Tired of donning the same ol' lehenga for every wedding function? Well, you've come to just the right spot! Cuz today, we're all about what to wear on your mehendi and reception instead of a lehenga.

Embarking on the journey of wedding planning opens the door to a world of sartorial possibilities. Breaking away from the conventional can add a refreshing touch to your celebrations. So, as you prep for your mehndi and reception, there's an exciting array of alternatives to the traditional lehenga that should be on your trousseau list!

Today, we've curated a list for brides and bridesmaids who are looking to move ahead of the traditional choice of lehenga. Whether you envision the vibrant flair of a sharara for your mehndi or the sophisticated look of a flowy gown for your Reception, the options below are vast and will definitely help celebrate the diverse spectrum of customary attire. 

So, scroll down and check out what to wear on your mehendi and reception instead of a lehenga!

What To Wear On Your Mehendi & Reception

Outfits To Wear On Your Mehndi Instead Of  Lehengas

Choosing the perfect outfit for your Mehndi ceremony is a delightful opportunity to showcase your style and personality. While lehengas have been a popular choice all year round, there's a world of diverse & trendy alternative outfits waiting to be explored. Whether you're into classy gowns with floral motifs or elegant pre-draped sarees, we've sorted a list of outfits that go beyond the conventional choice. 

Stunning Sharara Sets

Shararas are wide-legged pants paired with a short kurta and dupatta. Sometimes, they come with gorgeously made cholis or crop tops. They offer a trendy and chic look. 

1. Off-White Georgette Embroidered Choli & Sharara

Meet the boss of all shararas. It's chic and trendy yet a the same time it's quite practical, especially if you're planning to dance to the fullest at your Mehndi function!

2. Rani Pink Georgette Cape & Sharara 

Combine your sharara and crop top with a matching cape. Trust us, you're gonna slay in this combo!

3. Multi-Coloured Embroidered Sharara

Multi-coloured shararas are a dreamy outfit choice! The choice of these jewel-toned colours is ideal for a fun mehndi celebration. 

Bookmark: Embroidered Floral Lehengas Are The Current Mehndi Outfit Choice For Brides & We're Lovin' It!

Quirky Jumpsuits

We love a good jumpsuit. Designers have started creating fun, 3D embroidered jumpsuits in vibrant colours that are hard to pass on. Breaking away from the conventional lehenga, jumpsuits offer a modern, chic, and charismatic alternative for brides seeking a unique statement on their special day.

4. Cobalt Blue One-Shoulder Shoti Jumpsuit

This stunning cobalt blue jumpsuit has it all. It's embroidered, the pants are dhoti style and the shoulder is a classy one-side design. What's not to love?

5 Mint Embellished Jumpsuit

Offering a blend of sophistication and trendsetting allure, this mint-coloured jumpsuit has us tingling with happiness!

Scintillating Sarees

Amidst these options, the timeless elegance of sarees stands out as a captivating and versatile choice for brides looking to infuse tradition with grace. Whether you choose the whole 9 yards or a pretty pre-draped design, one can never go wrong with a good saree. 

6. Printed Green Flowy Saree

Everyone's adoring this one. It's a pre-draped saree with amazing flowy fabric, making it easy to move around in. And that belt just brings the whole outfit together perfectly. 

7. Glittery Lavender Pre-Draped Saree

If you're someone who loves a heckload of shimmer and glitter, this one's for you!

8. Flowy Aqua Saree with Minimal Embroidery

If you're a bride who loves to go the minimal way, then go for a sorbet-hued saree with a designer blouse.

9. Lavender Hue On Velvet Craftsmanship

Ah! When the winter wedding season hits, we all take out our velvets and silks. This beautiful saree with a velvet pallu is ideal for a winter mehndi celebration. 

Bookmark: Love Designer Sarees? Check These Best Designer Sarees Under 50k!

Alluring Suits

When it comes to wearing bridal suits, one can hardly go wrong. Suits look amazing, especially during Mehndi functions. They're timeless and give off a very easygoing vibe. 

10. Purple Embroidered Kurta & Salwar

Purple is such a graceful colour. And this wedding season, purple suits are all the range. Paired with a gorgeously made dupatta and salwar, a purple suit can never go wrong. 

11. Multi-Coloured Straight Kurta With Heavy Embroidery

If you've always wanted to don something simple yet classy, a straight long kurta with loads of antique embroidery is for you!

12. Green Embroidered Kurta With Dhoti Salwar

Green is the colour that always pops up first when we think of Mehndi. So, if you wanna wear something easy yet jaw-dropping, go for a green embroidered kurta with a dhoti salwar. 

Gorgeous Flowy Anarkali

In the realm of bridal fashion, where tradition meets contemporary allure, Anarkali suits emerge as a captivating and timeless choice, especially for the vibrant celebration of Mehndi. Anarkali suits are known for their elegant and graceful appearance. 

13. Sap Green Woven Anarkali Set

If you want to go full out, go for a slightly short Anarkali with palazzo pants and you'll look dazzling without a doubt. Pro tip: pair this look with chandelier earrings!

14. Red Lurex Chiffon Embroidered Anarkali 

Oh dear! This red chiffon anarkali by designer Mahima Mahajan is such an ethereal choice. Just imagine stepping out in its splendour!

15. Mint Green Anarkali

If you're a pastel fan, then this mint-hued Anarkali will definitely be a great pick!

Also Read: The Best Minimal Anarkali Outfits You Can Wear Under 10K!

Magnificent Gowns

16. Vibrant Pink Silk Gown

If you wanna do something simple yet stand out as the bride, then pick a nice long pink silk gown with minimum yet captivating embroidery. 

17. Ash Lilac Organza Floral Motif Embroidered Gown

If floral is your jam, then a lilac organza gown with floral motifs will work wonders!

18. Pink Satin Hand Embroidered Flared Gown

Ladies, a pink gown never disappoints. So, for your mehndi appearance go for an elegant yet playful flared gown!

Check Out: Real Brides Who Stole the Show Like a Boss!

Sharp Pant Suits

19. Hand Embroidered Azure Blue Blazer & Pants

People, if anything screams mehndi outfit that's not a lehenga, it's this glimmering pant suit!

20. 3D Hand-Embroidered Sequinned Jacket & Pants

Oh the puffed sleeves are giving the perfect modish vibe on this sequinned jacket & pant set!

21. Glimmering Silver Pants with Long Coat

Honestly, what's not to love about silver?

Vibrant Gharara Sets

In the kaleidoscope of bridal fashion, where each ensemble tells a unique story, the Gharara emerges as a stunning and culturally rich choice for the joyous celebration of Mehndi. With its roots deeply embedded in traditional South Asian attire, the Gharara is characterized by its flared pants paired with a short kurti, creating a distinctive and graceful silhouette.

22. Playful Orange Embroidered Gharara

Gharara meets festive exuberance in this playful orange outfit. This gharara offers brides a perfect synthesis of tradition and contemporary elegance.

23. Lightly Embroidered Pastel Blue Gharara

A delightful gharara set in dreamy blue with gold floral embroidery and motifs!

24. Embroidered & Dramatic Orange Gharara

A vibrant colour choice for a gharara! Orange with silver embroidery for a fresh feel is always welcomed. 

25. Yellow-Green Embroidered Gharara

A splendid ensemble that captures the essence of festivity and grace, this yellow-green gharara evokes a sense of freshness and vitality, perfectly suited for the vibrant atmosphere of a Mehndi!

Outfits To Wear On Your Reception Instead Of Lehengas

The reception marks the grand finale of your wedding festivities. And your outfit choice is pivotal in ensuring you make a lasting impression. Once again, lehengas may be everyone's first choice, but honestly owning so many lehengas throws practicality out of the window for a bride. You should have some diversity in your bridal trousseau. Which is why, it's time to depart from the traditional silhouette and try out new outfits! From glamorous gowns to chic co-ord sets, here are some options you'll love, especially if you're looking to express your unique sense of fashion.

Opulent Sarees

Sarees are an excellent choice for a Reception ceremony. The reception, as a grand culmination of wedding festivities, calls for an outfit that exudes sophistication, and the saree, with its timeless allure and adaptability, emerges as a quintessential choice for brides seeking both opulence and cultural resonance.

26. A Gilded-In Gold Saree

Step into the spotlight with unparalleled grace in a statement gold tissue saree that's paired with a gold blouse and a matching cape. 

27. Pink Saree Adorned With Intricate Sequins

Choose a traditional pink saree with an additional dupatta on one side. Complete with tons of sequins embroidery, a piece like this is timeless. 

28. Love A Good Floral On Black Saree

A black saree with stunning floral embroidered pallu is everything a bride needs to look one-of-a-kind on her Reception!

Check Out: Top 63+ Saree Blouse Designs (Latest and Stylish)

29. A Timeless Banarasi Always Wins

Elevate your bridal charm with the ethereal beauty of an Off-White Banarasi Saree, a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of grace and tradition.

30. Elegant Velvet  Saree With Floral Motifs

The lustrous velvet pallu looks amazing juxtaposed against the chiffon floral print of the saree. Perfect for brides who seek understated elegance. 

31. A Bronze Saree With A Jacket For The Regal Look

Draped in regal elegance, this Bronze Saree adorned with a luxurious jacket exudes opulence and sophistication, making it the epitome of royal charm for any special occasion.

Bookmark: 15+ Mirror Work Saree Designs That We Simply Love For Indian Brides-to-be!

Chic Co-Ord Sets

In the ever-evolving landscape of bridal fashion, co-ord sets have emerged as a contemporary and chic choice for brides, particularly as reception outfits. These coordinated ensembles, featuring matching tops and bottoms, offer a fresh perspective on bridal attire, providing a perfect balance of modern style and sophistication.

32. A Grey Fishtail Skirt Paired With A Gold Blouse

Elegance meets modern allure in this Grey Fishtail Skirt paired with a Gold Blouse, a chic ensemble that seamlessly blends sophistication and contemporary style. 

33. Velvet Blue Long Coat With Flared Pants

Plush velvet meets modern flair with this luxurious velvet blue long coat and flared pants ensemble. The deep blue hue and the flowing silhouette of the coat gracefully merge with the flared pants, making it an ideal choice for brides. 

34. A White Mirror Work Ensemble

This white and silver pencil skirt with a padded shoulder blouse is a captivating choice for any bride who's looking for to make a statement. 

35. A Full Black Look With An Embroidered Shoulder Cape

The subtle grace of the this black co-ord set all matched with a gold embroidered shoulder cape is absolutely stunning. 

Majestic Shararas & Ghararas

Shararas and Ghararas are timeless and culturally rich choices for brides seeking a blend of tradition and sophistication for their reception attire. Whether choosing the wide-legged allure of a Sharara or the elegant flares of a Gharara, brides can embody a perfect fusion of traditional heritage and contemporary flair.

36. Vibrantly Embroidered Gharara

37. A Subtle Salmon Pink Sharara

Radiant Gowns

Bridal Gowns have always been the epitome of glamour and elegance, making them an enchanting choice for brides to don on their reception day. The allure of gowns as reception outfits tell a story of grace and grandeur, synonymous with every bride. 

38. A Deep Grey & Silver A-Line Gown

We're in love with this A-line gown with geometric embroidery that outshines anything and everything. 

39. A Black Dress Style Gown

Tulle makes everything more radiant! This gown pairs the simplicity of a dress with the elegance of a gown by adding tulle layers to the side. Ideal for a Reception!

40. A Graceful Halter Neck Gown With Floral Applique

Adorned with enchanting floral appliqué, this graceful halter neck gown is a vision of elegance, seamlessly blending modern allure with timeless charm for an enchanting and sophisticated look that captivates with every step.

41. Choose A Glamourous Black & White Gown

Command attention in this glamorous Black & White Bodycon Gown featuring a long trailing silhouette, a stunning blend of sophistication and allure that ensures a show-stopping entrance for your reception.

42. A Free FLowing Black Gown With An OTT Cape

Drape yourself in the epitome of elegance with a free-flowing black gown, elevated to dramatic heights with its over-the-top cape, creating a mesmerizing ensemble that balances grace with theatrical flair!

Check Out: Bookmark This #WBShoppingGuide For Resplendent Jubilee Hills In Hyderabad

Gorgeous Suits & Anarkalis

For the Reception ceremony, Suits and Anarkalis unfurl as versatile and sophisticated choices for brides seeking both cultural resonance and contemporary allure. They bring a harmonious blend of tradition and trend to the forefront, ensuring that brides shine with grace and glamour on their momentous reception celebration.

43. Navy Blue Velvet Embroidered Kurta Set

Featuring a navy blue kurta in a silk velvet base with gota, mirror, and zari embroidery, this gorgeous suit would make any bride shine. 

44. Sapphire Blue Kurta Set In Silk Brocade

Featuring a sapphire blue kurta in silk brocade base and paired with matching pants and a dupatta, this suit set is ideal for a newlywed bride!

45. Red Silk Embroidered Suit

Elevate your style with this designer red silk suit, a radiant ensemble that seamlessly blends tradition and sophistication in every intricately stitched detail.

46. An OTT Anarkali In Pastel Pink

Make a statement with this OTT Anarkali in pastel pink, a breathtaking choice for brides seeking a perfect blend of opulence and soft, romantic hues.

47. A Gorgeous Red Short Anarkali

Radiate elegance in this gorgeous red Anarkali that comes with a knee-length kurta that's printed with a gorgeous floral design. If you're planning a low-key Reception, then this one's for you!

Also Read- What to Wear When: Shararas Vs Anarkali

Final Words

The world of bridal fashion offers a vast canvas for self-expression, allowing brides to transcend the conventional and embrace unique styles for their Mehendi and Reception functions. Irrespective of what you choose, each alternative provides an opportunity to curate a look that reflects individuality and celebrates the joyous spirit of love and union. As you explore these diverse outfit choices, we hope you find ensembles that not only complement the festivities but also make that function unforgettable. 

Looking for an immaculate bridal makeup artist? Check out WeddingBazaar’s list of bridal makeup artists that are perfect for you!

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