Indian weddings are all about a well-planned grand affair with multiple events and celebrations. Be it South Indian or North Indian, for any bride the most sought-after option would be lehenga. This has become an uncompromising option for most of the brides in India. Be it for the wedding, sangeet or mehandi function, lehenga could be the easiest and most chosen option for its variety and models. Among the designs and patterns, one type of lehenga could bring the desired look to life is a handwork lehenga which gets crafted by artisans with their hand. You can witness the countless faces going crazy about a handwork lehenga on your special day as a hand crafted piece of clothing is like a treasure. Few handworks that uplifts and marks the beauty of the lehenga are,
Zardozi
One of the most elegant and detailed works of zari embroidery is Zardosi work. When used in lehengas, zardosi creates magic and gives the perfect outfit look. The work requires precious stones, beads and pearls on it and having gotta patti works etched with gold threads on various fabrics like velvet, silk and satin. Zardosi work could be matched with other embroidery works to create bold designs in lehengas.
Zari
Zari is the most beautiful work that gives an impressive look to the attire. It creates an artful effect to the lehenga thereby sure to stun the crowd. Zari being the traditional Indian embroidery work is done using intricate thread work using finest gold and silver threads. Since the traditional work is done on the silk fabric, it gives the perfect appeal to the outfit in turn increasing the value of the zari work lehenga. If you own a bold designed lehenga, then Zari lehenga would be the ideal choice. In recent days, the zari is also resistant to rust and could be conveniently used in other materials like chiffon and georgette as well. You can look out for contemporary style lehenga with these fabrics.
Gota Patti
Gota Patti – The most loved work by the brides of recent times. This is a classic Rajasthani style of creating fabulous art in fabrics and is available in elaborated designs and patterns. The work is inspired by the Mughal era, which is all about richness and beauty of art work. The work is done directly on the fabrics and its final look varies based on the fabrics it is chosen. Gota Patti works are best when applied on georgette, velvet, chiffon, and silk. Since the work by itself gives a golden appeal, it is the best choice if you are looking for a rich attire on your special day. Gotta Patti lehengas are preferred for their rich designs and patterns and also chosen by many celebrities for important events.
Phulkari
The word Phulkari means “Flower Work” and has a strong connection with the land of Punjab. This work when used on lehengas gives the quirkiest and exciting styles which would be perfect choices for your sangeets. Earlier this embroidery style was used only on dupattas and shawls, later the quest of fashion and innovation designers started to try these works on different outfits too. The modern brides who are looking to experiment and try out new styles in choosing perfect lehengas, are sure to get attracted by the Phulkari work lehengas. This work is quite interesting as embroidery is done on the wrong side of the fabric with silk threads and the result is truly amazing. The silk thread used to create a shading look which is the highlight of the work. If you want to set a colorful theme for your wedding then go in for Phulkari work – the perfect choice that creates magic that your dreamt of.
Cut Dana
This is the combination of work that includes both the precious stones and beads and the works are done by cutting the fabrics in desired shapes to reflect light that creates amazing effect. Cut dana work often available in two different shapes – Barrel and tubular which showcases the beauty of the work through these shapes. Incorporating intricate thread embroidery is one of the variations tried in this work. Cut Dana lehengas would be the perfect choice for a modern wedding and when you still opt for lehenga as your outfit.
Mirror work Embroidery
Mirror Work is the one classic and exciting work that is always on trend, prominently found in Rajasthani and Gujarati bridal lehengas. This work is done by fixing small mirrors in specific designs on the fabrics creating different patterns. Cross-stitch embroidery is commonly used to cast the mirror to the fabric thereby increasing the overall appeal of the outfit. Common mirror cut styles you can find on lehengas would be circular, square, triangular, hexagonal and polygonal shapes.
Appliqué
Applique’ is the most sought-after embroidery style in recent times. The work is done by sewing or attaching a patch or piece of fabric on a fabric. The work is derived from French fashion industry and became way too popular in India by improvising it to greater extents. Indian brides choose Applique’ lehengas for its amazing 3D look, which could be the best outfit for your wedding. Another USP of this lehenga is that you can think of any combination of hues, all that could be created in Applique’ lehenga.
Dabka
If to look out for a traditional and very elegant looking lehenga, then go for Dabka work lehenga. The work involves intricate embroidery technique with a coiled wire that gives a spring-like look. Very close designs and detailing of the work is the specialty of the work. The work is not very heavy, hence this could be the one if you are looking for a beautifully crafted wedding lehenga. Since the work is majorly found on chiffon, the embroidery gives an amazing effect and the material makes it more comfortable when worn. You can keep it minimal or look out for bold designs, the choice is completely yours.
Chikankari
Chikankari – Lucknow’s most popular artwork which is even popular in current fashion trends. The work is carefully handmade and gives a beautiful subtle look yet classy. The craft is influenced from Persian culture hence it features the beautiful floral motifs which is the most prominent aspect of Chikankari work. To showcase the beauty of the work, mild and pleasant hues are chosen which is the secret of the elegance of the embroidery work. Chikankari bridal lehengas are made more interesting with many interesting elements like stones, sequins and zaris. Be sure to stun the crowd with Chikankari lehengas.
Of all the usually bought lehengas, a handmade lehenga is unique and has a signature look as it cannot be replicated when made with a machine. Making these lehengas take a lot of time and it is wise to order them at least two months prior before any occasion, as the artisans have to choose, design and fabricate the embroideries in making these lehengas to perfection!.
