Hindu weddings are known for being vibrant and colorful affairs, featuring an array of vibrant hues everywhere you look. Anyone who has attended Hindu wedding ceremonies can tell you that one color in particular – red – is often a stand-out favorite, especially for the bride.

Why Hindu Wedding Brides Wear Red

In Hindu culture, the color red has many meanings. Red is the color of the Hindu goddess Durga, who represents feminine power, vanquished evils and new beginnings. It’s also the color of Mars, which – according to Hindu astrology – is the planet that oversees marriage.

Red is an auspicious color that blesses the couple with a strong and everlasting bond. Representing love, power, passion and fertility, the color symbolizes the strength and intensity of marriage, as well as the sacred commitment at its foundation. Red is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, warding off evil spirits and ensuring a harmonious union in the future, which the bride will need.

Essentially, wearing red is about imbuing brides with power and confidence. After the ceremony, she will be leaving her home and entering her husband’s family, which can be a life-changing adjustment. As such, a bride can feel like they need to wear a bold and commanding color that shows everyone they’re ready for their new life.

Red Sarees and Jewelry

As we said earlier, Hindu brides wear red attire to embody the good connotations the color has. Her red saree or lehenga represents the essence of a vibrant and joyous life, signifying her readiness to embark on the journey of marriage while also highlighting her commitment to the traditions and values of her culture.

The red saree has a rich history, as it’s believed to have originated during the Mughal era. Mughal empresses would adorn themselves in opulent red attire. Over time, this practice seeped into Hindu culture, becoming a symbol of the bride's beauty, grace and marital status.

If you choose to wear a red saree or dress for a Hindu wedding, there are numerous options to complement and enhance your overall look. Gold jewelry is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with red, accentuating its elegance and richness. Intricate designs, gemstones and pearls can also enhance the sense of sophistication and grace.

Some brides choose to adorn themselves with gold jewelry embedded with rubies or red gemstones. Since red symbolizes good fortune, some might wear more of it with the hopes of further blessing the life that’s ahead of them.

Additionally, colors such as green, pink or purple can be used for accessories like bangles, earrings and footwear to create a harmonious and eye-catching look.

Red Henna

Red henna is only used on special occasions. Intricate designs are painstakingly applied, staining her skin for days afterward. They are intended to promote good luck, good health and a good future ahead (which, in a sense, is quite literal, considering henna is good for fighting off certain infections).

Red Isn’t the Only Color at Hindu Weddings

While red is considered the traditional color for brides in Hindu weddings, there are instances where they may opt for different colors based on personal preferences or regional customs. Red also isn’t the only color with deeper significance in Hindu culture, although it is a big one. For instance, gold represents wealth and luxury while azure blue signifies trust, stability and devotion.

In other words, there’s more than one way to express your hopes and represent your culture at your wedding. Some brides may even choose to wear a combination of colors while still incorporating red elements to honor its meaning in Hindu culture. Ultimately, what you wear on your special day is up to you.

Brides in Fairfax, VA Can Customize One of Our Luxurious Ballrooms However They Choose

No matter how you choose to color and design your wedding, the team at CrystalView will help you decorate. We offer access to elegant ballrooms that you can use as you see fit. Our team can also provide high-quality wedding decor, top-rated catering service, sound equipment, complimentary valet and a host of other additional services.

We’ll help your special day look stunning and run smoothly so you can focus on what matters. Call us at (703) 218-4444 or visit our website to schedule a tour and book a date.