Bengali wedding fashion – a glimpse of past 100 years.

Bengali wedding fashion has evolved in a most interesting way over the last century, reflecting the changes in cultural identity, societal norms, and global influences. From the elegance of traditional attire to the infusion of contemporary trends, Bengali wedding fashion encapsulates a journey of evolution that mirrors the region’s dynamic history. Through it all, however, certain elements have remained timeless, preserving the distinct charm of Bengali culture.Bengali wedding fashion was very simple and traditional a century ago. Clothing was usually handcrafted and steeped in cultural symbolism. Brides adorning themselves in red or maroon sarees, mostly made of silk, symbolized prosperity and marital bliss. The most iconic choice was the *Benarasi* saree, woven with intricate gold or silver zari patterns, which continues to be synonymous with Bengali bridal attire. The Benarasi saree is not only a piece of cloth but a declaration of heritage passed on from generations. The groom is adorned in traditional dhoti and kurta, preferably of cotton or silk fabric that imparts elegance with understated refinement.Jewellery formed an integral part of the fashion during marriage ceremonies. Gold was dominating and designed based on nature’s pattern like lotus designs or elaborate filigree work. A bride wore the inherited piece, like *shaankha* white bangles prepared of conch shell, or *pola*, the red coral bangles to give out the status of married status. The traditional bridal dress-up was incomplete without *mukut* and applying red dye, known as *alta*, to hand and feet to make them glow ethereal beauty in a bride.Bengali wedding wear experienced slight changes in the mid-20th century, influenced by the social change and the impact of modernization. The influence of the Bengal Renaissance and global ideas in the 1940s and 1950s brought a mixture of tradition and innovation. Brides experimented with lighter fabrics like chiffon and georgette, and grooms started incorporating tailored suits with traditional wear. The growing middle class meant that wedding attire became affordable, with machine-made fabrics supplementing handwoven sarees.Bengali wedding fashion entered the gaudy and glamorous world of Bollywood by the late 20th century. The 1980s and 1990s were a period of vivacious experimentation, with brighter hues, elaborate embroidery, and fusion styles becoming the new fad for brides. While the *Benarasi* saree held its pride of place, brides accessorized with modern jewelry: diamond sets and cocktail rings. Grooms also moved toward *sherwanis* and tailored *bandhgalas*, reflecting pan-Indian wedding trends. This was also an age when thematic weddings started to gain popularity, and the attire was coordinated with a specific motif or color palette.The 21st century marked the beginning of customization and personalization. Designers started playing a significant role in Bengali wedding fashion, fusing traditional with modern sensibilities. Bridal wear expanded to include pastel shades, intricate stonework, and unconventional fabrics like velvet and organza. Pre-wedding functions like *mehendi* and *sangeet*—borrowed from other Indian cultures—introduced new styles, with brides donning lehengas and gowns for these events. Grooms embraced modern cuts and fabrics, often coordinating their outfits with the bride.Interest in heritage crafts has added a new dimension to Bengali wedding fashion over the past few years. Handloom sarees such as *Baluchari* and *Jamdani*, celebrating Bengal’s artisanal legacy, are increasingly being worn by brides and grooms. Even sustainability has become the style, where numerous couples are choosing to support local weavers while opting for eco-friendly fabrics. The minimalism trend is also trending whereby understated elegance takes precedence over opulence. This trend is seen in jewelry too, as there’s a resurgence of lightweight designs and heirloom pieces.Bengal wedding fashion, over the last decade or so, has hugely been influenced by technology and social media. With the emergence of Instagram and Pinterest, couples have been duly exposed to international trends, thus bringing East and West together. The recent trends of destination weddings and pre-wedding shoots have become hot fashion experiments. Be it for one’s trousseau, the brides often co-create looks with designers, blending their personal style with the traditional elements.Despite all this, some elements of Bengali wedding fashion remain virtually frozen in time. The *Benarasi* saree remains a classic part of the bridal trousseau-a beauty timeless enough to always be sought after. Symbolic gold jewelry, the dhoti-kurta elegance, and the grace of motifs remind one of traditionalism. These elements remain as a bridge between the past and the present, bridging generations through a common heritage.After one hundred years, Bengali wedding fashion truly gives testimony to its adaptable people being creative and staying glued to their roots while celebrating the spiritedly vibrant Bengal. With tradition blending into modernity, Bengali wedding fashion is perpetually an evolving art form that captures love, culture, and individualism all at once.