Indeed the white bridal gown of brides in western style wedding may impress some teenagers. But it is the red apparel and the seven vows in a Vedic wedding that the girls are now attracted to. The brides in red and gold look resplendent.

A red lehenga, a choli, an odhni - not forgetting gold and diamond jewellery are worn by the Hindu brides in India and elsewhere. The brides in red and gold look resplendent. May I mention that besides the form and colour of a bridal dress, it is the Vedic vow that the bride and the groom take together is of utmost importance. The bride and the groom take seven steps together moving forward and make a solemn promise that they would make an endeavour to keep each other happy, healthy, well provided for, well fed, procreate well and bring up sons and daughters to absolve themselves of the debt that they owe to their parents.
 

In the seventh and last step forward that they take together, they say in unison that hereafter, you and I are friends and partners in all ventures of life and nothing will part us ever.
 
Indeed a solemn pledge that binds them together in life as friends and partners. The seven vows taken while taking seven steps, Saptpadi, are the beacon lights that help the couple remain on course through thick and thin. They procreate and bring up children, both sons and daughters, to help the social system of the Aryas move forward.
 
That indeed is the Vedic wedding where an emphasis is on the thought and deed and never on the apparel.