Countless brides-to-be who were looking forward to their big day were met with a rather unusual twist earlier this year. Their plans of walking down the aisle were thwarted by the unwarranted appearance of Covid-19, making them postpone their special day indefinitely. All imaginative plans of the big-fat-wedding were rather taken over by what-to-do-next checklists. While some still want their day to be a big, lively celebration and are waiting it out, the others are now opting for a muted at-home wedding ceremony.
If you, too, are looking forward to your happily-ever-after eagerly and don't mind an intimate ceremony, this article is for you. With tips from leading designers on how to curate an at-home wedding trousseau, we have it all covered for you. No matter if you're a traditional-at-heart or finding yourself double-tapping a contemporary piece, we have all the celeb-approved styles for you and your bridesmaids. Wedding guests, take notes, too!
Minimalist Bride
Sara Ali Khan in Manish Malhotra and Athiya Shetty in Anita Dongre
If you're a minimalist at heart who finds herself reaching out for toned-down or almost-to-none detailing, then opt for these pieces by Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre. White is one of the 'It' trends this wedding season, so pin this gorgeous Sara-approved lehenga. If you wish to stay away from sequins, what better option than this turquoise banarasi lehenga worn by Athiya?
Maximalist Bride
Janhvi Kapoor in Abu Jani - Sandeep Khosla and Shraddha Kapoor in Manish Malhotra
OTT brides, we see you! If you think having an at-home wedding means you have to compromise on your bridal lehenga, well, think again. Pick a lehenga with heavy sheesha embroidery just like Janhvi in Abu-Sandeep or an ombre piece with a fuller cancan as seen on Shraddha Kapoor in Manish Malhotra. Pro tip - Designer Amit Aggarwal states that gold is one of trending colours for an intimate wedding, so think on those lines while picking an outfit.
Contemporary Bride
Katrina Kaif in Sabyasachi and Diana Penty in Aisha Rao
Indian weddings have been witnessing many contemporary styles for quite a while. If you find your heart set towards an unconventional lehenga for the phera ceremony, go for it. Giving the ceremonial red a twist, this beautiful Sabyasachi piece worn by Katrina that is so uber-simple that it makes it to our list of modern lehengas. Since highlighter hues are trending, too, we suggest you pick this Aisha Rao piece that has Diana's stamp of approval.
Pretty Pastels
Kiara Advani in Manish Malhotra and Tara Sutaria in Punit Balana
It's safe to say that pastels can never go off the trending charts. The romance and femininity can be brought with max effect with these demure, blush shades. Take a look at Kiara Advani in Manish Malhotra (if you're not that big a fan of pink) or this pink set by Punit Balana that makes Tara Sutaria look charming as ever.
Modern Drapes
Sherry Shroff and Summiya Patni in Gaurav Gupta and Malaika Arora in Tarun Tahiliani
This one is an extension of modern bridal looks. Give your lehenga or even the gown a twist by opting for contemporary drapes. Take cues from Sherry Shroff, whose Gaurav Gupta lehenga moonlighted as a lehenga-saree with a simple drape; and Summiya, whose gown by the same designer made us head-over-heels crazy about them. As for Malaika in Tarun Tahiliani, if you have already stacked your ombre lehenga, wear your dupatta as a pallu! Get innovative with your styling to get the maximum effect out of your bridal outfit.
Silk Sarees
Sobhita Dhulipala in Ekaya and Shraddha Kapoor in her mom's saree
If your heart is set on a silk saree, then we suggest opting for jewel tones, just like Sobhita Dhulipala in Ekaya. If you have an heirloom saree at the ready, then that surely adds up to the charm. Shraddha Kapoor inspired us with this stunning ethnic look dressed in her mom's purple silk saree. Designer Tarun Tahiliani feels that there is no need to go overboard for an at-home wedding. Quite applicable here, isn't it?
Traditional Reds
Athiya Shetty in Anita Dongre and Deepika Padukone in Manish Malhotra
Circling around the trends but leaning towards ceremonial reds? Don't worry. Stylist Sanjana Batra suggests that bridal outfits should stand the test of time. So, it's a tad bit better to opt for classics, especially if it reflects your personal style. If you prefer a lightweight lehenga, choose a minimal self-embroidered piece by Anita Dongre, as seen on Athiya Shetty. OTT brides, pick this Deepika-approved off-shoulder set with a trail by Manish Malhotra.
Bridesmaids
Karisma Kapoor in Manish Malhotra and Ananya Panday in Ritika Mirchandani
Bridesmaids, since it's an intimate event, choose a look that's equal parts thematic and comfortable. Karisma's ivory anarkali is perfect for a wedding that's planned according to the understated taste of the bride and groom, while Ananya Panday's neon sharara by Ritika Mirchandani is great if you're a bridesmaid in a wedding that's lively and colourful. On that note - neons are getting a big thumbs up from us this season!
Wedding Guest
Priyanka Chopra in Ekaya, Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi, Kareena Kapoor Khan in Nikasha
Attending a close-knit wedding but can't decide on what to wear? Firstly, take out your understated sarees that have been lying in your closet forever. Take cues from Priyanka Chopra in Ekaya and Kareena in Nikasha and opt for a sleeveless blouse to beat the heat. If you have a jewel-tone kurta set at the ready, take inspiration from Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi.
Are you planning an at-home wedding, too? Get in touch with our stylists for the best bridal outfit that is meant for you!
