Shimmering bridal lehengas are undoubtedly the dream outfit for many brides. The feeling of walking down the aisle in a twinkling attire, while all eyes are on you, is unmatched. However, buying bridal lehengas can be a big undertaking. From picking the right colour to ensuring the correct fit, every minute detail has to be perfect. With a garment this important, you must also ensure that it is of durable quality. A key factor to consider is the fabric and embellishments as most brides want to preserve their lehengas and cherish them forever.
Many fabrics with glitter or sparkles leave a residue on your body and practically anything you touch – not ideal for wedding functions where you’re the centre of attention. The two best (and most permanent) ways to get the shiny effect are sequins and mirror work fabrics. We know that all that glitters is not gold, so what exactly is it? Let’s dive deeper into the world of sequins and mirror work to understand which one will be the best for your bridal outfit. Whether you’re on the hunt to buy bridal lehengas or want to learn all about how to choose the right one, we’ve got you covered.
- Shining In Sequins
Sequins are made of plastic and their most common variation is in the shape of a circle with a hole in the middle. These holes allow for strings to be threaded through them, which in turn offers the possibility of embellishing an entire garment in sequins. Sequins are available in various shapes such as squares, ovals, hearts, and more, so you can get the desired effect for your bridal lehenga. This holiday season is seeing a surge in the sequin craze, and you can see everything from dresses and tops to bags covered in sequins.
What makes sequins shine is their iridescent finish, which can be two-toned or multiple colours. This wide variety makes it possible for you to get a stunning sequin lehenga in any shade and finish that you want. Sequin lehengas can be lightweight (depending on the base fabric) and budget-friendly. However, sequins are not biodegradable, hence they are not sustainable for the environment. There is also a possibility of chafing or scratches on the skin and the fabric is prone to snagging, which could be taken care of with the right fabrics.
- Mesmerising Mirror Work
Mirror Work, also known as sheesha or abhala bharat embroidery, is an ancient technique that is now popularly practised in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana. Traditionally, mirrors are believed to trap evil and reflect away bad energy, which is also why garlands with mirrors are hung outside door frames in many Indian houses. In Gen-Z lingo, mirrors say goodbye to haters, and all brides need that extra bit of good luck!
The most common form of mirror work is embroidery around a circular mirror, where the threads and base fabrics add the colours. Hence, the colour options can be limited when it comes to mirror work, with champagne and red being the most common for bridal lehengas. The mirrors can be spread out or strategically placed to make patterns, like flowers or motifs. Handmade mirror-work lehengas can be expensive, as the intricate work requires skill and time. They can also be heavy, depending on the pattern and the fabrics, and brides-to-be must consider the weight before choosing a lehenga for the big day.
- Meeting In The Middle
Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of sequins vs mirror work, choosing the right attire in a sea of bridal lehengas should be easier. Even if you are still in two minds, here’s a checklist to consider:
- Venue: Moving around in heavy bridal lehengas can get tedious and you don’t want that to keep you from enjoying your wedding day. Consider all possible scenarios of climbing stairs, walking on the grass, etc., before finalising your outfit.
- Weather: This one is especially for the brides with outdoor venues. Check the forecast in advance and ensure you are dressing for the weather on your big day. You will probably be spending big bucks on your makeup (or doing it yourself) and sweat is the last thing you want.
- Budget: Consider all options and choose your wedding lehenga depending on your budget. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no point breaking the bank even on your big day. Considering the budget will narrow down the sea of options, and many brides nowadays are going for more reasonable options.
- Theme: Your wedding theme will influence your outfit (obviously), but it is also important to ensure that the groom and your bridal party are also on-theme and match your dress. Take a call on what is convenient and available for everyone.
- Mix and match: It’s your big day, so you can go for both sequin and mirror work if you want to! You can get two outfits for different ceremonies. Alternatively, you can mix and match in one outfit – your lehenga and choli show off the mirror work, while your dupatta can have sequins or any combination like this.
