If you’ve ever wondered what sets apart a bride of the Y2K milieu from the members of a slightly older bridal camp, it is the ease with which she subverts rules that are out of alignment with her new-age femininity. Wedding costumes no longer hemorrhage personal style to favour traditions. If anything, they are full of surprising details, extremely fashion-forward and completely Instagrammable!
If you’re a trend-savant bride who’s on a screenshot-taking spree to find the perfect outfits to pack in her trousseau, you’re guaranteed to find inspiration in the pages ahead.
Sit tight and take notes, as the imprimatur for this wedding edit has been granted by India’s biggest names in fashion.
White Weddings
DEEPIKA PADUKONE IN ABU JANI SANDEEP KHOSLA
Sonam Kapoor’s gilded white lehenga which the actor wore for her mehendi ceremony, and Deepika’s ivory chikankari set which she chose for her Mumbai reception - both by designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla - is prompting a bevy of brides to choose white for their big day. White is perfect for shaking things out of predictability as it isn’t a shade that’s metonymic with Indian weddings. Wear it with a resplendent polki set or heirloom gold jewelry for a look that’s singular and beautiful.
Sugary Pastels
ANUSHKA SHARMA IN SABYASACHI
As designers take their love for gota patti, Swarovski Crystals, light zardosi work and sequins well into 2019, we are continuing to see a rise in the number of contemporary brides who are ditching the ceremonial crimson red to satisfy their craving for sorbet-inspired soft hues. Depending on the occasion, one can choose between dusted rose/champagne - like Anushka Sharma’s Sabyasachi wedding lehenga - cantaloupe, neo-mint, electric lilac, and the newest, most exciting shades - icy grey and cornflower blue - think: Lady Gaga’s Valentino gown.
Sheer Indulgence
KATRINA KAIF IN MANISH MALHOTRA
As brides refuse to carry the weight of the world on their lehenga, heavy fabrics that are conventionally seen with an orgy of embroidery on them, are making way for lighter fabrics like net, organza, and tulle - which deliver the perfect dose of delicate transparency. Sheer blouses with strategically placed handiwork - a sartorial mainstay in Manish Malhotra designs and often sported by Janhvi Kapoor, are being chosen by brides to wear to their wedding receptions and sangeet ceremonies, should their evening parties spill well into midnight.
Opulent Trims
NATASHA POONAWALLA IN MANISH MALHOTRA
For the maximalist bride, ruffles, either standalone or mixed with ostrich feathers are perfect to add movement to their outfit. Think: voluminous Gaurav Gupta sarees and cocktail dresses with hyper-constructed ruffles and Falguni and Shane Peacock lehengas with frothy frills and feather trimmings, perfect for occasions that call for Indian outfits with a semblance of western aesthetics.
The Banarasi Touch
ANUSHKA SHARMA WEARING CUSTOM-MADE BANARASI SAREE
Drawing heavily from Anushka and Virat’s traditional Indian wedding reception this time, owning a Banarasi saree in her trousseau has ascended to the top of almost every trend-savvy bride’s to-do list (wow, these two have set the ball rolling on quite a few trends – a. sartorially b. and, perhaps, by getting married early on in life?). For the wedding times, we suggest picking sarees with buttis that have floral and foliage motifs all over. Although there is no match to a Banarasi saree in ceremonial vermillion, if you’re feeling contrarian, you can opt for new-age hues like beige and our personal favourite, the icy-blue/dove grey. The heritage weave is celebrating its rehashed celebrity status in quite a few newest designer collections, too – if you’re confused about where to start, we have a few of our favorites handpicked for you, here.
