Wedding receptions are delightful parties where the newlyweds can celebrate their wedding. With all the customs and rituals gracefully observed, the couple can finally unwind with their nearest and dearest and simply have fun.

It is a timeless way to bring people together and surround the couple with love and positivity as they start a new chapter in their lives. 

Since the wedding reception in Karnataka weddings is a more contemporary addition to the wedding festivities, it isn’t necessarily very traditional. This opens up the bride and groom to choose from a range of contemporary ethnic ensembles suited to their taste and style. From off-shoulder lehengas to sparkling cocktail dresses, from suave sherwanis to dashing tuxedos—the reception fashion is classy and suave!

For the traditional bride, the quintessential choice is a gorgeous saree. It is a timeless look that exudes elegance, especially for a married woman. However, even with a saree, the bride can still experiment to create looks different from her wedding ensemble. She can choose a lovely Kanjeevaram saree and drape it in a modern way with an infinity drape or an open pallu, adding her own twist to it. She can also move away from silks and opt for a gorgeous organza or net saree. As for colours, the options are endless — bridal reds, vibrant pinks, regal purples, or the classic combination of white and gold — the bride gets what the bride wants.

Departing from tradition, many Kannada brides wear a stunning lehenga for their reception. Lehengas are a popular choice in North Indian weddings and have made their way to South Indian weddings as well. The cut and fit of the lehenga can vary, from traditional ball gown skirts to contemporary silhouettes such as a mermaid lehenga or tiered lehenga. She can experiment with her blouse as well. A full-sleeved or half-sleeved blouse with a round or boat neckline is a sophisticated choice. For something more experimentative, she can go with a peplum silhouette, sweetheart bodice, or corset blouse. To give it the bridal treatment, these lehenga sets can feature intricate embroidery, shimmering sequins, or meticulous beadwork. Completed with a fashionably draped dupatta, the lehenga is ethnic glamour at its best.

For a smaller reception, the bride may also opt for something simpler. Her alternative ethnic options are heavily embroidered Anarkalis, a fusion lehenga-saree, or a gorgeous contemporary gown. Anarkalis, with their flowing silhouettes and regal aesthetics, will make any bride look absolutely radiant. The fusion look of a lehenga-saree combines the best of both worlds, while gowns are effortlessly charming, giving the bride her picture-perfect princess moment.