It’s All About The Dress
5 Styles From Across The Globe
Cultures and traditions across borders and seas can vary wildly. However there is one constant when it comes to weddings: the importance of the wedding dress. Whether that’s a quintessentially Western white gown, an elaborate Indian wedding saree or a Japanese Shinto-style kimono. The dress worn by the bride is one of the most memorable aspects of any wedding. Something that guests can’t wait to see at the ceremony!
Here, the modest fashion specialists at AbayaButh looks at the jaw-dropping traditional wedding attire of different countries. From around the globe, here is a glimpse at the fascinating garments embraced by brides throughout the centuries.
India – Hindu
Image: Shashank Mhasawade
India is famed for the stunning spectrum of colours you can see in day-to-day life. From bustling spice markets and rainbow-coloured clothes to diverse natural scenery. Indians love colours so much that one of the most famous festivals on the planet, Holi, has come to symbolise the subcontinent’s passion for every bright shade on the spectrum.
When it comes to weddings, things are often no different. India is a huge country and so wedding customs differ from north to south and east to west. Here we’re looking at some of the most colourful of all – Hindu weddings. Recently making an appearance in Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s wedding, the red and gold choli and lehenga is a go-to garment choice that exudes old-world charm while still making a suitable style statement. No matter the choice of colour, you can guarantee that a Hindu bride’s dress will include beautifully detailed embellishment and patterns.
Japan – Shinto
Image: David Offf
The fascinating traditional Japanese religion of Shinto is practised by nearly 80% of the country’s population – and Shinto weddings remain popular as a result. The ceremony is a peaceful affair in comparison to an Indian Hindu’s. Taking place at a shrine, it is attended by only the close family of the bride and groom.
For this, the bride will usually wear a traditional white kimono known as a shiromuku. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the outfit is the white hood known as a wataboshi. This is is used as a symbol of purity and innocence. At the reception, the bride will change into a more colourful kimono known as the iro-uchikake, though both the ceremonial and reception dresses are undoubtedly stunning.
Nigeria – Edo
Image: Kunle Ogunfuyi
Unlike many other ethnic groups on the African continent, the Edo people have managed to retain much of their centuries-old culture. Coral beads are the star of the show at traditional Edo weddings. Playing centre stage in what the newlyweds wear on the day, they can be seen in hair accessories to clothing embellishments. The most astonishing aspect of this outfit is the okuku, an elaborate ‘crown’ that is as impressive as it is complex.
No matter your faith, nationality or culture, a wedding is something to be celebrated. Just how this is done will undoubtedly change as you step across physical and ethnic borders. We hope that these styles have injected a fresh burst of inspiration into your dress hunt – happy shopping!
Author bio:
Abi Proud is a content creator for AbayaButh – retailers of abayas, hijabs and a range of modest Islamic clothing for women.
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