize if you get a little healthier. This way your money won't get wasted and the lehenga will also fit you well.
However, this will only work for tailor-stitched lehengas, because designer lehengas are fitted properly, and you don't get any space for alterations. For this reason, you should go for a tailored lehenga or maintain your weight till your wedding day. Also, get a fabric that does not make you look fat even if its a little tight or loose.
Colours
Break the traditional stereotypes and go for your favourite colour. Meaning, it is not necessary to wear a red-coloured lehenga on your big day, because the Indian fashion industry has brought many funky colours and designs for bridals to wear at their weddings. Select the colour that looks best on you and in which you feel comfortable as well. Also, make sure that you do not buy the same colours. Instead, choose a different colour for each function for freshness.
Your wedding lehenga should go well with your skin tone as well as your occasion and you can play with contrast colours or get solid fusion colours. If it is the wedding day, you may select a pastel colour pallet with a signature makeup. Moreover, if the function is at night, wearing a dark-coloured lehenga with heavy makeup and smokey eyes may be the best choice for you.
Types of Lehengas
Fishtail Lehenga
Fishtail lehengas are the most modern Indian lehengas with a tinge of western dresses as well. This type of lehengas is at a fitting till the knees, and then, at the calves, they have a large flare. The flare is in the form of a mermaid fishtail. Moreover, fishtail lehenga does not have any pleats or panels. In fact, it only has a wide, flattering fishtail shape at the bottom of the skirt.
This net lehenga, with poly shantoon lining under it, and an asymmetrical velvet and net choli over it, is an ideal dress for mayon, shendi, and other festivals like these. The skirt is in beige colour and shimmery floral print and the choil is embellished with zari, sequins, stone, resham, dori, bullion, and glitter work with a floral net patch attached below the choli giving it an asymmetrical shape. The choli is in black and golden colour, whereas the dupatta is simple in net fabric. You can get the waist and hips in size from 34 inches to 38 inches and 40 to 44 inches, respectively. However, the length of the skirt is fixed at 42 inches. You can get this lehenga at Utsav Fashion for Rs. 33,400.
Flared Lehenga
Flared lehengas are the most conventional and cultural Indian lehengas to wear on weddings, engagements, festivals, and other formal events. This type of lehenga has a broad flare at the bottom which is caused by the panels in it and the can-can fabric used under it. The flare at the hem is so wide that it makes a complete circle. Moreover, the numerous plates add to the extreme flare and also increase the volume of the skirt.
This particularly flared lehenga is made up of crepe stuff with cotton lining under it. The purple lehenga with an orange border has a heavy work of stones, beads, zardozi, and zari all over it. It is available in the semi-stitched form. The choli is in purple colour and is made up of crepe material, whereas the dupatta is of pure georgette in purple colour. The borders of dupatta are also orange with heavy work on it and chatta in the center. The waist and hips of these unstitched customized lehengas are available in sizes from 36 to 40 and 40 to 44 inches respectively. However, the length of the skirt is fixed at 40 inches. Pair it up with signature jewellery and light dewy makeup. You can get this lehenga from Utsav Fashion at Rs. 59,000.
Lehenga with a Jacket
Lehenga with a jacket is the latest style in the Indian fashion industry. This is a three-piece suit that includes a choli, a lehenga, and a jacket with the lehenga usually flared due to the numerous panels and pleats in it. The pleats at the waist add extreme volume to the skirt, whereas the border is wide and huge, more like a circular hem. Mostly, people who select this type of a lehenga for their weddings have heavy, ornated laces with embellished borders, and the rest of the skirt is kept simple. This is so because, the upper part of the lehenga gets covered with a jacket, and therefore, the jacket is made heavy with zardozi, dabka, resham, and stonework.
This pista green jacket lehenga is a perfect choice for functions like Reception, Engagement, and Sangeet, etc. The lehenga is made up of chiffon material with lining under it. Moreover, the jacket over the skirt is fully embroidered with cut dana, sequins, and thread work. The pattern of this embroidery is in intricate floral motifs that make it very exquisite and the floral jaal is in dark and light pink shades with golden beads. The sleeves of the jacket are full of heavily embellished work and a high neck-line with an ornated golden lace around it and between the jacket lines. Furthermore, the neckline of this jacket has a hook in the middle for closing it and it is made up of net material. You can pair up this beautiful attire with golden earrings and high heels. You can get a great lehenga with a jacket for Rs. 1,13,282 at Kalki Fashion.
Half Saree Lehenga
Half-saree lehenga concept was initially developed by the sarees of South Indian women. As the name suggests, the lehenga gives an appearance of saree with a little touch of a lehenga. In this type of lehenga, you do not have to worry about tying a saree and can still manage to get that unique look. This is a three-piece lehenga with a blouse, a lehenga, and a dupatta with the blouse usually simple with embellished sleeves because the dupatta is draped over the blouse. The skirt, on the other hand, is flared with an A-line cut. The flare of this lehenga is low but it still has a little puffiness added to it.
This particular half saree lehenga is perfect for occasions like weddings, formal parties, and other festivals. The contrast between grey and pink makes it perfect for night occasions. Blouse of this half saree lehenga is in grey colour and is made up of dupion material with sleeves in net material and ornated motifs on it. The lehenga is in net and satin material and the borders of the saree are heavily embellished. Moreover, thread, mirror, and dabka work on saree are made by hand, and therefore, some pieces might differ from others. You can get a great half saree lehenga at Rs. 7,999 from Amazon.
Sharara Cut Lehenga
Sharara cut lehengas are the trendiest lehengas nowadays. It is an ideal dress for engagement functions, receptions, and other festivals. and are similar to the wide-leg pants or palazzos. This type of lehenga is stitched from the center of the hem, just like a trouser but with a large flare, a wide border, and great frills, hence, giving a look of a lehenga.
Sharara cut lehengas have a really loose hem, with huge laces at the borders. Moreover, these are usually paired with either a long kurti, a short kurti, or a full-sleeved blouse. If you go for the kurti, you are suggested to get a knee-lengthed one. The sharara is simple with numerous pleats and ornated lace. However, kurti is heavy with fancy work and the sleeves can either be full, three-quarter or caps, depending on your preference. The dupatta, one the other hand, is lightly embroidered with ribbon, lappa, and fancy lace at the borders.
This particular sharara cut lehenga is a three-piece attire that includes a long kurti, a shahara, and a dupatta. The kameez is made up of georgette material and is in brown colour. It is embellished with embroidery and stonework, with full sleeves and a round neckline. The material of lining used under this kurti is santoon and is in the respective colour. Sharara is in maroon colour with a golden chatta and heavy border. The sharara and dupatta are both in georgette material with the dupatta being simple with golden ribbon on the borders. This traditional sharara cut lehenga is semi-stitched and you can wear it on any formal event. You can easily buy it only for Rs. 20,148 from Mirraw.
A Line Lehenga
An A-line lehenga is the simplest, yet the most delicate lehenga type. If carried properly, it is the most beautiful attire for wedding functions, occasions, or other events because it has a larger flare at the hem, and it creates a perfect 'A' shape at the edge, hence the name. This type of lehenga is fitted at the waist and is fluffy at the bottom.
The panels and pleats are really less in this type of lehenga, but the flare is still broad. This attire consists of a choli, a lehenga, and a dupatta. The choli can be either medium lengthed or a crop top, whereas the sleeves may be full, half, cap or it can be sleeveless as well. The lehenga, on the other hand, is cut in an A shape, with fewer pleats and panels, but a lot of volume and flare. The lehenga is usually fancy with heavy work of zardozi, zari, dapka, resham, and beads and a heavy lace is stitched at the waist, with some embellished latkans.
This particular A-lined lehenga with crop top choli and a dupatta is perfect for weddings, engagement, or any other occasion. This net attire with poly shantoon lining is ornated with zari, resham, and stonework and its skirt are heavy with a large border in an intricate pattern. The kurti, on the other hand is short with round neckline, three-quarter sleeves with fancy work on the borders, and chatta all over it. Moreover, the dupatta is in lilac material and pink colour with some embellished motifs on it and heavy borders. The waist and hips of this semi-stitched customizable lehenga are available in sizes from 28-38 inches and 36-46 inches respectively. It will cost you only Rs. 22,000 if you buy it from Utsav Fashion.
Panelled Lehenga
Panelled lehenga is the first choice of India ladies these days because the outfit makes you look very elegant yet stylish. This type of lehenga has a wide flare and lots of horizontal panels attached to it. These panels are usually made at the bottom of the hemline so that they add volume and fluff to the skirt. Because of these panels, the skirt looks wide and flared.
Moreover, this lehenga makes you appear slim and hides the extra fat as well. For a better look, you can pair up this lehenga with either a crop top choli or a short blouse, depending on your choice. However, remember that the choli must not be too heavy and should have subtle designs and prints. The dupatta with this attire, on the other hand, is usually simple and single toned. You can also go for contrasting colours to achieve a vibrant appearance.
This colourful panelled lehenga is an ideal outfit for Mehendi, Shendi, Sangeet, and Diwali functions. This is so, because the lehenga and choli are made up of art silk material with zari work on it. The pattern of the work is floral in green, golden, and purple colour, and the choli is full-sleeved with a round neckline and a polyester lining attached under it. However, the lehenga has a broad flare due to panels. Moreover, the dupatta is contrasted in green colour and has a heavy golden border and floral print on it. The material of dupatta is jacquard and this Paneled lehenga attire is semi-stitched and is available in free sizes. The lehenga is priced at Rs. 11,500 at Lime Road.
Straight Cut Lehenga
A straight cut lehenga is the one of simplest of all the types of lehengas. Moreover, it is a very delicate and elegant choice for wedding functions like Sangeet, Ubtan, Shendi, etc. As the name suggests, this type of lehenga has a straight cut and swirls around the body curves. It usually does not have a wide flare, and there are panels horizontally attached to the hem of the lehenga. However, they are only for the purpose of giving the skirt a straight shape.
Moreover, there are only a few side slits and it also flows along with the body shape. The choli of this lehenga is heavy with stonework or other fancy embellishments and is usually sleeveless. The dupatta, on the other hand, is plain, with simple chatta work all over it and lappas at the borders. Brocade, satin silk, jamawar, chiffon, raw silk, new silk, and jacquard are the suggested materials for the making of this specific kind of lehenga.
This particular foil-print, straight cut lehenga is the best choice for festivals. This simple yet elegant outfit includes a choli, a lehenga, and a dupatta. The straight cut skirt is in maroon colour with borders having shimmery golden little floral print. However, the choli is printed, cropped with three-quarter sleeves and a frill at the borders of the sleeves. There is also a zip closure on the choli and foil print that makes it very stylish. Moreover, the dupatta is in contrasted golden colour with lace at the borders and self-print all over it. The material of the choli and lehenga is viscose and it is a fully stitched outfit. Lime Road sells this lehenga for Rs. 3,999.
Perfect Lehenga Fabrics for Weddings
Velvet Lehengas
Velvet is the most preferred fabric by designers for lehengas that are to be worn at winter weddings. This is because velvet lehengas tend to look more royal as the cloth itself has a shiny appearance and gives a wide flare. They also have a great elasticity that makes them fall on the floor, and therefore, give the lehenga a very flattering appearance. Moreover, velvet fabric even looks very elegant and delicate with light embroidery.
Also, the material does not make you look fat or obese because of its ability to fall fluidly. However, if you like wearing a heavier lehenga, then go for sheneel because this is a bit heavier cloth that is manufactured locally in India. Moreover, if you want to wear a light lehenga at the function, try that lycra velvet as it has the same glossy appearance as velvet but is lighter. If you go for velvet, get heavy embroidery as it will give it a rich appearance. Furthermore, dark colours like maroon, navy blue, and green, etc are best if you are choosing velvet as the lehenga fabric.
Georgette Lehengas
Georgette Fabric is somewhat similar to the silk material but has a soft, and silky touch given to it for a broad flare. Also, this material is lightweight, sheer, crinkled, coarse, and durable, making it perfect for the making of A-line, flared, panelled, and circular lehengas. For a better look, you can get it dyed in any colour of your choice. This stuff suits almost all body types and looks delicate even with a few embellishments and light embroidery. Georgette material is perfect for summer weddings as it is light and breathable and can be carried easily as well.
This fabric gives a large flare, thus, it is an ideal material for making lehengas, gowns, sarees, as well as frocks. To improve it further, it comes in solid and fusion colours with opaque prints and designs, and it gives a bouncy appearance to the person wearing it that makes it a perfect choice for weddings and other formal functions. There are two types of georgette fabric; pure georgette and faux georgette. The pure georgette is made by weaving silk yarns, whereas, the faux georgette, is made from rayon and polyester material.
Raw Silk Lehengas
Raw Silk is the most excellent type of silk, and so, it is quite expensive. However, it looks very elegant and royal, therefore, this should be your first choice for the lehenga of your big day. It is a sheer, light-weight, and breathable material, and does not get crinkled or crushed very easily. The magnificent shimmer in the cloth makes it a perfect material for wedding functions, which is why it is the most preferred material in the Indian fashion industry these days.
Moreover, the raw silk does not wrap into pleats but has a large flare and can bear heavy ornated work as well. The bead, mirror, resham, sequins, zardozi, and dabka work looks exquisite on it, and it is a strong material, so, you do not have to worry about it getting torn apart. However, if you do not like heavy work, you can simply go for light embroidery on the paneled lehenga. Raw silk is extremely versatile and this quality makes it the preferred choice for formal clothes. Because of its hypoallergic features, you can wear it in all season, summers, winters, spring as well as autumn.
Related articles
- 15 Best Lehengas for Every Bride that are Worth Every Bit of Your Time and Money(2022).
- 10 Best Bridal Lehengas that Stole Our Hearts this Wedding Season! Check Them Out For We Are Truly Inspired!
- How to be a Standout Bride: A Mix of Tradition and Modern and 10 Best Bridal Lehengas
- Flaunt Your Impeccable Dressing Sense with a Lehenga Saree: 10 Best Lehenga Saree Designs and Other Tips for a Perfect Look
- What If You Can Make an Exclusive Designer Dress by Re-Using Your Old Saree(2020)? Create Magic by Transforming Sarees into Lehenga Using Our Craft Ideas and Be Proud of Yourself!
Choose Colour According to Season
While selecting the right lehenga colour according to your skin tone is important, but seasons play an important role too. If you are fair with a warm undertone, your colours are Spring. If you are fair with a cool undertone, you are Summer. If you are Wheatish with a warm undertone, you are Spring, and if you have a cool undertone, you are Autumn. If you are Dusky with a warm undertone, you are Autumn, else, you are Winter.