21 Best Reception Dress For Indian Brides

Don't settle for anything but the best outfit and steal the limelight on your special day.

Written by Pratima Ati, MSc
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

Indian weddings are often stereotyped as ‘big, fat weddings,’ so be it. It is a celebration of two families coming together after all! They have a truckload of people, innumerable ceremonies to plan, and every detail that needs attention. But, of course, the first in line is the bride’s trousseau.

While the wedding, mehendi, and sangeet outfits are equally important, this article discusses the best reception dress for Indian brides. It is an opportunity to bring out the fashionista in you, and we have outfit ideas that will help you do just that. So keep reading.

protip_icon Ace The Look
  • Jewelry: If you have a warm undertone, opt for gold jewelry and platinum or diamond jewelry if you have a cool undertone.
  • Necklines: Go for a V-neckline to give the appearance of a longer neck or a boat neckline to show off your shoulders.
  • Hairstyles: Add your maang tika to a bun or loose curls with a middle parting.
  • Makeup: Opt for light lip shades like brown or pink or bold colors like red, maroon, and golden.

21 Best Reception Dresses For Indian Brides

The wedding reception is a chance to let out your inner fashionista. Since you need to stick to a theme for the sangeet and mehendi and keep things traditional on your wedding day, you can go all out with your reception outfit. We’ll show you how! We have rounded up 21 of the best reception dresses for Indian brides. Check them out here.

1. Abaya Style Embroidered Suit

An Abaya style embroidered suit for reception for Indian brides
Image: Shutterstock

If you have a salwar suit in mind, try an abaya style salwar kameez. The floral applique work all over it (instead of the usual sequins, resham, zari, and stonework) speaks of bridal grandeur and sets the dress apart. The sheer waist lining and matching dupatta add to the charm of this ethnic wear.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Abaya style suits look ethereal! For a dramatic look, you may pick something in red-based hues with a front slit!

2. Yellow Embroidered Net Lehenga In Yellow

A yellow embroidered net lehenga in yellow for reception for Indian brides
Image: Shutterstock

Steer away from the usual heavy outfits and go for a net lehenga. The floral embroidery all over this net lehenga, the understated crop top with embroidered borders, and the sheer pastel dupatta finish off this look perfectly. If you are into contemporary jewelry, this is your chance to flaunt it!

3. Zari And Stone Embroidered Pink Suit

A zari and stone embroidered pink suit for reception for Indian brides
Image: Shutterstock

The heavily embroidered body of stones, zari, and sequins on this pastel dress creates a beautifully balanced outfit. Designer dresses like these are perfect choices for outdoor affairs. Kundan or vintage jewelry is the way to go here.

4. Red Taffeta Silk Lehenga

A-red-taffeta-silk-lehenga-for-reception-for-Indian-brides
Image: Shutterstock

We love how this outfit treats the color red. It is not blown out of proportion just because it’s red and because it’s a wedding color. But, it has also justified the grandeur of the color with the thread and mirror work, tulle dupatta, and the oh-so-stunning crop top.

Kavya Sharma, a blogger, shared what she wore for each of her wedding ceremonies. For her reception, she chose a red colored heavy embroidered lehenga. She wanted to wear an outfit that screamed royalty and her outfit did exactly that, as she described in her blog, “ I must say I did end up feeling regal with multiple layers of cancan underneath the Lehenga Skirt that made it fit for a maharani (i).”

5. Racerback Style Pastel Lehenga

Image: Instagram @anitadongre

Two of the most beautiful pastels come together in this racerback crop top style lehenga, making it one of the most gorgeous reception dresses for brides. The intricate (but not over the top) embroidery of the skirt, the whisper-like pleats, the western twist to the top, and the powder blue dupatta will make you feel like a beautiful star in the midnight sky.

6. Emerald Green Lehenga With Gotta Patti Work

Image: Instagram @anitadongre

This lehenga by Anita Dongre shows her prowess and why she stays above the million other designers in the country. The luxurious emerald silk of this piece is accentuated with silver gotta patti work. The heavy (but not busy) choli and mesmerizing dupatta add to the glory of this beautiful reception dress for women. Choose fabrics, colors, and embroidery that stand out because your reception is the one function that gives you this freedom.

7. Blush Silk Lehenga

Image: Instagram @anitadongre

For a destination wedding in a Jaipur fort or a vintage-themed reception, lehengas like these are a great idea. This blush pink lehenga in silk is not too loud and plays along with the decor and vibe perfectly. The intricate embroidery complements the bride’s glow. You can choose contemporary jewelry and opt for minimal wedding makeup if you want to put your own spin on it.

8. Ruffle Saree

Image: Instagram @payalsinghal

Ruffle sarees are on the rise and fit the bill if you like breaking the stereotypes. You can step away from heavy wedding accessories and wedding jewelry and all the weight from other wedding dresses to easily slip into a pre-made ruffle saree. Tie a slick ponytail, put on some big jewelry, and let the design stand out.

9. Powder Blue Saree And Cape Blouse

Image: Instagram @payalsinghal

They say not all superheroes wear capes. So, maybe some brides can! This unique creation by Payal Singhal brings Indo-Western outfits together like no other. If this style resonates with you, consider this saree that will set you apart. Remember that it’s your day and your chance to try whatever you have in mind.

10. Tulle Skirt And Peplum Blouse

This whimsical piece is sure to take everyone’s breath away as you walk into your reception. The soothing hues of blush and gold come together to make this masterpiece. The tulle skirt opens out as it trickles down, and the heavily-embroidered gold peplum blouse checks all the boxes for modern day princesses.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can pair your peplum top with a chunky, statement belt to highlight your waist.

11. Contemporary Raw Silk Lehenga

Make way for this unique and elaborate green lehenga with a gold foiled print, oversized bird motifs, and a chic embroidered silk choli. Smokey eye makeup and a chignon updo with this outfit is a beautiful way to evoke the badass bride in you.

12. Ivory Embroidered Lehenga

Ivory embroidered reception lehenga for Indian brides
Image: Shutterstock

Here’s an outfit that brings the best of both worlds – saree, and lehenga. Make note of the ivory color and the dupion silk fabric. The applique work embroidery and illusion sleeves of the blouse make this traditional attire perfect for outdoor receptions. All you need is a choker or a statement neckpiece to finish off this look.

13. Drape Style Olive Lehenga

If you like experimenting with outfits and playing with colors, this outfit might be it for you. The eccentric combination of olive green and princess pink brings the most out of the scintillating lehenga-saree blend. It stays intact, so you can dance the night away comfortably!

14. Pastel Green Organza Lehenga

The sage green lehenga is sophisticated without being bland. The silk skirt with muted pleats that billow out makes for a beautiful silhouette. The embroidered blouse and sheer organza dupatta with scattered motifs finish off this look in a way that it deserves.

15. Sequin And Floral Embroidery Lehenga

Image: Instagram @manishmalhotraworld

Only designers like Manish Malhotra can conceive eponymous designs like this one. This lehenga brings together two things that modern Indian brides love: style and character. The heavily sequined skirt in pink with a threadwork blouse, frayed sleeves, and powder blue dupatta creates an ensemble no one can resist. Step outside the stereotype a little bit and consider such designs for your reception.

16. Peshwa Kurta With Pant Style Outfit

This ensemble is quite mesmerizing with all its details screaming romance. The glistening sequins, sumptuous embroidery, ultra-feminine cut, illusion neckline, and irresistible charm paint a breathtaking picture.

17. Blush Pink Lehenga With Full Sleeves Choli

This feminine vintage lehenga with a flirty touch tells a romantic tale. The delicate rose shade accentuates the dainty pearl and sequin embroidery, and the keyhole neckline complements the long sleeves. The net kamadani dupatta wraps up this outfit perfectly.

18. Regal Blue Velvet Lehenga

Image: Instagram @anamikakhanna.in

Look like a showstopper at your reception – because, well, you are one. This electric blue velvet skirt with larger-than-life motifs, a high-neck choli, and silk dupatta has everything a regal reception outfit should.

19. Blush Cold Shoulder One Piece Gown

Image: Instagram @carma.india

The modern princess meets the elegant Indian bride halfway in this cold-shoulder gown. The heavy embroidery on the bodice, the illusion sweetheart neckline, and the surreal silhouette marries elegance with charm.

20. Half-And-Half Organza Lehenga Set

A wedding trousseau is incomplete without a piece from the House of Masaba. Her eclectic patterns, flamboyant prints, quirky colors, and peculiar motifs bring joy and high spirits to any ensemble. Flaunt all of this with this half-and-half organza lehenga set in magenta and ivory.

21. Royal Blue Sparkling Ball Gown

Ball gown for reception
Image: Shutterstock

Make a grand entrance at your reception in this stunning ball gown adorned with intricate stones that catch the light with every step you take, making you sparkle. The off-shoulder neckline adds a touch of glamor to your look, framing your shoulders and showcasing your collarbones. The rich royal blue hue is regal and eye-catching and the belt clinches your waist perfectly for a slimming effect. The rest of the material flows down elegantly from the waist. You can leave your hair down or tie it in an elegant updo. As you glide across the dance floor in this voluminous ball gown, it is sure to create a mesmerizing and ethereal effect, making you feel like a true princess on your special day.

The reception dress for Indian brides is where all the fun can happen. While sangeet, mehendi, and wedding outfits need to be theme-based and traditional, the reception dress for girls needs to look exquisite. And there are umpteen ways to meet and raise the standards of your bridal wear with unique wedding hairstyles. Depending on your preferred wedding fashion and style, you can choose between lehengas, sarees, gowns, and salwar suits for your reception wear. Opt for fabrics like tulle, chiffon, and raw silk if you want something lightweight. Alternatively, you can pick heavy thread, stone, or embroidery work on suits or lehengas for a glamorous outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which color dress is best for the reception?

Rose gold, bright pink, royal blue, emerald green, and plum are some of the best colors for reception dresses.

Does a bridal reception dress have to be white?

Indian brides typically do not wear white on their wedding or reception day as white is considered a color of mourning in some parts of India.

Do you need a different dress for the reception?

Yes, generally the reception dress is different from the wedding dress.

Can I wear black for the reception?

Yes, you can wear black as a guest to a reception party or as a bride as long as the black is embellished or glamorous enough for the special event.

Key Takeaways

  • Indian weddings are week-long celebrations, and the bride’s outfit has to be the showstopper.
  • While mehendi and sangeet outfits require you to stick to the theme, the reception day allows you to experiment with different styles.
  • From embroidered lehengas to designer sarees, there are tons of outfit ideas that you can play with to astound the guests at your wedding reception.
Best Reception Dress For Indian Brides

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Are you looking for the perfect reception dress for your big day? Check out this video for some amazing bridal dress ideas to make the bride stand out in more ways than one!

Personal Experience: Source

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