10 Contemporary Bridal Lehengas by Leading Indian Designers

The grand Indian wedding season is officially around the corner. Regardless of whether you are the simple kinds who want to elope and have a simple wedding or someone who has a Bollywood-inspired checklist of how her wedding should look like, we have an outfit for you. We have handpicked 11 best contemporary bridal lehengas by India’s leading fashion gurus that satiate the thirst for the quirky brides of today. 

Tarun Tahiliani 

This white Tarun Tahiliani lehenga is for today's quintessential modern bride. Ditching the traditional colour palette of reds and maroons, this embroidered white piece with spaghetti strap blouse manages to catch the attention of everyone. With colourful thread embroidery and jacquard blouse, this elegant outfit can be paired with multi-layered gemstone necklace set, jutti and colourful trendy rings. Avoid over-accessorizing. Go bold with eye makeup with emerald green eyeliner and subtle skin and lips.

Wear it with: -

Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre’s design magic never fails to impress anyone, including the coeval bride. This modern twist to a traditional red lehenga has us swooning all over it. With floral and elephant motifs over it, it gives a whole new perspective on printed bridal lehengas. This sleeveless red and blue lehenga can be paired with colourful choker set and a vintage passa. Ethnic wedges can add a fun twist to complement the lehenga. We suggest a nude lip and smoky eye makeup look to bring all the focus on the jewellery.

Wear it with: 

Mahima Mahajan

Velvet is the ultimate grunge fabric, and if you consider yourself a real rebel bride, we suggest this one for you. With its sweetheart-neckline-bralette top for a choli that's embroidered with floral organza, this outfit is perfect for the daring, go-getter bride who worships anything but forced customs. Pair it with just statement kundan earrings and let the collar bones do all the talking. Go with chic black heels to finish the ultimate rock look. Accentuate it with subtle, clean skin with some wine coloured lips.

Wear it with:

Priyal Prakash

Of late, the traditional red hue is being replaced with its neighbouring shades and tints. Hence, the recent bridal collections have been witnessing a lot of pinks, maroons, and wines. This simple yet contemporary lehenga by Priyal Prakash is the ultimate choice for the introverted girl next door. The halter neck blouse with geometric sequin work is breaking all the rules of a traditional wedding attire, The best part? this sophisticated lehenga can be paired with any and every accessory. A kundan maangtikka and kadaa are the best picks to accentuate the modest design. Pair it with coral juttis and a bold red lip with subtle makeup.

Wear it with:

Anushree Reddy

Imagine an all-red lehenga with an abundance of floral cut dana embroidery and a sheer cape; sounds ethereal, doesn’t it? This vivid imagination is brought to life by Anushree Reddy’s pop red lehenga set with a noodle strap blouse. This immensely detailed lehenga can be paired with an off-kilter meenakari kundan necklace and earrings. Keep the rest of the look minimal and in tandem with the accessories. Pair it up with red heels and rock the glorious modern lehenga.

Wear it with:

Abhinav Mishra

Ever thought of a wedding attire which is simple yet unconventional at the same time? A lehenga, so modest in the silhouette but atypical in its ornamentation, is exactly what Abhinav Mishra is aiming for. The white chevron mirror-worked lehenga features hints of citrus hues like yellow and pink and is perfect for a laid back bride. Merchandize this outfit by pairing it with a pair of kundan earrings and a maangtikka set or haathphool. Keep the ‘dressed down’ vibe alive with some minimalist nude makeup and sequined golden juttis.

Ritu Kumar

Ritu Kumar is one of the few designers in India who has maintained the regal vibe of the bridal trousseau. Subtly amalgamating modernism with tradition has always been her best suite. This chanderi silk lehenga is achingly glorious and ‘with the times’, knowing what the bride of today really desires. This unique and unconventional colour palette of maroon with just the right amount of black has left us stunned, especially since black is considered unfavourable during a bride’s best days. Partner it with minimal accessories and makeup, and let the outfit do all the talking.

Rabani & Rakha

White is being touted as the next best colour for bridal suites. Rabani & Rakha have always been known for their unusual style and this outfit with perfect parts embellishments and a fun silhouette is no different. This white embellished lehenga with floral work has caught our ever-drifting attention, putting it on the pedestal for our intricately detailed future indo-western beach wedding. Pair it up with modern earrings and a crystal bun cage. Keep the makeup subtle as possible.

Varun Bahl

Scoring another touchdown for a destination wedding, this Varun Bahl lehenga is ideal for a minimalist weekend affair. The floral embellished sheer blouse with good ol' lehenga and an embellished net dupatta can be paired with contemporary jewellery and high heels. Experimental makeup with either bold eyes or bold lips is the perfect way to go about it.

Nakul Sen

If gothic is your style, then, this spectacular Nakul Sen lehenga is your answer. With floral embellishments adorning the stunning creation, it checks every prerequisite of our modern lehengas’ checklist. The embellished halter neck blouse with dupatta creates a perfect illusion of ‘rebel with a cause’. Pair it up with contemporary earrings and wedge heels. Go in for a brown smoky eye and a subtle lip and you are Goth as ever.