I consider attending Bangladeshi marriage ceremonies among the most enchanting moments of my life. The perfect blend of ethnic and contemporary trends, wedding in Bangladesh is celebrated with pomp and splendor. The exotic and spell binding fashion is visible in all spheres – clothes, decoration, jewelry, entertainment, and food. Even the wedding canopy showcases a distinct design and décor. All these, I feel, are result of cultural synthesis over the years, eagerness to shape character of stylish celebrations, and the celebration of marriage as the best moment of life.
The ethnic flavors of attire shape the celebration of marriage in Bangladesh in majestically fashionable manner. Though sari continues to be the main attire, its color, traditional variations in silk and cotton, and pattern of design have become more contemporary. The world famous saris from the country, such as Jamdani Tanta, Dhakai Benarosi, Rajshahi silk, Tangail, and Tashar silk, continue to be the foremost dress code in any Bangladeshi wedding. Their color and design are so attractive that often I have found myself looking at the saris more than those wearing it. Males usually prefer sherwanis or modern suits, which attest their suaveness.
The bridal dress leads the fashion statement in any Bangladeshi wedding. Everything the bride carries, right from her cloth to ornaments, is decorated with utmost care to make them unique. The clothes she wears are usually heavily embroidered and have traditional motifs. Even pearls, stones, goldthreads, and silver linings are put to decorate clothes. Saris are the most accepted bridal wear in Bangladesh. However, the modern educated brides now go for exotically designed lehengas. Maroon, blue, orange, and seasonal color sense have replaced traditional red color as the shade of bridal wear. For grooms, both sherwani and western suits are the most favored attire on the wedding day.
The importance of venue has added a new dimension to Bangladeshi wedding fashion. Now people prefer resorts, star hotels, farm houses, palaces, and such other interesting venues for their weddings. The size of these venues and expenditure on their decoration have increased manifold. People now look for bigger venues with permanent structure, open space, parking lot, flower beds, and attractive features. The expenditure for fireworks, lights, flowers, and other decorative items are gone up in tune with contemporary trends.
The wedding food and its serving are fast becoming international. Though traditional fish-based items continue to hug the limelight, international culinary is gradually making its presence felt. I have enjoyed sumptuous Indian, Chinese, Italian, and continental food alongside the famed Bangladeshi food. The penchant to make a wedding unique has aided such diversification in dining. Buffet has come to replace the usual practice of serving food. The dress code of waiters, chefs, and those involved in serving the food has also changed according to contemporary trends. Once I met an English chef in charge of food in a Bangladeshi wedding.
The design of invitation cards has come to exude the fashion quotient of wedding ceremonies. I have seen hand-painted invitation cards with dry fruits and sweets inside. Many also decorate cards with silver linings and embroideries. Entertainment adds glamour to any marriage. It has become a fashion to hire big names in the music and film industry to perform in weddings. You can also find traditional drums and flutes part of the music played on the venue.
The social and economic changes effected the new and fashionable trends visible in Bangladeshi weddings. The accessories for both bride and groom follow the latest international fashion trends. Wedding planners and designers are being consulted to include latest trends in every sphere related to wedding. Dances are choreographed and rehearsed well in advance. It is really amazing to see strides in Bangladeshi wedding fashion.
