So, the guests are invited, the venue is booked, you’ve picked your sarees, and all that’s left is to find the perfect jewellery to finish your look. For a Telugu bride, there is plenty to choose from and something for every occasion. The trick is to find jewellery that will complement your outfit, but not take away from it.
Telugu wedding jewellery is deeply symbolic. Apart from symbolising tradition and culture, each intricate piece of jewellery has its own significance, from protection and blessings, to wealth, love and commitment.
Telugu bridal jewellery is also simply beautiful. Intricate and ornate designs are replete with motifs of peacocks, mangoes (a symbol of fertility), paisley, floral designs, geometric patterns and the goddess Laxmi, believed to bring wealth and prosperity.
Read on for tips on how to choose the right jewellery for your Telugu bridal outfits.
Gold, of course, is the gold standard for Telugu bridal jewellery. Intricately crafted bridal ornaments are embedded with diamonds and glass kundan, and sprinkled with a touch of colour (from beautiful gemstones). Irrespective of the colour of your saree – whether you choose a classic red, or play around with pink, green, blue, or purple – gold jewellery sparks glamour and allure.
It is the intricacies of our outfit that should govern the jewellery pieces. A heavily embellished outfit would do well with minimalistic, elegant jewellery. For a simpler outfit, heavy-set, statement jewellery sparks glamour and completes the look.
A Telugu wedding is a multi-day affair, with several outfit changes, each with its own colour theme and jewellery ensembles. The Nischayathartham or engagement ceremony calls for lighter pieces of jewellery, embedded with diamonds and precious stones. The Gauri puja is the bride’s turn to shine with gold ensembles. The reception entails a more playful approach, with pearls and precious stones.
The necklaces will set the tone for the other ornaments on the Telugu bride. There’s plenty to choose from. The haaram necklace, Thali pendant and Mango mala are universal pieces that a Telugu bride can choose from. Wedding necklaces, worn in layers, are ornate pieces that signify this milestone in the life of a Telugu bride. It celebrates her stepping into married life.
Nothing brings more happiness at a Telugu wedding than the sight of a blushing bride. A Telugu bride’s hairstyle and make-up should influence her choice of earrings and maantika. And yet, on the day of her wedding, nothing can shine brighter than her radiant eyes and joyful smile.
The vaddanam (or waist-belt) is an important piece of jewellery for the Telugu bride. It is a status symbol and signifies protection and blessings. The vaddanam is often gifted to the bride by her family as a way of wishing her a prosperous married life. But for the modern Telugu bride, it has taken on a new meaning. The vaddanam not only embellishes her figure and completes her look, it also keeps her saree in place. Whether to wear a heavy set or a minimally graceful one would depend on the outfit. The vanki, worn on the arm, is a symbol of strength and cultural identity.
Wedding jewellery is something that will be worn and cherished for a lifetime. So, you must take time and analyse the trends, your time, budget, and everything to decide on the perfect jewellery for the wedding.