When it comes to choosing a bridal lehenga or wedding outfit, there are a lot of terms and phrases that may be unfamiliar to you. From different styles and cuts to various types of fabrics and embellishments, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of bridal fashion. That’s why I’ve put together a glossary of common terms and phrases related to bridal lehenga and wedding outfits to help you make an informed decision.
Common Terms Related to Bridal Lehenga
- Lehenga: A traditional Indian outfit consisting of a long skirt, a blouse, and a dupatta (scarf). Lehenga is also known as ghagra.
- Choli: A short blouse that is worn with a lehenga. Choli is also known as a blouse or ravika.
- Dupatta: A long scarf or shawl that is worn over the head, shoulders, or both.
- Zari: A type of embroidery that is done with gold or silver thread.
- Gota: A type of ribbon embroidery that is often used to embellish bridal lehengas.
- Banarasi: A type of silk fabric that is often used to make traditional Indian outfits, such as lehengas and sarees.
- Chanderi: A type of fabric that is made with silk, cotton, and zari.
- Bandhani: A type of tie-and-dye fabric that is often used to make sarees and lehengas.
- Kanjeevaram: A type of silk fabric that is known for its rich, vibrant colors and intricate designs.
- Kundan: A type of jewelry that is often used to embellish bridal lehengas.
- Zardozi: A type of embroidery that is done with gold or silver thread, and often embellished with beads and stones.
Wedding Outfits
- Saree: A traditional Indian garment that consists of a long piece of cloth draped around the body in various styles.
- Anarkali: A long, flowing dress that is fitted at the top and flares out at the bottom. Anarkali is named after a famous dancer from the Mughal era.
- Salwar Kameez: A traditional Indian outfit that consists of a loose-fitting shirt (kameez) and pants (salwar). The pants are tapered at the ankle and often gathered at the waist with a drawstring.
- Sharara: A type of traditional Indian outfit that consists of a long, flowing pant that is paired with a short blouse and a dupatta.
- Gharara: A type of traditional Indian outfit that consists of a long, flowing pant that is paired with a short blouse and a dupatta.
- Palazzo Suit: A Palazzo suit is a modern take on traditional Indian outfits. It consists of a long, flowing top that is paired with wide-leg pants.
- Sherwani: A long coat-like garment that is worn by men. Sherwani is often worn with a matching pair of trousers (churidar) and a turban (pagri).
- Indian Garb: The term Indian Garb refers to traditional Indian clothing worn by both men and women — including garments like sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, and kurtas. While not as commonly used in daily conversation, the word “garb” evokes a sense of formality and heritage. It’s often used in global or cultural discussions to describe ceremonial or ethnic attire from India.
👉 Curious to explore what Indian Garbs really mean today? Read our full breakdown and curated showcase here.
By familiarizing yourself with these common terms and phrases, you can feel more confident when choosing a bridal lehenga or wedding outfit or getting your bespoke outfit made. Whether you opt for a traditional style or a more modern look, knowing the right terminology can help you communicate your preferences and make the most informed decision for your special day.
If you are looking for a bespoke bridal lehenga please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.