So you’ve spent weeks/months or maybe even years meticulously planning and sourcing your PERFECT wedding outfits! There have been pinterest boards, mood boards, saved posts on all your social platforms, visits to designer showrooms and hidden alleyway couturiers all around the world. Multiple dress trials, emails and photos back and forth between you, the designer and your bride-squad. Phew! That was quite the mission! But now you’re all set and the Haldi, Sangeet, Ceremony and Reception outfits are all sorted.
BUT WAIT! Have you thought about what you’re going to wear the DAY AFTER the wedding day?! Hmmm… I’m guessing the answer is “no” or “track pants, of course!” Hate to be the one to break it to you, as much as you might be craving to get back into the comfort and familiarity of your oversized, comfy sweats, it may not be time to bring them out just yet. Yeah! Sorry!
But since I’ve been the one to break this not-so-great news to you, let me be the one to help you with some great options for the planned and unplanned festivities that pop-up AFTER THE BIG DAY! AND to help you feel even more at ease with these choices, they’re all environmentally sustainable, ethically sourced, AND affordable options all available right here in Australia. Win, win, win and WIN!
Handloom Silk Saree:
In some cultures, there is usually a “griha pravesh” (welcoming the bride home) or a Pooja the day after the wedding depending on the time of day that the wedding was held. Within the Sindhi community, the “Satavra” is a lunch hosted by the bride’s immediate family for the groom’s immediate family on the day following the wedding day or when the official wedding festivities end as a final farewell to their beloved daughter before she moves into her new home. Occasions like these are perfect for a Silk Saree! Silk sarees hold a special place in most South Asian cultures and are often associated with auspicious occasions. Wearing a silk saree for a pooja or post-wedding event reflects the reverence and respect for traditions and customs.
Find the perfect handloom silk saree, ethically sourced, promoting and preserving the ancient weaving technique of Korvai from @korvai_au
An Elegant Pant Set
This is perfect for those having a destination wedding and wake up to a brunch next morning with your near and dear ones! As a bride, you will be craving to wear something other than a heavy lehenga but you still want to look the part and lets face it, all the beauty treatments you’ve had done are still looking fresh, your lashes are probably still intact so you deserve to still flaunt it paired with an outfit that compliments your post-wedding glow. A wide-legged silk pant set will give you the comfort you desire while still looking well put-together.
Find this and more such unique pieces from label @bysmritisingh and help support a local designer.
Rent an Anarkali
If you don’t want to buy an outfit and add to your already full closet, or you are not sure what the days after the wedding will demand, this is the BEST option. Have a couple of outfits rented for the days after your wedding so you have something special to throw on in case you get invited to a family dinner or a custom or ritual that you weren’t aware of pops up. And even if there aren’t any “formal engagements” its always nice to be dressed up as the “new bride” in your new house for the first few days after the wedding without adding to the collection of new outfits you’ve just got made that you’re still not sure of what to do once the wedding is over!
And with so many amazing rental boutiques around you can hire a pre-loved Anarkali like this one from @veiraboutique
Or if you want a designer label check out the Pakistani designers available to rent on @hirethatcloset
To find all of these and more such amazing South Asian clothing businesses check out our Clothing & Accessories Vendor Directory.