10 Stunning Indian Reception Dresses for Bride That Would Make You Slay The Fashion Game

It's your first party with your man as a married couple, wanting a dress that makes a statement is only normal. While on the wedding day, brides tend to wear attires that suit their traditional and cultural belief, a reception party allows you to wear dresses that suit 'you’. 

Traditional Indian reception dresses for bride ideas

Remember, Indian reception dresses for bride have a vast range and can vary from a traditional saree to a very stylish evening gown. Keeping that in mind, we present to you a list of Indian reception dresses for bride which are a mix of traditional as well as fusion and contemporary dresses.

1. Saree - The traditional nine yards

There is no doubt about the fact that weddings and sarees are inseparable. An epitome of elegance, a saree is the perfect attire to go for on an occasion as big as your reception party. It will not only accentuate the grace of your look but also add a tremendously beautiful style statement.

You wouldn't want to miss the expression of awe on every guest’s face as you walk with your man. Get it right with a saree and a draping style that's distinctively you and works splendidly with your form, gait and comfort levels if this will be your choice among Indian reception dresses for bride.

Jewellery to pair with: With sarees, it will all depend on the neckline of your blouse. You can choose to sport a princess-length necklace or choker if your Pallu is attention-grabbing. If you're wearing it for a function like the cocktail, you can pair a long chain that covers the length of your blouse.

Styling it right: As an option among Indian reception dresses for bride, ensure that it's pinned just right, along with a perfectly done reception hairstyle.

2. Authentic Punjabiyat - The salwar suit

Palazzo suits to Churidars and Patiala, suits are the perfect blend of comfort and style. One can't pass over this selection among Indian reception dresses for bride ideas while curating a list for Indian reception dresses for bride. Pair it with beautiful jewellery and hairstyle and be the best version of yourself.

Jewellery to pair with: Your ensemble will include a Dupatta and the draping style you choose will decide whether you need to pair a necklace or not. You can simply wear statement earring like Devasena earrings and be good to go. 

3. The lehenga mashup

This is the quintessential dress for every wedding occasion. Every girl grows up with the excitement of buying herself the best designer lehenga for her big day, and why should she not? Usually, brides wear heavy traditional lehenga on their wedding day. So make it a little different with a mellow lehenga for the reception party. We suggest a floral or pastel lehenga as your choice among Indian reception dresses for bride ideas.

Jewellery to pair with: This bridal attire required to be donned with the full bridal jewellery avatar. Add in bangles, necklace, earrings, Maang Tikka, Hath Phool, all that you can get your hands on. 

4. A Nawabi touch - Shararas and Gharara

Image courtesy: Jeewan Kaur official

This style of clothing holds the essence of Lucknow and its Nawabi culture. A style taken from the Mughal era, Gharara is a beautiful and different attire to wear for your reception party. Wear it with a pinch of Nazakat on your face and make all heads turn towards you with these variants of Indian reception dresses for bride.

Jewellery to pair with: Your ornate Gharara would hardly require you to wear something in the neck. A Passa to add the style and earrings that complement your look should be all you need.

Fusion and contemporary Indian reception dresses for brides

Now that we've covered all of our traditional bases, let's explore the more modern options when it comes to Indian reception dresses for brides.

1. Anarkali with jacket

In order to fuse your traditional Anarkali suit with something contemporary, add on a jacket to it. This style is very much trending in the wedding world and beyond and there is no better platform than a chic reception party to show off this stylish outfit. It's a winning idea when it comes to Indian reception dresses for bride.

Jewellery to pair with: Your jacket will already have covered your neck so you won't need a necklace. Instead, throw in some hair accessories and a sleek Maang Tikka to complete the ensemble. 

2. Saree gown

This is the perfect fusion dress to get into for your reception party. An attire like this would save you from the hassles of a traditional saree if you're wanting to go carefree and at the same time maintains the elegance and beauty of an actual saree. A saree gown adds a very modish feel to your look and is a 10/10 outfit to go for if your party has a chic and stylish theme.

Jewellery to pair with: One of the jewellery items that can heighten the style factor of this attire is a Kamarband. Flaunt the width that accentuates your waist.  

3. Saree with shirt

If you thought shirts are only to be paired with jeans or pants then you might be thinking wrong. A shirt can do wonders when paired with a saree.  A plain saree would complement the blouse giving you a bold and attractive look. A shirt perks up the beauty of a saree and adds life to the attire. It's a perfectly elegant clothing style idea for Indian reception dresses for bride.

Jewellery to pair with: Your trendy style should reflect in your choice of jewellery you pair the attire with as well. Go for a sleek up-do and don statement earrings to amp up the look.

4. Indo-western gown

Image courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock

Full-length gowns are a fusion of everything pretty, classy and modish. When you think of contemporary Indian reception dresses for bride, the first thing that pops up in your head is a gown. It can be a sleek cocktail dress, an A-line gown, mermaid-style gown or a ball gown. Consult your designer, friends, and family to choose the right one for yourself.

Jewellery to pair with: Take all the princess feels in a bridal gown by adoring a tiara. This would instantly make you feel like a royalty on your engagement or reception. 

5. Power up with pants

Image courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock

This one is for the power-packed superwomen who trudge the corporate world in business suits (and skirts). This Indian reception dress for bride idea is also for everyone who believes that they rock their pants wherever they go and their night (or day) to be themselves post the big fat Indian wedding should be no different.

Don this contemporary, ethnic and yet festive enough for the occasion. The asymmetrical couture piece from Falguni and Shane Peacock is a balanced piece - with form-fitting sheer pants and tunic on one end and a front-open train on the other.

Jewellery to pair with: As this specific look is all about making a power statement, few and significant statement jewellery pieces are all that you need here. Choose either the Maang Tikka or Passa (not the Matha Patti), a large, cocktail ring and you'd be ready to take on the world. 

6. The Kurta saree approach

Image courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock

Though the look may seem deeply traditional, there nothing as adventurous as donning this variant of the Kurta saree as your Indian reception dress for bride. The modest look is a full cover approach and needs an attitude to back it up and a gait to hold it right. Be experimental in your choice of saree draping styles, but don't pick up anything more than what you can carry comfortably.

Jewellery to pair with: Remember this look as covered as covered can be, even if your choice in kurta happens to be backless or with a deep back. Bring the attention back to your face with a pair of statement earrings and (if needed), a Maang Tikka. You really do not need anything else.

As this specific look is all about making a power statement, few and significant statement jewellery pieces are all that you need here. Choose either the Maang Tikka or Passa (not the Matha Patti), a large, cocktail ring and you'd be ready to take on the world. 

These Indian reception dresses for bride are proven to be the best of the lot. It's time for you to pick your favourite one and go on a shopping spree with your girls. At the end of the day, it's your choice that matters.

Let us know in the comments section which one are you planning to wear for your reception.