Elephant Motif Lehenga: The Haathi in Bridal Embroidery

In Indian tradition the elephant means good fortune, wisdom and strength. It is linked with Ganesha, who is remembered at the start of every wedding, and with the royal processions of old, when the groom arrived on a decorated elephant. An elephant motif lehenga carries all of that, and it looks grand on a bride.

Elephant motif styles

• The royal elephant: decorated with a jhool (saddle cloth), anklets and a howdah, as in miniature paintings.

• A pair of elephants facing each other with raised trunks: a symbol of welcome and of the couple.

• The procession: elephants in a row along the border, sometimes carrying the groom. See bridal lehenga with doli design.

• The small buti: a tiny elephant repeated across the skirt, playful and light.

• Elephants with lotuses, a classic pairing of good fortune and new beginnings. See lotus motif lehenga.

Colours

• Gold elephants on red, maroon or green: the regal choice.

• Silver or ivory elephants on pastel: softer, for day weddings and mehndi.

• Multicoloured thread elephants with bright jhools, for a festive, Rajasthani feel. See theme lehenga for wedding.

Placement ideas

• Along the border, as a procession that moves as you walk.

• One pair on the dupatta, facing each other at the centre back, so it shows when the dupatta is draped over your head.

• On the blouse back, as a single framed motif.

• On the latkans, as small elephant charms. See customised latkans.

Make it personal

An elephant's jhool can carry your initials, and the howdah can hold the two of you. Read love story lehenga for more ways to put your story into the embroidery.

How to order

Bring any elephant design you love. Our designer draws your version and shows you the placement and price before anything is cut. Payment is in full in advance, the lehenga is made to your measurements, and our own karigars do the embroidery. The designer gives you a delivery date once the design is approved.