8 Bandhani Dress Ideas That'll Make Every Bridesmaid Look Like a Million Bucks

The pride of Rajasthan and Gujarat, bandhani, is slowly replacing many modern fads. Bandhani or Bandhej is a way to tie and dye fabrics in attractive hues of red, green, blue and yellow to create various visually delightful designs. The beauty of such fabrics is further augmented with mirrorwork or Gota Patti. For bridesmaids, various bandhani dresses can be conceived to make them look prettier. Dresses made with bandhani fit the bill for bridesmaids perfectly for they are dressy yet light. Get ready to explore more!

1. Kurta

Kurtis, kurtas and kurta sets are now a staple in every Indian girl's wardrobe. As a bridesmaid, you may pick a bandhani kurta - or two - for smaller functions such as Haldi, Mehndi or Chura ceremony. Available in various hues and styles, bandhani kurtas can be worn with palazzos, churidars, Pakistani trousers, skirt and even a pair of jeans. Pair it with oxidised silver jewellery and Juttis for a chic look.

2. Dupatta

Image Source: Sabyasachi Mukherjee Facebook Page

A bandhani dupatta can double the beauty of any ethnic outfit without too much effort. Yes, you don't need an entire outfit to add a bandhani element to your look. Go subtle or choose a heavily embellished suit in a basic colour and then pair it with a vibrant bandhani dupatta. For this rich look, ace designer Sabyasachi used a black silk suit with jewel neckline and added a bandhani dupatta with a thick border. Such a great bandhani dress idea for your bestie's engagement! Right?

3. Lehenga

Image Source: Sabyasachi Mukherjee Facebook Page

It's your bestie or sister's wedding; of course, you'll be wearing a lehenga on one of the main functions. For a bandhani dress look that’s true to its roots, you may pick a sobre monotone lehenga with a thick border on the skirt and pair it with a heavy bandhani dupatta. A dupatta that features gota patti work and mirror accents will further accentuate the outfit. This style can be an excellent pick for a wedding reception, too.

4. Anarkali

Anarkali suits have been ruling the Indian wedding arena for years and are not going anywhere for the seasons to come. Getting a bandhani Anarkali suit is a great idea if you like to keep your outfits subtle yet eye-catching. The colour choices are endless and this silhouette works for almost every body type and age group. A bandhani anarkali is the perfect fit for almost every occasion ranging from Haldi, Mehndi, Sangeet and even a day wedding.

5. Saree

A traditional bandhani saree is all you need to cast a charm, especially if the theme of the wedding is Rajasthani or Gujarati. Made with rich colours and lightweight fabrics, a bandhani saree is easy to wear and accentuates the figure, thanks to its effortless drape. Explore the market to find out the colour combinations that you love the most. To style this look, pair your saree with a stylish blouse and go for traditional, statement-making jewellery.

6. Dress

Bandhani dresses are a labour of love. Handcrafted in villages of India, bandhani dresses are fashionable and traditional at the same time. Designers are experimenting with silhouettes to give this age-old technique a modern spin so that it's loved by modern girls too. A halter neck dress with midi or maxi length is an apt choice for your bestie's Sangeet, Mehndi and Haldi function.

7. Suit with palazzo pants

Suits with palazzo pants are very much in trend right now and make for an excellent choice for weddings. For a stunning bandhani dress pick a pair of palazzo pants and match them with tunics, straight kameez and even Anarkali. This look can be amped up with jewellery and other accessories. Sangeet, engagement and a day time wedding are perfect occasions to wear this outfit.

8. Bottoms

Get a pair of bottoms with bandhani print and style it with a trendy tunic for a fusion bandhani dress look. Pakistani pants, skirt, Dhoti pants, salwar – all these are an excellent style choice to incorporate bandhani in your wardrobe. This comfortable style will keep you traditional yet trendy. Perfect time to wear such bottoms is the Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet ceremonies.

Bandhani technique might be age-old but it's evergreen. The proof? It's been able to stand the test of time even in the era of modern fabrics and printing techniques. You may take a look at local artisans to explore the raw form of bandhani or drop by at a designer store that specialises in Rajasthani or Gujarati textiles. Go for an entire outfit or just add an element for a traditional, colourful bandhani dress look. Whether your bestie is having a Rajasthani destination wedding or cousin is throwing a colourful party in South India, these bandhani outfit ideas will definitely let you steal more compliments.

Are you looking forward to being a bridesmaid? Let us know if you'd love to wear a bandhani outfit.