Simple Guide to Customizing the Bridal Lehenga Choli

A bridal lehenga is not just an outfit but a piece of art that you’ll treasure forever. There are millions of bridal lehenga options available in the market. But, customising your bridal lehenga is a whole different feeling. Customization makes your lehenga look one of a kind, not to mention the satisfaction it brings to you. If you want your lehenga to tell your story, there are several creative ways to infuse it with personality and charm. Here is a simple guide to customizing your bridal lehenga choli to make it uniquely yours.

1. Embroidering Your Love Story

A great idea that you can put into your customized lehenga is weaving your love story into the fabric. Imagine wearing a lehenga dress that has a narration of your wonderful love story. It can include how your first date was and how you found love in each other. You can also insert designs of someplace that you both love to go or even your hobbies.

For an idea, you can add embroidered landmarks on your lehenga from the cities you both have visited.  You can also choose to weave in the dates of important milestones like your first meeting or engagement. This embroidery doesn’t have to be loud and obvious; even a delicate motif hidden in the layers of your lehenga dress can add a meaningful touch.

2. Adding Your Initials or Names

We have seen bridal dupattas having embroidered Sanskrit shlokas. This brings the idea of getting your partner's name carved on your lehenga or its dupatta. The name can be embroidered onto the waistband or hemline. This makes your lehenga sentimentally charming and the outfit feels like a collaborative creation of utmost love.

For a more understated approach, you can choose to embroider the name in a barely-there tone or with thread that matches the lehenga color.This way, it remains a special secret for you and your partner while still adding a personal touch to the outfit.

3. Incorporating Sentimental Charms and Crystals

Sentimental charms or crystals can be attached to different parts of your lehenga to make it look impeccable. You could get a meaningful charm sewn into your lehenga. The charm could be anything like a locket containing a photo of a loved one. Crystals that align with your birthstone can also be embedded into the fabric for a spiritual touch.

Moreover, small charms at the end of the lehenga tassels create a beautiful surprise element that reflects your story. This will make every part of your outfit about a piece of your journey.

4. Customizing Colors

The traditional red or maroon lehenga may not be everyone's style, and that’s perfectly okay! You can experiment with your choice of colors while customizing lehenga for your big day. Go with a color palette that resonates with your personality. It can also be a color that has some personal meaning. Just like Kriti Kharbanda wore a pink lehenga as an ode to her late mother-in-law. Kriti set the bars so high with her one considerate thought and you can do something similar too.

5. Mixing and Matching Fabrics

Another fun thing you can do is mix up different fabrics in your bridal lehenga. This hack will help you create a texture. Try mixing up fabrics like net, organza, velvet and more rather than just sticking to one material. You can pair a velvet blouse with a net dupatta and silk lehenga, for example. The distinct textures of these fabrics will give you a dynamic look. Different fabrics also provide different feels and fall. All you need to do is keep a check on the season while choosing the right fabric for your bridal lehenga.

6. Personalized Embellishments and Embroidery

There are literally a billion ways you can design a lehenga for your special day. Multiple embellishments, motifs and sequins can compose one hell of an outfit. All you need to do is to find the craft you connect with. You can go for certain embroidery that holds some sort of cultural value. Or you can pick some designs from your grandmother's wedding lehenga, whatever you like! Go for unique embroidery techniques like zari, zardozi, gota patti or mirror work to reflect your taste. You could even opt for custom-made embroidery patches that feature something dear to you – a pet, a favorite flower or a cherished memory.

7. Layered Draping and Dupatta Styling

We pay so much heed to the blouse and lehenga that we forget the dupatta. Dupatta can be an actual show stealer of your big day. There are various customisations you can do with your bridal dupatta. Instead of sticking to a single dupatta, go for a layered look with two or even three dupattas of varying lengths and fabrics. You can have one heavy dupatta to cover the head and a lighter one for the shoulder drape. Your dupatta should be styled in such a way that it speaks of your core. Try a belted dupatta drape or a front pallu style for a modern look.

8. Choosing a Unique Lehenga Shape

Most of the lehengas come in standard circular or A-line shapes. But customizing the silhouette can make a huge difference. Go with different lehenga shapes to make a statement.  A mermaid cut lehenga that hugs the body and flares out at the bottom is great for the starters. A paneled lehenga with multiple layers for added volume is also good to go! At the same time, you can go for a high-low hemline. These customizations can be up to your body shape and make your outfit truly one-of-a-kind.

9. Adding Personalized Accessories

Now for the last part, you need to have the ball in your court. Which is exactly why accessorizing your bridal look is paramount. Pick bespoke jewelry that matches your clothing, like earrings and designer bangles. Go for something that matches the build of your lehenga. You can also get a Mathapatti inspired by a family heirloom. Don't forget to add fancy footwear that goes with your bridal outfit. These little detailed accessories make sure that you own your day in every way.

Tailoring your bridal lehenga is an incredible way to celebrate your individuality and make your grand day even more memorable. A bride is the star of her wedding day anyway. But, this custom-made will help you nail it.