One of the most frequently asked questions by brides since the beginning of time has been –

“What should I wear on my Mehendi?”

You know you’re wearing a lehenga on your wedding (or a sari, depending on your heritage) and you will either opt for a gown or lehenga for your Sangeet (comfortable & practical). The Mehendi, though, is a whole different ball game. Salwar kurta or Anarkali? Corset with ethnic skirt? Midi skirt, or a maxi? Sleeveless or with sleeves? Dupatta, or no dupatta?

As if these weren’t enough questions, you have more – can’t I wear something more modern? I’m already going traditional on my Sangeet and Wedding. I want to look different, I want to be in something fresh, and young. Not the same old, same old. Oh, and I want it to be reasonable. Somewhere in the 15-25k range. And since I’ve already spent so much time visiting over 50 shops for my other 2 outfits, I just want to place an order online. From a trust-worthy store, of course. Hey Shinjini, know where I can find something like this?

You mean – a contemporary Mehendi outfit for under 25k that brides can buy from an online store that’s tried & tested as a credible place to shop from?
O-KAY.

*types furiously*

Done!

5 Mehendi Outfits Under 25k: for the Contemporary Indian Bride

They’re all for a modern Indian bride. Contemporary styles. Refreshing as Mehendi outfits. Not already seen a 100 times before. Ummm…you got it, right? I should shut up now.

Here they are!

Anoli Shah | INR 24,800 | Buy here

An elegant, no fuss anarkali gown in yellow. This looks like a simple outfit, but it’s actually a floor-length anarkali with enough pleats to give it a grand look. Made with raw silk, it’s got cut-outs on both sides of the waist. Accessorise this right – with a matha patti and grand earrings – and no one’s mistaking you for a bridesmaid.

While it comes with a dupatta, I’d say leave it in your cupboard on this particular occasion. I find that a dupatta is hard to manage while getting Mehendi applied.

Pair it with: Antique gold jhumkis and matha patti will take you to a place where only royal princesses go

Re-usability post wedding: 5/5

Eshaani Jayaswal | INR 22,000 | Buy here

Although this is technically a maxi dress, it will pass off as a chic floor-length anarkali. Definitely one for a bride who wants to keep her look young and fresh, it has a fully sequinned upper half that screams “I’m the bride!” 🙂 It’s been designed by one of my favourite designers who uses floral patterns beautifully – Eshaani Jayaswal.

Pair it with: Diamond or polki jewellery

Re-usability post wedding: 3/5

Nitya Bajaj skirt & Eshaani Jayaswal crop top | INR 22,800

I know, right? This one’s really pushing the envelope of what you’d imagine a bride wearing on her Mehendi. It looks like a beautiful outfit for a night out with your friends. But let’s admit it – most of us girls who are not really, really into fashion (which is about 70% of us?) would never put on something this trendy, let alone buy something this expensive – for just any generic night on the town. Ergo – this is a bride’s outfit. Perfect if you’re having an evening Mehendi function.

Pair it with: Pearl earrings, and take it to the next level with a massive matha patti

Re-usability post wedding: 4/5 (as separates!)

Sonal Kalra Ahuja skirt & Tisha Saksena crop top | INR 24,000

This one’s great if you’re having an afternoon Mehendi function – the light colours make it perfect for daytime. I fell in love with this lust-worthy rose print maxi skirt when I first saw it, and you know how great Sonal Kalra Ahuja is at making maxi skirts that easily double up as bridal wear! You can pair it with any crop top, really – this ivory one is just a suggestion.

Pair it with: If you’re going for this crop top, I’d say go safe and wear pearls and polkis on a gold base.

Re-usability post wedding: 4/5 (as separates!)

Mogra | INR 16,500 | Buy here

Why was this lehenga not around when I was getting married?! This outfit is everything – made for a modern Indian bride, with paisley patterns adding an Indian touch, and it’s unbelievably reasonable for a bridal Mehendi outfit. I love the raw silk crop top as much as I love the generous ghera and touch of sequins on the lehenga. Mogra is a new addition to my list of recommended online stores, and this lehenga is a part of their new festive collection. They custom-make each piece, so it fits you perfectly. Mogra will make a dupatta for you on request, to pair with this pink lehenga, but if you are wearing it to your Mehendi, you won’t need one.

Pair it with: Multi-stringed neck piece, and multi-stringed matha patti please. You could opt for either gold, or polki (or kundan!)

Re-usability post wedding: 4/5 (both together and as separates)

Jewellery Suggestions

I know a lot of people are wearing floral jewellery these days, but these are a few reference pictures of artificial jewellery you can buy online that will pair well with these 5 outfits without breaking your bank. And of course, they can be re-used for a long, long time.

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Images courtesy: Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, Exclusively.com, IndiaTrendShop, LoveForPrettyThings

BONUS TIP! For your Mehendi day: Since these are all floor-length outfits, start the Mehendi application process from your feet, and then move on to your hands. This way, by the time they are done with your hands, the Mehendi on your feet will have dried up and you can walk around comfortably without holding up your skirt or anarkali.

What are you wearing on your Mehendi? Give us more ideas!

This post is in partnership with Mogra

Mogra is a Pune-based clothing and crafts label that uses locally sourced fabrics from India. I’ve followed their work since they launched last year, and have been constantly amazed at their innovative designs. Their chic style appeals to women with a sober aesthetic and I have a number of their outfits pinned on a board somewhere titled “Dress Wishlist”. You can see all their designs at their Etsy store (seriously, it’s a credible store! I have a Mogra top in my cupboard right now) and place on order via Facebook or email (mograclothing@gmail.com) for domestic orders or on Etsy itself for international orders.