Bridesmaid Gown for the Reception: Gown, Drape Saree or Lehenga?

The reception is usually the most glamorous function of the wedding: evening, indoors, more like a party. It's also where many bridesmaids choose something different from the traditional lehenga, often a gown.

Three choices for the reception

1. A gown

Floor-length, fitted or flowing, in net, satin or georgette. Gowns photograph beautifully on a stage and are easy to dance in. Made to measure, a gown fits exactly, which matters more on a fitted silhouette than on a lehenga. See customised gowns.

2. A drape or pre-draped saree

The look of a saree with the ease of a gown, and much quicker to put on than a classic drape. See the bridesmaid saree look.

3. A lighter lehenga

A net or shimmer lehenga with a modern blouse. A good choice if the reception is also the main wedding event for the bridesmaids.

Colours for an evening reception

• Deep jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, wine, teal.

• Metallics: champagne, gold, silver grey, bronze.

• Black, if the family is comfortable with it.

• Soft shimmer pinks and mauves, for a softer look.

Keep the bride's reception outfit in mind. If she's in a gown in one colour, bridesmaids in a palette beside it look lovely. See the bride's reception lehenga or gown.

Matching at the reception

Gowns are often worn "same colour, different styles": everyone in emerald, each in her own neckline and sleeve. It looks elegant and lets everyone choose. Read the three ways to match.

Details to get right

• Length: make it to the height of your heels.

• Neckline and sleeves: the details that make one gown suit everyone differently.

• A jacket or cape for a winter reception. See bridesmaid jackets for winter weddings.

Getting reception outfits made

Browse gowns and the reception collection, or start a bridesmaid and family order about four weeks before the reception. Each person sends her own measurements, and there's no minimum group size.