Understanding The Rajputana Dress: What & How To Wear It Just Right

What is the very first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the word Rajput or Rajasthani? Rich, traditional, lavish? Yes, that is exactly what a Rajputana dress is all about – grandeur and old world charm! And if you are someone who’s planning to wear one for your big day, you’ve landed at the very best place! Here’s presenting a few ideas on how you can incorporate this style to your wedding and look absolutely magnificent!

The Uniqueness of a Rajputana Dress

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Rajasthan’s rich traditional and diverse culture is best represented by its attire. There are many factors that help distinguish Rajputana dress from other kinds of Rajasthani outfits.

1. Life is a celebration of passionate colours!

Rajputana dresses are vibrant and full of colours! There is no such thing as too bold or too bright when it comes to traditional dresses for the bride. This is something that makes it a favourite costume style for the younger generations from different cultures, especially for functions like Mehndi and Haldi ceremonies.

2. The little details are what makes a design unique

Something that sets Rajputana dresses apart from other dresses in the intricate and extensive detailing done on every single piece of clothing. Most pieces are created with delicate and detailed zari work with Gota Patti work appliques. Heavy embroidery and ornamentations are also pertinent elements. Addition of precious stones not only enhances the outfit but also the overall look!

3. Royal fabrics for royal attires

Image courtesy: Sabyasachi on Facebook

It won’t be wrong to consider Rajputana dresses as the true personification of everything royal and luxury. The fabric used for making these attires are heavy and rich in nature. Some of the most commonly used fabrics are brocade, velvet, etc.

Traditional Rajputana Dress For Brides

Only the finest and richly decorated set of clothes are worn by a Rajasthani bride. Traditionally, the Rajputana dress, also called as the 'Poshak' adorned by the bride is a ghagra-choli with a heavy bridal dupatta or odhni. A Ghagra is a loose and comfortable skirt worn at the waist with a top like a choli. These dresses are curated with utmost care and affection.

However, many new age brides also opt for a Rajasthani saree or a heavy embroidered lehenga.

All about colours

A typical bridal dress is red in colour. However, you can always indulge in shades of orange, yellow, golden and pink. Bright parrot green is immensely popular in a particular set of Rajasthani clan.

All about prints

What sets a Rajasthani dress apart is the elaborate embroidery and intricate decorations that can make even the simplest of dresses to stand out. Lehriya, Bandhej and Bandhani are some of the prominent prints that are popular for bridal wear.

Styling tip

Slay in your ghagra choli like our very own Rani Padmavati - Deepika Padukone by accessorizing your outfit with traditional Rajasthani jewellery. Wear an Aad necklace and a Maang Tikka or Rakhri along with a Bajuband and a Nath and you’re good to go!

Traditional Rajputana Dress For Grooms

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The traditional attire for a Rajput groom is can be compared to the old age charm associated with the outfits of Rajas and Maharajas! The outfit worn by a Rajput male involves an Achkan or a Sherwani – a long coat-like garment, typically in golden colour, adorned with jewels. It is worn with a chudidaar- a tight salwar and juttis (regal shoes) in colour matching the sherwani. A majestic saffron turban completes the outfit.

All about colours

Typically, the colours worn by grooms are more subtle as compared to the ones worn by Rajputana brides. Shades of golden, beige cream and maroon are commonly adorned and preferred by new age grooms.

All for embroidery

The attire of Rajputana grooms is famous for intricate and heavy hand embroidery patterns like zari and Sanjhi. The outfit is embellished with precious and semi-precious stones. Traditional motifs are also used to enhance the outfit.

Styling tip

Channel your inner royal by accessorising your outfit with special jewellery. The style of outfit, with a multi-layered pearl necklace and a heavy kamarband. Complete your look by putting a Serpech on the turban and holding a royal sword.

We really hope all of the questions and doubts have been addressed by us. No matter what style of Rajputana attire you decide to don for your wedding celebrations, we are sure you’ll slay like a royal!

What do you think makes Rajputana wedding dresses a favourite amongst young couples?  Pour in your thoughts in comments below!