This wedding day is a very memorable and emotional occasion in one's life. The Indian bride finds her bridal dress as a lehenga, saree, or even a gown a part of the most important events of her life. These outfits are costly, intricately designed, and highly symbolic. Most brides wonder what to do with their stunning bridal wear after the wedding is over. Why not use it instead of storing it? Here are some creative ways to give new life to your bridal outfit and make it a part of your life even after the wedding.
1. Give Your Bridal Lehenga a Festive Avatar
Your bridal lehenga is a piece of art, but it's pretty heavy and ornate. You don't have to let it collect dust after your big day. Repurpose it into a gorgeous festive outfit for future celebrations.
You can have your lehenga tailored into a more wearable and lighter version, perfect for family functions, anniversaries, or other festive occasions. This could include simplifying the design or reducing the number of layers. Pair it with a stylish blouse or crop top that complements the embroidery, and you’ll have an outfit that feels fresh, modern, and appropriate for other celebrations.
2. Repurpose Your Bridal Saree
For brides who chose a saree for their wedding, repurposing it offers many options to give it a new life. Bridal sarees are often quite heavy, with rich fabrics and heavy embellishments, but with the right alterations, they can be turned into something special for other events.
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Stylish Blouses: A simple way to get a bridal saree styled up is to create a chic blouse. You can design an attire with modern cuts such as having a high neck or backless thus making the saree feel more casual and adjustable for wearing to almost any formal event or even dinner parties.
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Skirts and Dresses: Another creative option is turning the saree into a skirt or dress. The fabric can be reused to create beautiful skirts that can be used by pairing it up with a simple blouse or even a modern top for a completely different look. The embroidery as well as the fabrics will still make the outfit elegant and rich.
3. Custom Accessories for Your Wedding Attire
There's no need to have the bridal outfit repurposed into an entirely new outfit; sometimes, with a few great accessories, the bridal wear could be part of your everyday wardrobe.
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Clutches and Handbags: You can use leftover fabric from your bridal lehenga or saree to create a matching clutch or handbag. The intricate embroidery and embellishments will elevate your accessory, making it a beautiful piece for both casual and formal occasions.
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Jewellery Pouches: Use the fabric from your wedding outfit to create elegant jewellery pouches or organizers. These pouches can be used to store your precious wedding jewellery or any other keepsakes. It's a meaningful way to reuse the material while keeping memories of your wedding day close.
4. Sell or Rent Your Bridal Outfit
One of the most practical ways to repurpose your bridal outfit is to rent it out or sell it. Wedding attire is often worn only once, and many brides choose to rent out their wedding lehengas, sarees, or gowns to other brides-to-be. This is a great way to give your outfit a second life and make some extra money.
You can also resell your wedding wear online as there are so many sites these days that support second-hand sales of wedding apparel. In return, you open up the beauty of your garment for another bride while making space for yourself in the closet. A win-win proposition if you like to get on with your outfit but don't want to end up storing it away.
5. Gift it to a Near Family Member or Friend
If you have a little cousin or a sister, and she is planning to get married, or perhaps a close friend, you could give them your bridal outfit. Most Indian families are accustomed to the tradition of passing down wedding garments from one generation to the other. In doing so, giving your bridal lehenga or saree to your family members creates a beautiful link.
This gesture can be deeply sentimental, as it allows your wedding memories to live on in someone else's celebrations. You can even offer to have the outfit altered to better fit the recipient's style or preferences, ensuring it feels like a fresh piece for their wedding day.
6. Repurpose Into a Casual Wear Piece
If you are looking for something less formal, you can always turn that wedding outfit into something convenient to wear at less formal events. A beautiful bridal lehenga or saree doesn't have to stay locked away.
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Chic Skirts and Tops: If you want to create something chic, consider turning the lehenga into a skirt that can be paired with a simple top. You can go for a contemporary look, where the skirt remains the highlight, paired with a plain blouse, making it suitable for evening dinners, festive occasions, or casual outings.
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Kurtis and Tunics: You could also cut your bridal wear into kurtis or tunics that can be worn with jeans or leggings. These would then be a nice blend of the traditional and the modern, so you would always look great for whatever occasion you plan to attend.
7. Donate Your Bridal Wear
If you do not plan to reuse or sell your bridal outfit, then consider donating it. There are many organizations and charitable causes that accept wedding attire to help women in need. Some charities focus on providing free or affordable wedding attire to brides who may not have the resources to purchase expensive clothing for their wedding day.
Not only will you help others by donating your bridal wear, but you will also give more meaning to the outfit. It's as if you're passing forward the beauty of your wedding day.
Your Bridal Outfit Deserves to Be Celebrated
Your bridal clothes are more than just a piece of fabric; it has memories of the wedding, fill you with a sense of elation, and handwork by themselves. Through the reuse of a bridal lehenga, saree, or wedding gown, the bride can take it as another opportunity to design something meaningful in a unique sense. Whether they decide to utilize it as some festive wear or accessories or transfer it to others, bridal apparel should be done in some style.
At LuLu Celebrate, we know how vital your bridal outfit is to you, and that's why we present you with some of the most beautiful ranges of simple bridal dresses for every bride. If you have still not finalized your dream wedding gown, then check out our collection of the best bridal dresses online and let us make your special day even better.
