Wedding gown: tradition vs. religion?

Question

Hello,
I am planning my wedding. On the outside, I appear as a white American. However, I practice Sanatan Dharma (hinduism). I will be marrying a man who is American by birth and not Hindu, although he is open to the customs and beliefs. We will be partaking in hindu rites and rituals at our wedding. I am stuck between deciding if I want to wear a white gown or a traditional saree for the occasion. I have had the dream of wearing both, and silly as it may sound, I would personally like to wear white during the ceremony but a saree to the reception. This seems illogical to me as the ‘correct’ place for each garment would be the opposite, the saree at the ceremony and the white gown at the reception. And yet, I would like my wedding photos to be of me in a white gown. I do not know what to do, nix one and wear the other entirely? Perhaps. Please, any advice or scenarios would be appreciated. TIA

? · Answer

Does the saree have some religious significance? I thought it was just the local Indian garb. Presbyterians don’t have to get married in kilts.

Audrey · Answer

When most people think of a wedding dress, they imagine a beautiful white dress with a veil. This is not always the case and it largely depends on the religion and culture of the people getting married. According to Miami wedding planners In Eastern cultures, brides typically choose to wear red wedding dresses to represent good luck and auspiciousness. In China, sometimes they will opt for a white wedding dress in accordance with western culture but will still wear a ceremonial red gown at the official tea ceremony.

Ocimom · Answer

If you are having a Hindu ceremony you should wear what is appropriate.

Anonymous · Answer

Intermarriage is Sin

Marry people of your own race

Don't harm anyone

Marry only one person

Be free bird

? · Answer

I say do both....why not....do the traditional white for service and pics...and then change for the reception.  Don't worry about what others expect....do what makes you happy.  Its your wedding...right?

Trish · Answer

What does your mother and grandmother say...

sunshine_mel · Answer

A saree is a cultural choice, not a religious choice - so it would be weird if you went with it, as you have no cultural links to it

Wear a white dress (or to be honest whatever you like); but don't culturally appropriate an outfit that doesn't really make sense.

Anonymous · Answer

if you practice hinduism, it is only logical to also include it in your wedding.....

in your question, you mentioned you wanted to wear the white gown, TWICE. "I would personally like to wear white during the ceremony" "I would like my wedding photos to be of me in a white gown" so you already answered your own question

Rick · Answer

The answer is simple.  It's your wedding and you can wear whatever you want to, whenever you want to.  You don't have to follow religious traditions.  You'll only get married once, so do it however you want to.  It's YOUR day.

Anonymous · Answer

Both sounds ideal, to me. You’ll have a more interesting wedding than most people.

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Wedding gown: tradition vs. religion?

11 Answers