Weddings are sacred occasions celebrated the world over, and customary wedding fashion is one of its most identifiable rituals. Each race, religion and culture etc, has its own unique dressings in which the bride must wear. Here, we offer a list of traditional wedding fashion for ethnic brides.
Gele (Africa): A traditional Nigerian headwrap.
Maang Tikka (India): A bindi ornament that is placed in the center of the hairline with a jeweled charm (tikka) on the end that is positioned on the forehead between the eyebrows. Maang tikka is believed to ward off evil and bad luck.
Kimono (Japan): A traditional floor-length Japanese robe. Kimonos are wrapped tightly around the body with wide, loose sleeves and are kept in place with an obi, or sash, which is fastened in the back of the garment.
Tartan (Scotland): A pattern used to create traditional Scottish dress. Varying tartan patterns are used to designate Scottish families.
Cheongsam (China): A long, fitted silk dress with high collar and a button closure on the shoulder.
Tsunokaushi (Japan): This Japanse headpiece is worn with the kimono and used to cover the bride’s “horns of jealousy,” on the day of her wedding.
Mantilla (Mexico): Scarf worn over the head and draping the shoulders. Often called a “Mexican Veil.”
Coli & Lehenga (India): The coli & lehenga are the customary top and skirt worn for ceremonies and special occasions. These richly-colored pieces are usually made of silk and adorned with intricate beading.
Cherokee Tear Dress (Native American): The ceremony dress of the Cherokee tribe. The garment gets its name from its original pattern where shapes of squares and rectangles were torn across fabric instead of cut with scissors.
Iro & Buba (Africa): A long wrap skirt and loose-fitting blouse. The outfit is customarily draped with a shawl-like covering called an iborum.