This Is How You Can Get a Perfect Malayali Bridal Look in Time Before Your Big Day

India is a diverse land celebrating a fusion of cultures, traditions and ethnicities in a unique mix. Home to umpteen religions and languages, India is a secular country that brings together the flavours of different states brewing a strong bond of unity. One such ethnic group is Malayali in the state of Kerala which is known for its exhaustive traditional roots. Malayali weddings are simple and sweet. And Malayali brides are easily distinguished in classic Kasavu saree donning authentic gold head to toe. No matter where they get married and take the holy wedding vows, Malayali brides are always decked up in gold with signature Kanjeevaram saree. Here are some of the Malayali rituals that a Malayali bride undergoes and some inspiration of her outfit, makeup and jewellery.

1. Madhuparkam ritual

During the wedding, this is an indispensable event where the bride wears a two-piece sari called a “Mundu” and the bridegroom wears a dhoti and Angavastram. The groom is showered a warm welcome by the bride’s parents and the bride’s father washes the feet of his son-in-law. This signifies respect and humility towards the groom. The groom gifts a cream coloured Kasavu or silk saree to the bride which she is supposed to wear during the wedding ceremonies.

Madhuparkam Ritual Malayali brides drape a classic Kasavu sarees that are cream coloured with a wide gold Zari border running throughout. Modern-Malayali brides strike a stunning contrast by wearing a vibrant brocade or embroidered blouse to create a stylish diva look. Do not miss out on the contemporary gold jewellery that Malayali brides are embracing nowadays. Gold jewellery with a touch of pearl and semi-stones elevate the traditional look while also lending royalty effortlessly. Temple jewellery remains a safe investment for Malayali families. 

2. Kanyadanam ritual

One of the biggest and most remarkable ritual in the Malayali tradition is that of Kanyadanam where the father of the bride's hands over his daughter’s hands to the groom, which is symbolic of passing all the responsibilities of his daughter to him. The wedding ritual takes place around the Veli (means fire) where the couple takes three rounds and the groom ties Taali, a yellow pious thread around the neck of the bride. During this ceremony, Malayali brides are supposed to dress up in a rich Kanjeevaram sari in hues like red, gold, yellow or purple. They are considered to be auspicious colours.

The bride dons a ton of gold in person. Her long-braided hair is accessorised with a gold hair tie or Jadanagam completing the look with the aromatic mogra flowers in her hair. She is dripping in gold with gold choker necklaces and layered temple neckpieces adorning her crest is called as Adakku Kasu Mala. Most importantly the Matha Patti or Netti Chutti is made of pure gold and signifies to bring prosperity and luck for her new life. A Malayali bride wears a gold belt also known as Oddiyanam featuring intricate and detailed designs of Hindu deities or nature-inspired designs for Malayali Muslin bride worn around the sari. 

3. Hindu Malayali Bride

The traditional Malayali bride looks like the one you would find on every search engine result. No kidding! She is dressed in a white and gold crisp Kasavu saree on her wedding day loaded with gold jewellery. Adakku Kasu Mala, the layered necklaces in gold are worn around the bride’s neck along with the bell-shaped danglers called as Jhumkis. Adorning Oddiyanam or thick gold waist belt to cinch her saree from the waist, she also wears Netti Chutti or Maang Tikka, a popular accessory amongst Hindu brides in India. Malayali bride changes into rich Kanjeevaram silk saree for other ceremonies to look her part.

4. Christian Malayali Bride

A Christian Malayali bride opts for a traditional Christian bridal attire: a white gown with a long gorgeous tail and a veil. She prefers to go for diamond jewellery instead of gold for her wedding day to complement her white gown. However, for the Kudivep ceremony where the bride is welcomed with oil lamps to a new home by the groom’s mother, Christian brides drape a silk Mundu or Kanjivaram Pattu with gold jewellery for the rituals.

5.  Muslim Malayali Bride

Just like a Hindu Malayali bride, she wears a rich Kanjeevaram silk saree, however, the details of her gold jewellery differs. She wears a similar kind of layered gold necklaces, however, instead of temple design, it features nature-inspired motifs. The thick waist belt is made of gold and embedded with other semi-precious stones called Arappatta. The bride dazzles and looks gorgeous in jazzy traditional pieces of jewellery and silk saree that can be found in any bridal trousseau of a Malayali bride.

6. Makeup & Hair Inspiration for Malayali Brides

Malayali brides are known for their uniquely sketched out makeup looks as they focus mainly on emphasizing their best features. Kohl-rimmed eyes brushed with dollops of mascara to enhance their big talkative eyes, Malayali brides are an epitome of beauty best defined by their light and subtle natural makeup look. They prefer bold lips for evening ceremonies and light or nude lipstick shades for day-time functions. They complete their look with a bindi and henna painted hands. For hair, Malayali brides keep it simple and sophisticated with neatly plaited hair accessorised with gold or tie their hair into a bun adorned with Mogras.

Malayali brides are one the most easily distinguished South Indian brides adorning stunning gold jewellery and flaunting a natural makeup look. They drape a rich Kanjeevaram Mundu or Pattu for the reception ceremonies and save the classic Kasavu saree for the wedding function.

Did you like the Malayali bridal look? Which Malayali bridal look pleased you the most? Tell us in the comments below.