With the wedding season right around the corner, decisions to do with one’s wedding wardrobe are coming into the picture. In a country like India where Bollywood has such a big influence on culture, films, celebrities and the nature of fashion presented in them have become a major source of inspiration for most brides. At the crux of the planning process, the bride’s ensemble speaks of her personal style and her taste in fashion. There are saris, lehengas, gowns and a number of other wedding dress for women that one can opt for. So for those who are planning to tie the knot soon, here’s our Bollywood-celebrity inspired guide for every kind of bride-to-be!
For the Timeless Sari Bride
While some may see their wedding day as an occasion to try every trend that bridal wear has to offer, some brides want to opt for an ensemble that will stand the test of time. A stunning example of this would be Deepika Padukone who opted for timeless choices for her Konkani as well as Sindhi ceremony. For the Konkani ceremony she opted for a classic silk Kanjivaram saree, stitched using pure zari threads. There were leitmotifs running all around the six-yard weave. Her temple jewellery added tradition to her timeless weaving. She stacked jhumkas, a stack of kadas, rings, and an ornate matha patti over a statement choker.
For her Sindhi Anand Karaj, the actress wore a beautiful red and gold number, that was timeless yet gorgeous. In Devnagri script, her dupatta’s borders sported the reading “Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava,” which translates to “may you always stay wedded.”
Another bride who opted for the timeless look in modern times is Patralekhaa Paul. She looked regal as ever in a red and ivory saree, with classic details running through the weave. She also had a embroidered red veil that she paired with the saree, and classic shakha and polka bangles. There was a Bengali text running across her bridal chunni that roughly meant ‘I offer my heart, completely filled with love, to you’. The look was a stunning fashion moment indeed.
Yami Gautam and Dia Mirza both of who got hitched during the pandemic, also opted for timeless sari pieces for their big day. Yami Gautam’s blouse was distinctive with its paisley designs, which contrasted with her drape’s elaborate gold work. A matching dupatta was draped over the heirloom sari. With a majestic gold choker set, maang tikka and kalire, as well as customary chooda bangles, Yami looked like a beautiful bride.
Dia Mirza on the other hand, kept her ensemble timeless but her approach to it contemporary. She took the sustainable route. She opted for a traditional red Benarasi Sari that was not only eco-friendly but also picture-perfect in every way. You can opt for a traditional weave but go modern in your approach to your outfit.
So for those looking for a wedding dress for women, that is traditional, timeless and yet tasteful- these are some alternatives to bookmark immediately.
For the Understated Neutral Bride
What’s trending these days is the effortless, minimalist approach to wedding outfits that look understated yet angelic.
An example of this would be the most recent, gorgeous mother-to-be Alia Bhatt who opted for an ivory, organza sari that was hand-dyes and embroidered with fine work along with an handwoven tissue tulle. The whole and ivory sari, gold jewellery and no-makeup makeup look was as elegant as it could get, when it comes to a perfect wedding dress for women.
Another beautiful bride that opted for the neutral route is the freshly married Richa Chadha. The actress wore an ivory and gold sharara set and looked absolutely angelic. She also opted for flawless makeup with a brown nude lip and subtle eyeshadow, a classic bun, and ornate jewellery which are becoming bridal staples.
Ankita Lokhande, also upped the glam quotient in terms of embroidery and detailing, and also went the neutral way in terms of colour. The gorgeous actress ditched the classic red lehenga for an all-gold lehenga. Regal neckpieces and the dramatic embroidered veil added that extra edge that took this subtle outfit to the next level.
For the Cross-Cultural Bride
Why have one wedding outfit when you can have two? If you’re a bride who is getting married to a different nationality and looking for a wedding dress for women, you can embrace that via your ensembles as well!
Priyanka Chopra definitely set the trend for the Indo-Western bride when she married Nick Jonas, in a double ceremony with elements of both cultures. Honouring her Hindu roots, the actress had a traditional phera ceremony to tie the knot. Priyanka looked like a beautiful bride in a stunning red Sabyasachi lehenga that was custom-made for the diva. It was topped with silk knots, layers of thread work and beautiful organza flowers. With the bindi, sindoor, maang tikka, kalire and red ensemble, she had all the marks of a traditional Indian bride.
However, the actress did not forget to take into account her to-be husband’s culture as they wed in a Christian ceremony where the actress walked down the altar in an unforgettable wedding gown. With satin-covered buttons, ivory threads, seed beads, crystal and sequins, the gown was impeccable and Priyanka looked nothing short of a princess.
Another more recent Indo-Western Ceremony was the wedding of Shibani Dandekar to actor Farhan Akhtar.
The actress who got married in a close-knit ceremony opted for a red and nude mermaid-style gown, that was unconventional yet beautiful: The floral decor, muted markup, and bronzed eyelids looked so good, that all we have to say is: simply stunning.
For her Indian court-marriage ceremony the actress went the traditional route and flaunted a dusty rose-golden saree with floral appliqué and stunning sequins. The sari was a perfectly understated yet elegant choice and it made a bold case for sublime outfits that are subtle in colour.
For the Classic Lehenga Bride
We spoke about the timeless red saris that brides often opt for, but another traditionally classic alternative is the red lehenga, which a bride can never go wrong with. Just like Katrina Kaif, if you want to go the all-red route, a beautiful bold lehenga is definitely an option to key an eye out for.
Katrina Kaif looked stunning as she beamed in a red silk ensemble that was handwoven and embroidered with zardozi borders. The gold choker, matha Patti and custom kalire were beautiful examples of bespoke bridal ensembles.
Mouni Roy, who tied the knot to long-time beau Suraj Nambiar also turned into a traditional Bengali Bride for the main ceremony. The gorgeous red lehenga had a voluminous skirt, complementing the dupatta, striking floral patterns, and dramatic frames. The border of Mouni’s veil was embroidered with the Sanskrit phrase “Aayushmati Bhava,” which translates to “blessed.”
For The Pastel Bride
In 2017, when Anushka Sharma got married to cricketer boyfriend Virat Kohli, in Tuscany wearing a stunning pastel lehenga, it became a fan favourite almost immediately. The lehenga stole the show completely, and even today the pastel hue palette continues to be a favourite among brides.
The actress chose a blush pink number instead of the classic red, and it seemed to be a hit choice. The silk floss lehenga was hand stitched with unique bird and butterfly designs. The bride donned customary jewellery, including a matha Patti, stacked necklaces, and jhumkas in to go with the light pink lehenga. The “crowning brilliance” of the outfit was the star’s fresh hydrangeas in her hair, which were the perfect touch.
More recently, Karishma Tanna got hitched in an intimate ceremony where the actress too opted for a powder pink lehenga, with a full sleeves inner and a beautiful voluminous skirt. The mushing bride chose a subtle minimalist makeup look and a sleek updo, kept in place with beautiful pink roses that tied the whole ensemble together.
So if you too are looking for a wedding dress for women that follows the subtle yet sublime trend, where less is more, consider yourself convinced. A set like Anushka Sharma, Karishma Tanna or Neha Dhupia will definitely add a touch of freshness and colour to your wedding festivities.
So if you too are looking for a wedding dress for women that follows the subtle yet sublime trend, where less is more, consider yourself convinced. A set like Anushka Sharma, Karishma Tanna or Neha Dhupia will definitely add a touch of freshness and colour to your wedding festivities.
The Experimental Bride
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to follow trends, and you like to stand-out, an experimental and quirky wardrobe wedding dress for women may be the way to go for you. For example Rhea Kapoor did opt for a classic silhouette ivory chanderi style bridal sari, but she added and extra edge with her vintage veil that was crafted using thousands of diamonds and pearls, thus definitely making a statement.
Anushka Ranjan too was a bride that experimented in terms of her colour scheme, and ditched the reds and white for a stunning purple and gold, and let’s just say the risk paid off because she looked like a beautiful bride.
So if are looking for a wedding dress for women that has all the elements needed to make you a perfect Bollywood-style bride, this lookbook is the ultimate guide that you must bookmark and keep for the big day. This cohesive list will help you decide on the ideal ensemble as you get ready to get hitched. Use a little inspiration in addition to keeping in mind the colour scheme, silhouette, and most importantly your comfort and you’re good to go!
