WEDDING MAKEUP SHOWDOWN eastvs. west

the many customs of american & south asian weddings

Undoubtedly weddings are one of the most special occasions in almost all the cultures. So many mixed feelings are felt this day, whether it’s a small or big lavish event. Being a makeup artist and a beauty blogger, I am always intrigued by the many forms of wedding makeup around the world.

One of the most asked questions I get from my American friends is what are the main differences between an American and a South Asian wedding. Well, there are many differences and some striking similarities between these two cultures. However, to keep the article short and sweet, I am going to focus on the bride’s side.

South Asia encompasses a vast area, and the cultures there vary in each region. Every culture adds its own characteristics to the wedding traditions, making the events similar yet unique.

events:

Most of the time a South Asian wedding has more than three major events leading up to the main event. Some events may also extend after the wedding ceremony itself. Each of these events represent South Asian cultural and religious customs. These can be just as costly as the main wedding ceremony. An American wedding, however, has smaller pre-wedding events leading up to the main ceremony. Each of these events represents the sanctuary of marriage, family and of course, tradition.

color scheme:

In an American wedding the bride chooses mostly lighter colors for her own attire, whereas most South Asian brides choose red or other vibrant bold colors. Many South Asian brides nowadays are opting for lighter hues such as light pink or pastels. As South Asian brides have many events leading to the wedding, they choose various color schemes for each and every occasion.

dress & jewelry:

South Asian bridal jewelry is heavier in comparison to that of American weddings. I have seen American brides wearing just a pair of delicate earrings and the wedding ring but I have never ever seen a South Asian bride wearing just only one or two pieces of jewelry. Even if they wear only one, it will be a big heavy one for sure.

South Asian brides also apply henna (temporary brown tattoo) on their hands for the wedding along with pretty manicures. This is a big part of a bridal preparation.

The dress choices are also numerous for a South Asian bride. They can choose a saree or sari (a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body; a salwar-kameez (“salwar” refers to the pajama-like pants and “kameez” is a long tunic); a lehenga (a full ankle-length skirt worn with a tunic or top); or a gown.

An American bride opts for a bridal gown or dress in different designs. Her wedding preparation is also completed with beautiful manicured hands.

makeup:

I believe that makeup is completely a personal choice and it doesn’t have to be defined by any race or nationality. Still, South Asian bridal makeup is comparatively heavier and bolder than an American bridal makeup.

American brides go for rosy cheek, healthy dewy highlighted face and softer colors for their eye and lip makeup. South Asian bridal makeup can have both bold eye and lip makeup, or sometimes just one bold part. The face is contoured heavily and it is kept matte.

As you can see, I have tried to recreate my version of a typical American and South Asian bridal makeup here. I love both cultures and the uniqueness they present. Yes, these wedding ceremonies have many differences but the main similarity in both is that they are both joyous occasions completed with family, friends, good food and music.