Indian Bridal & Occasion Wear Glossary

Indian occasion and bridal wear comes with a vocabulary all its own - garments, ceremonies, fabrics, and centuries-old craft techniques that shape every piece. This glossary explains the terms you'll come across while shopping at Mrs. G, so you can choose confidently for every event.

Clothing & Silhouettes

Achkan

A knee-length, fitted coat similar to a sherwani but usually slightly shorter and less ornate. It is worn over a kurta and trousers for formal and semi-formal occasions.

Anarkali

A long, floor-length frock-style kurta that fits at the bust and flares into a full, gathered silhouette. Named after a Mughal courtesan, it suits engagements, receptions, and festive occasions where you want elegant, flowing coverage.
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Bandhgala (Jodhpuri)

A tailored, closed-neck jacket worn with matching or contrasting trousers. Sharp and modern, it is a popular choice for receptions, engagements, and cocktail events.
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Cape / Jacket Set

An embellished cape, jacket, or shrug layered over a base outfit such as a lehenga skirt or a bustier and trousers. It is a contemporary silhouette favored for sangeets and cocktail events.
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Choli

The fitted blouse worn with a lehenga or saree. It is a separate garment from the skirt, and is often where much of a outfit's embroidery is concentrated. Neckline, sleeve, and back design vary widely.

Churidar

Tightly fitted trousers cut longer than the leg so the extra fabric gathers into bangle-like folds (churis) at the ankle. They are often worn under anarkalis and kurtas for a sleek, tailored finish.

Dress

Ready-to-wear festive and fusion styles - kaftans, tunics, and short dresses in Indian fabrics and embroidery - that are easy to slip on for less formal celebrations.
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Dupatta

A long scarf or stole draped over an outfit - across the shoulders, over the head, or pinned as a veil. It completes lehengas, suits, and anarkalis and is often the most decorative layer of a look.

Gharara

A set with wide-legged trousers fitted closely to the knee and then flared sharply outward from a seamed joint called the gota. It is similar to a sharara, but where a sharara flares gradually in a smooth line, a gharara is fitted-then-flared - and generally the more formal, ornate of the two.
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Gown

A gown blends a Western silhouette and construction with Indian fabric, embroidery, or draping. It is a popular reception and cocktail choice for a fusion look.
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Kurta

A loose tunic that typically falls to around the knee, worn by both women and men over trousers or churidar. In occasion wear, embellished kurtas anchor many festive sets.

Kurta Set (Kurta Pajama)

A men's kurta paired with fitted or straight trousers (pajama or churidar), often with a Nehru jacket layered on top. It ranges from simple daywear to embellished festive sets.
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Shop Kurtas Sets for Men →

Kurti

A shorter tunic, usually hip-length and typically worn by women. It is the shorter cousin of the kurta and reads more casual, though embellished versions work well for festive daywear.

Lehenga

A long, often flared skirt that is the centerpiece of a bridal or festive look. It is worn as a set with a separate fitted blouse (the choli) and a draped dupatta, and ranges from lightly embellished daywear to heavily worked bridal pieces.
Shop Lehenga Sets →

Nehru Jacket

A short, collared waistcoat-style jacket worn over a kurta. It adds a polished, dressed-up layer to festive and semi-formal menswear.

Palazzo

Wide, straight-cut trousers with a flowing drape, often paired with a kurta or peplum top for an easy, modern silhouette. They read dressy without the volume of a sharara or gharara.
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Peplum Set

A top with a flared, skirt-like ruffle at the waist, usually paired with a lehenga skirt, sharara, or palazzo. The peplum adds structure and a modern, flattering shape.

Salwar Kameez

A three-piece outfit of a tunic (kameez), loose trousers (salwar), and a dupatta. Comfortable and versatile, it works across daywear, festive, and formal occasions depending on the fabric and embellishment.

Saree

A single length of unstitched fabric, usually 5.5 to 9 yards, draped around the body and paired with a blouse and petticoat. Styles range from classic silk weaves to contemporary pre-draped, ready-to-wear versions.
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Shop Pre-draped Sarees →

Sharara Set

A short kurta or peplum top paired with wide trousers that flare gradually from the hip in a smooth line. Rooted in Lucknawi and Mughal-era dress, it is a favorite for mehndi, sangeet, and Eid celebrations.
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Sherwani

A long, structured coat-like garment worn over a kurta and churidar or trousers, traditionally by grooms and for formal occasions. Bridal sherwanis are richly embroidered, while lighter versions suit wedding guests.
Shop Sherwanis →

Fabrics

Banarasi Silk

A luxurious handwoven fabric from Varanasi, known for its fine gold and silver zari brocade. It is a classic choice for bridal sarees and heirloom pieces.

Brocade

A richly patterned woven fabric, often with raised gold or silver motifs. It brings built-in ornamentation to lehengas, jackets, and sherwanis.

Chiffon

A delicate, sheer, and extremely lightweight fabric with a soft drape. It is favored for elegant, fluid sarees and dupattas.

Crepe

A fabric with a lightly crinkled surface and smooth drape that skims the body. It is a modern, understated choice for gowns and fusion silhouettes.

Georgette

A lightweight, flowing fabric with a slightly crinkled texture and beautiful drape. It suits sarees, anarkalis, and sharara sets where movement matters.

Kanjeevaram (Kanchipuram) Silk

A heavy, richly colored South Indian silk woven with contrast borders and gold zari. It is prized for its durability and is a traditional bridal saree fabric.

Net (Tulle)

A fine, mesh-like fabric used for lightweight, embellished layers and voluminous skirts. It is common in bridal lehengas and dupattas.

Organza

A sheer, crisp, lightweight fabric with a subtle shine. It creates airy, floaty layers and is widely used in contemporary lehengas, dupattas, and gowns.

Raw Silk

A textured, slightly stiff silk with a natural, matte sheen. Its structure holds shape well, making it popular for lehengas, sherwanis, and structured silhouettes.

Satin

A smooth, glossy fabric with a fluid drape and reflective surface. It suits sleek, contemporary gowns and fusion looks.

Tissue

A sheer, shimmering fabric woven with metallic threads that give an all-over glow. It is used for lightweight yet luxurious festive and bridal pieces.

Velvet

A plush, dense fabric with a soft pile, associated with winter weddings and regal bridal looks. It carries embroidery beautifully and adds richness and warmth.

Embroidery & Craft

Aari Work

A fine chain-stitch embroidery done with a hooked needle, allowing intricate patterns and dense beadwork. It underlies much of the detailed embellishment on bridal wear.

Bandhani (Bandhej)

A tie-dye technique from Gujarat and Rajasthan that creates patterns of small dots by tightly binding the fabric before dyeing. It is traditional for festive and pre-wedding wear.

Block Print

Patterns stamped onto fabric by hand using carved wooden blocks. It gives an artisanal, heritage look suited to relaxed daytime and festive outfits.

Chikankari

A delicate, traditionally white-on-white hand embroidery from Lucknow. Airy and elegant, it is favored for daywear, summer events, and understated festive looks.

Cutdana & Moti (Beadwork)

Cutdana are faceted beads and moti are pearls, both hand-stitched to add dimension and texture to embroidery. They are common accents on bridal and festive pieces.

Dabka

A coiled metallic wire used in hand embroidery to create raised, textured detailing. It is frequently paired with zardozi on bridal pieces.

Gota Patti

A Rajasthani technique that applies ribbons of gold or silver gota to create appliqué patterns. It gives a festive, lightweight shimmer, popular on mehndi and haldi outfits.

Mirror Work (Sheesha / Abla)

Small mirrors embroidered onto fabric, a technique rooted in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It brings playful, reflective detail to festive and mehndi outfits.

Mukaish

An old Lucknawi craft of twisting fine metallic wires into the fabric to create tiny glinting dots or motifs, adding a subtle sparkle.

Resham

Embroidery worked in colored silk threads. It creates soft, vibrant floral and paisley motifs, often combined with zari and beadwork.

Sequin (Sitara)

Small reflective discs stitched across fabric for all-over shine. Sequin lehengas and gowns are a go-to for sangeets and cocktail events.

Zardozi

An opulent metallic embroidery using gold and silver threads, often raised over padding and studded with stones. Historically royal, it is a hallmark of heavy bridal wear.

Zari

The metallic gold or silver thread used in weaving and embroidery. It forms the shimmering borders and motifs in fabrics like Banarasi and Kanjeevaram silk.

Jewelry & Accessories

Choker & Rani Haar

A choker is a close-fitting necklace worn high on the neck, often layered with a longer necklace called a rani haar to build a full bridal neckline.
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Haath Phool

A hand ornament ("hand flower") connecting a bracelet to finger rings across the back of the hand, popular for bridal mehndi and wedding looks.

Jadau

A heritage craft where stones are embedded into molten gold without adhesive. Both kundan and polki work often fall under the jadau technique.

Jhumka

Bell - or dome-shaped drop earrings, often with dangling beads or pearls. They range from small everyday pairs to statement bridal designs.

Juttis / Mojaris

Flat, closed slip-on shoes with a rounded or pointed toe, traditionally embroidered. They pair with both women's and men's ethnic wear.
Shop Men's Shoes →

Kundan

A traditional jewelry technique in which uncut glass or gemstones are set into refined gold foil. Kundan pieces are a bridal staple, prized for their intricate, layered look.

Maang Tikka

A head ornament worn along the hair parting with a pendant resting on the forehead. It is a classic bridal and festive accessory.

Meenakari

The art of decorating metal jewelry with vibrant enamel colors, frequently seen on the reverse of kundan pieces so they can be worn either way.

Polki

Jewelry using uncut, natural diamonds in their raw form, set in gold. It has an antique, heirloom quality and is often chosen for bridal and high-occasion looks.

Potli Bag

A small drawstring pouch, often embellished, carried as an evening bag with Indian outfits. It is the traditional counterpart to a clutch.
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Shawl

A draped wrap - often in fine wool, pashmina, or embellished fabric - worn for warmth and elegance over occasion outfits.
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Occasions & Events

Baraat

The groom's wedding procession as he arrives at the venue, traditionally with music and dancing. The groom typically wears his most formal sherwani.
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Engagement (Sagai)

The ring ceremony where the couple is formally betrothed. Looks tend to be polished and elegant - anarkalis, gowns, and lighter lehengas for her; bandhgalas or kurta sets for him.
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Festivals (Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Karva Chauth)

Major festivals each call for occasion wear: Diwali and Eid for celebratory family gatherings, Navratri and Garba for nine nights of dance (often in chaniya cholis), and Karva Chauth, when married women traditionally dress in bridal-inspired reds.
Shop Festive Wear →

Griha Pravesh

The ceremony welcoming the bride into her new home. Dress is festive but comfortable, as it follows the intensity of the main wedding events.

Haldi

A joyful ceremony where turmeric paste is applied to the couple for blessings and glow. Because the turmeric stains, guests and the couple usually wear yellow or easy, inexpensive-to-replace outfits.
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Mehndi

A pre-wedding celebration where henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, accompanied by music and dancing. Bright colors and comfortable silhouettes like sharara and palazzo sets are traditional.
Shop Mehndi Looks →

Nikah

The Islamic marriage ceremony. Brides often wear elegant silhouettes such as ghararas, shararas, and heavily worked anarkalis or salwar kameezes.

Reception

The celebratory event following the wedding, often more contemporary in dress code. Gowns, cocktail lehengas, and bandhgalas are common reception choices.
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Roka

An early ceremony that formally marks a couple's intention to marry, usually an intimate gathering of both families. Dress is festive but understated compared with later events.
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Sangeet

A musical night of performances and dancing by both families, often the most glamorous pre-wedding event. Cape sets, gowns, and statement lehengas are popular choices.
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Wedding Ceremony (Pheras / Saat Phere)

In a Hindu wedding, the pheras or saat phere are the sacred rounds the couple takes around the ceremonial fire to complete the marriage. This is the most traditional moment, calling for the couple's most ornate bridal wear.
Shop Looks for Wedding Ceremony →

Fit & Construction

Blouse Lining & Padding

Lining gives a blouse structure and opacity, while optional padding replaces the need for a separate bra. Both are common made-to-order choices when a blouse is stitched to measure.

Can-can (Crinoline)

A stiff net underskirt worn beneath a lehenga to add volume and hold its shape. Many heavier lehengas have a built-in can-can.

Fall & Pico

Saree finishing services: a fall is a fabric strip stitched to the inner hem for weight and durability, and pico is a rolled-edge finish that prevents fraying.

Kalidar (Kali)

A kali is a shaped fabric panel; a kalidar garment is constructed from multiple kalis joined together to create fullness and flare - the classic way lehenga skirts and anarkalis achieve their volume.

Lehenga Silhouettes

Lehenga skirts come in several shapes: A-line gently widens from the waist, flared and circular styles create full volume, and mermaid (fishtail) hugs the body before flaring at the knee. Silhouette affects both look and comfort.

Made-to-Measure

A garment constructed to your specific measurements rather than a standard size, ensuring a precise fit - especially valuable for structured pieces like blouses, lehengas, and sherwanis.

Margin (Seam Allowance)

The extra fabric left inside seams so a garment can be let out or altered later. Generous margins make future adjustments easier.

Custom Sizing

Custom sizing tailors the garment to your exact body measurements. Custom sizing reduces the need for local alterations after delivery.

Stitched, Semi-Stitched & Unstitched

Stitched pieces arrive ready to wear in a set size; semi-stitched allow final tailoring to your measurements; and unstitched are supplied as fabric to be tailored entirely. Each balances convenience against custom fit differently.

Shopping with Mrs. G

Bridal Trousseau

The collection of outfits, accessories, and essentials a bride gathers for her wedding events and new life. Building a coordinated trousseau across every function is a core part of Mrs. G's styling service.

Concierge Styling

Mrs. G's white-glove service pairs you with a stylist who helps you choose designers, build looks for every event, and get details like fit and customization right - from first look to final fitting.

Curated Multi-Designer Platform

A platform that brings many independent designers together in one place. Mrs. G curates 100+ of India's most sought-after labels, so you can compare and shop across designers without visiting each one separately.

Price-Match Guarantee

Mrs. G will match a lower (but verified) price for the same designer piece found elsewhere, so you can shop 100+ designers in one place with confidence.