Source: ShaadiSaga
Have you ever felt overwhelmed while getting a lehenga stitched simply because of the sheer variety of embellishments that you need to choose from on the spot? From various types of embroidery to sequins and latkans of all kinds, we admit that selecting the perfect embellishments for a lehenga can be a daunting task without doing the homework. Don’t worry, our lehenga embellishments and accessories guide is here to introduce you to the different options to make your lehenga look its stylish best
Innovative use of Embroidery
Traditional Embroidery for Elegant Lehengas
Embroidery or thread work is one of the most traditional ways to embellish the lehenga and adds an old-world elegance to the outfit. You can opt for heavy embroidery all over the skirt and blouse or can go for more subtle embroidery just at the borders, which will be more affordable too. You will also have to choose between machine or hand embroidered lehengas as per the time and budget, machine embroidery is more uniform, affordable and faster while hand embroidery adds a rustic finish to the lehenga but is more expensive and time consuming
Some of the popular forms of traditional embroidery include Zari, Zardozi, Sequin work, Stone Work and Chikankari. You can choose from these as or can even combine multiple forms of embroidery for heavier lehengas. Needless to say, there are several other traditional embroidery forms prevalent in India, here are some other options you could opt for
Source: Ritu Kumar
3D Embroidery for a Dramatic Flair
Source: zowed.com
3D embroidery multiplies the beauty of modern lehenga blouse designs by making the embroidered patterns stand out from the fabric for added drama. This style of embroidery showcases raised threadwork on the fabric to add another dimension to the design. Opt for contrasting shades for the 3D embroidery for maximum visual appeal
Embroidery Calligraphy for the personal touch
Source: southindiafashion.com
Calligraphy is a great way to add a personal touch to the lehenga, and to make its design more meaningful as per the wearer and the occasion. If you are a bride to be, you can get your name, you and your spouse’s initials, your wedding date, or even your wedding hashtag embroidered on your lehenga. This will make your wedding lehenga incredibly special and cherishable. Take your designer’s help for the appropriate placement of the calligraphy embroidery on the lehenga
New age modern motifs
Source: carmaonlineshop
Embroidery depicting modern motifs such as places, buildings and figurines will make your lehenga stand out from the rest. You can even opt for a “story lehenga” for your wedding wherein the embroidery shows the places and objects that played a special role in your love story, such as motifs depicting the building or city where you first met your spouse
Floating Embroidery to make Heads Turn
The new age concept of illusion or floating embroidery is a great option for a statement look. Floating embroidery is essentially embroidery done on a sheer fabric or net so that the embroidered motifs seem to be floating without any fabric behind them. You can opt for large motifs to be embroidered on sheer fabric for the illusion to be more prominent and eye-catching
Discuss more options of such concept embroidery with your designer that could make your lehenga even more precious. Also assess if the design studio has the capability to do such creations
Source: Pinterest
Adorn with Prints, Appliques & Borders
Soothing Prints
Source: Sabyasachi
Printed lehengas are light-weight and add a modern touch to the ethnic outfit. You can opt for signature prints for special occasion lehengas and can customize the print with the help of your designer. Floral prints are perfect for a spring wedding, while a paisley print works really well for a regal winter wedding
Intricate Applique Work
Source: indiabazaaronline
Applique work refers to patches of embroidered or embellished fabrics that are applied on top of the existing fabric for a stunning 3D effect. The patches could be of different shapes, sizes and colours, and can be used to create a variety of designs, colour combinations or patterns on the lehenga
Stunning Embellishments for the Borders
Source: ninecolours.com
Some of the popular embellishments for the borders of the lehenga skirt and blouse include lace that adds a feminine touch, gota patti that adds a metallic sheen, scallops that add a delicate finish, and sequins that create a shimmery shift. Lighter lehengas with embellishments only at the borders are more affordable and appropriate for festivals and parties. For bridal lehengas, you can choose border designs that will complement the embroidery or embellishments placed all over the skirt
Playful Tassels (latkans) to Perk Up the Outfit
Latkans For the Lehenga skirt
Source: bollywoodshaadis
Latkans or tassels attached at the waist of the lehenga add a youthful element to the skirt. You can go for customized latkans displaying your wedding hashtag or name or can opt for floral, bird, or abstract designs. Here are some alluring latkan designs for inspiration
Latkans For the Blouse
Source: weddingz.in
Statement latkans can completely transform the look of a simple blouse. You can opt for large latkans with mirror work or for multiple latkans to create beautiful dori patterns at the back. Check out our page on blouse designs for back neckline options to pair with the latkans
Embellishments to make the Dupatta Dazzle
In the previous article, we spoke about different dupatta styles for your lehenga. Today, we will talk about how to embellish the Dupatta to further enhance its beauty
Embroidery
Source: kalkifashion
You can opt for embroidery all over the dupatta for a heavier look or can choose to get only the borders embroidered for a simpler, elegant look. If the lehenga skirt is also embroidered then opt for a similar style of embroidery for the dupatta so that it doesn’t look out of place
Lace/Gota Border
Source: pinterest
Adding a lace or gota border to the dupatta is an affordable way to elevate the look of the outfit. Light dupattas with lace borders look great with heavier lehengas and help to create a balanced look. You can even have matching lace or gota borders on the lehenga, blouse and dupatta
Scallops
Source: ilaichi
A scalloped border is a subtle detail that adds so much personality to the dupatta and makes it look more feminine and flamboyant. You can pair the scallops with different kinds of lace borders to complement the lehenga. Scallops can also be added to the lehenga skirt and blouse for a delicate look
Pro*Tips
from our designers
Latkan Length
When opting for latkans for your dupatta or lehenga skirt, make sure to check that the latkans are not so long that they pose a risk of you tripping on them while walking
Lining
Always ask your boutique to put a soft lining under the fabric when you are opting for embroidery or embellishments, so that the thread work does not scratch your skin
Balance
Try to create a balance in your outfit by pairing a light dupatta with a heavily embellished lehenga choli and vice versa
Now that you are well aware of all the popular embellishments, you will be able to pick the most magnificent adornments for your lehenga blouse designs with ease. We wish you good luck with planning an outfit that is a showstopper!
