Why do Desi brides wear red?

Rooted in a deep history and cultural significance, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi brides have opted for traditional saffron red sarees and lenghas on the big day for centuries. But how did this tradition come to be?

While this article delves into the significance and history of red as a bridal colour, it’s essential to remember that every bride is unique. Their choice of attire reflects their personal beliefs, traditions, and individual style. Let’s explore the timeless allure of red and its evolving role among modern brides.

Colours and their significance

Colours play a vital role in festivals, ceremonies and celebrations around Southeast Asia — with lucky colours donned and inauspicious colours avoided. While festivals like Holi are a celebration of colour outright, other occasions tend to have preferred colour palettes to align with the festivities and bring good fortune — from the Tamilian Pongal festival that reveres yellow, greens and whites to represent a bountiful harvest to the nine days of Navratri with nine corresponding colours.

While colours can have various meanings for different religions and sub-cultures across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, bright colours like red, gold, blue, purple, yellow, orange and green are typically seen as auspicious.

Photo by Patina Photo

The history & meaning of red

Long before its symbolic and spiritual associations, red held a significant place in history. Originally worn by hermits and monks in the third millennium BCE, some records suggest brides didn’t begin wearing red until the Mughal Era in the 16th century. However, other sources trace the use of red as a bridal colour back to the Vedic period, over 3,500 years ago, where it symbolised the divine Agni (fire). Regardless of its exact origin, red has remained steeped in cultural resonance and meaning.

The positive symbolism of red can be seen across several Asian cultures, including China and Japan, where it represents a divine or heroic force, bringing good fortune while warding off evil spirits.

In Hinduism, red is highly symbolic. It represents Shakti, the sacred feminine energy, and the Hindu Goddess Durga, a powerful warrior associated with new beginnings. Additionally, with astrology deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, red is often linked to the planet Mars — the astrological ruler of marriage. Similarly, in Islamic cultures, red signifies tradition, love, passion, and fertility, often symbolising prosperity and blessings for the couple.

White Dress – yay or nay?

We all know and love the bride dressed in all white, a staple of Western culture. However, in Southeast Asia, white is generally not the default bridal colour. In many cultures, white is traditionally reserved for sacred spaces of prayer or mourning. Since weddings are a joyous celebration, vibrant colours are often embraced as symbolic expressions of happiness and festivity.

That being said, white isn’t always off-limits. Some modern brides choose to incorporate cream, beige, or white into their wedding ensembles.

Are modern brides ditching red?

In recent years, modern brides have increasingly moved away from traditional saffron tones, opting instead for pastels or cream and gold ensembles. This trend blends contemporary colour palettes with traditional styles and draping. Celebrity brides like Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani have exemplified this shift in recent years, wearing cream and pastel hues on their wedding days, respectively.

While choosing "non-traditional colours" may diverge from custom, it allows brides to create a look that reflects their unique vision and personal style. There’s no greater confidence boost than feeling true to yourself on your special day.

As traditions evolve, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to bridal attire. Whether a bride chooses red, pastels, or white, what matters most is honouring her individuality and celebrating in a way that feels authentic to her. After all, the beauty of any wedding lies in its personal significance and the joy it brings to the couple, and is there anything better than that?