Bhabhi Lehenga: Outfits for the Bride's and Groom's Bhabhi

At a family wedding, the bhabhi is often the one running everything: welcoming guests, managing the rituals, keeping the bride or groom on time, and still expected to look her festive best in every photograph. Her outfits need to be rich and traditional, and practical enough for a long, busy day.

What works for a bhabhi

A rich lehenga for the wedding

Many bhabhis choose the most traditional look of the family: deep reds, maroons, magenta, emerald or royal blue, in silk or net. Keep the bride's colour in mind and choose a shade beside it, not the same one.

A saree

A Banarasi or silk saree with a made-to-measure blouse is a classic for the bhabhi, especially at the wedding and the pooja. See the saree look.

Lighter looks for the pre-wedding functions

A sharara for the mehndi, a light lehenga for the sangeet, a cotton anarkali for the haldi. See mehndi, haldi and sangeet outfits.

Practical details for a busy day

• A secure dupatta. Pinned saree-style or across the front, so your hands are free. See dupatta draping.

• A comfortable blouse, made to your measurements, with sleeves you can work in.

• A lighter skirt if you'll be on your feet for hours.

• A jacket or cape for a winter evening. See winter jackets.

The groom's bhabhi and the bride's bhabhi

The groom's bhabhi often welcomes the new bride home and leads several rituals; the bride's bhabhi is often by her side through the mehndi and the vidaai. Both are in the most important family photographs, so coordinate with the rest of the family: one palette per function makes the pictures look planned.

Dressing the family together

With a bridesmaid and family order, you add a name and WhatsApp number for each person, we send each of them her own link for measurements, and everything is made for one delivery date. There's no minimum group size. Start about four weeks before the first function. Also read our guides for the sister of the bride and the mother of the groom.