7 Ways to Reuse Your Wedding Lehenga

One of the most important decisions that a bride has to make is what to wear for her wedding ceremony. After all, it’s the main – and the most significant – event of the celebrations.

Lehengas have become extremely popular with Indian brides over the last few years as they are comfortable, can be customized if stitched, look as traditional as sarees, are easy to style in versatile ways, and feature striking embellishments, color combinations, and patterns that get limited in the traditional six yards.

The wedding lehenga is probably the most expensive ensemble in a bride’s trousseau, and ironically, the least worn after the ceremony is over.

Photo Courtesy: Tarun Tahiliani

If your wedding lehenga is neatly packed in its dust cover and tucked away in one corner of your wardrobe, then it’s time to air it and flaunt it once again! After all, beautiful things deserve to be seen. We asked celebrity stylists Shikha Dhandhia, Eshaa Amiin and Sakshi Mehra Talwar for ways you can reuse your bridal lehenga, and they shared seven clever and creative tips!

Style It Differently
“A prestigious occasion such as a sibling’s wedding would warrant wearing a heavy outfit, and it is the perfect opportunity to flaunt your bridal lehenga. Put a different spin on it by pairing it with lighter jewellery, draping the dupatta in a different way, or changing your look when you wear it, for example, with open flowing curls,” shares Shikha Dhandhia.

Photos Courtesy: Surbhi Sethi, Shreya Kalra

Lose the Poof
Removing the can-can that gives a bridal lehenga its statement oomph goes a long way in changing its look. Reducing the flair instantly makes it more comfortable, wearable and suitable for other occasions.

Photo Courtesy: Cupcake Productions

Photo Courtesy: Morvi Images

Ageless Anarkali
Anarkalis have always been the epitome of grace. The timeless silhouette looks great on everyone regardless of age. Get your wedding blouse, or any other well-fitted blouse stitched to your lehenga, turning it into a brand new anarkali perfect for a festive occasion.

Photos Courtesy: Tarun Tahiliani (left); Photo Tantra (right)

Mix & Match
Sakshi Mehra Talwar shares, “Mixing and matching outfits is the very core of styling. It’s a practical and creative way of making the most of different parts of your outfit and creating something that is uniquely you, each time. Wear the heavy embellished blouse with a light-weight saree for a breezy day event or with a heavy silk one for a rich look. Play with monotone hues and contrast colors to create different looks. The lehenga can be paired beautifully with a crop top or a silk shirt for a boho-chic ensemble that’s perfect for a friend’s mehndi or sangeet. The rich dupatta can be styled with a simple anarkali for an elegant ensemble, or worn as a pant-saree for an eclectic modern look that is sure to stand out.”

Photos Courtesy: Dev Purbiya (left); The Photo Diary (right)

Dare to Alter
“This one is not for the faint of heart, but with a creative vision and a skilled tailor, you can recycle your wedding lehenga into several fabulous outfits,” says Eshaa Amiin. “Attach your rich dupatta to a few yards of another fabric for a bespoke half & half saree. You could also have it converted into a cape to put a chic spin on your lehenga, or even wear it separately.”

Photos Courtesy: Shangrila Banarasi (left); Prathyusha Garimella (right)

Rent it Out
Your bridal lehenga is no doubt bound to be one of your most cherished possessions. While some choose to re-sell it for monetary practicalities, it isn’t easy for most people to part with something so special. However, you can make the most of your investment by renting it out platforms that let people borrow it for an occasion for a reasonable cost. Not only is it a great way to get back some of your expenditure, it is also a beautiful contribution to making someone’s big day special.

Pass it On
If re-using, re-styling and renting your bridal lehenga is not your cup of tea, you can always go the traditional way and pass it on to someone special as a cherished heirloom.

Photo Courtesy: WeddingNama

Find more bridal fashion ideas and inspiration here.

Related Articles: