When it comes to bridal fashion in India, the general consensus often seems to be “the grander the better”. From the growing interest in what celebrity brides are wearing to finding the most opulent outfit for your own wedding, today’s brides are quick to catch on to the latest trend. That said, there’s also a wave of modern Indian brides opting for more understated but meaningful elements to create their D-Day outfits, that seem like something that will last in your wardrobe. Let’s take a deep dive into some low-key bridal outfits that will perhaps leave you with something to think about when you’re planning your wedding outfit.
When a lot of us look back at what our mothers wore at their wedding, a lot of these tend to be the quintessential silk saree, often in vibrant hues like red, fuchsia or coral with luxurious gold or silver zari work. This simple yet sumptuous look was a classic go-to for most brides back in the day. And yet, somewhere between Bollywood’s influence on fashion and Indian designers upping the game by using some of the most exquisite Indian handicrafts for traditional silhouettes, the wedding lehenga gained quite the weight over the years, both physically and metaphorically.
Image Source: Instagram/aliaabhatt
But every once in a while, brides remind us how an understated look can be a breath of fresh air. When pictures from the much-awaited wedding of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor made it to Bhatt’s Instagram posts, it took many by surprise. The actor’s fresh, minimal and natural makeup accompanied by her hair worn down in easy waves was truly plausible. Her outfit, while heavy on jewellery, was easy on the clothing with an embroidered ivory organza sari by the bridal favourite Sabysachi and a matching veil. Small customised details from her outfit- like embroidered butterflies on her sari blouse, dainty kaleeras with cloud and star motifs as well as a subtle mangalsutra with an infinity sign – spoke aloud for Bhatt’s personality. While the look has since done the rounds on tabloids, recreated by influencers on social media and even had details discussed on the infamous Diet Sabya’s Instagram page, the actor wasn’t the first to opt for a subtle bridal look.
Image Source: Instagram/thehouseontheclouds
Actor Patralekhaa’s red tulle saree with an embroidered veil and details from designer Sabyasachi’s label was another example of an understated bridal look. Everything from the makeup to the jewellery the actor picked made for a fresh, sunkissed bridal look that was, as they say, goals for every bride out there! In fact, it wouldn’t be biased to lend some credit for the outstanding look to the sari’s classic and versatile silhouette.
Image Source: Instagram/patralekhaa
Another modern bride to pick the sari for her D-Day was sustainable fashion entrepreneur Meghna Goyal. Her red floral number was accompanied by a matching veil passed on to her from her sister. “It went perfectly with my outfit and also had so much meaning to it,” says Goyal, “We’re going to make it a new tradition and pass it on to the next generation.” Another cherished element from her ensemble included her necklace. “It belonged to my grandmother. It was a hathphool that she wore to her wedding, we repurposed it and made it into a necklace,” adds Goyal. Overall, her outfit screamed comfort, which she adds was her priority when picking her wedding outfit. “I was certain that I didn't want anything that was too big/heavy and made it hard for me to walk,” she says. When quizzed about other important elements she looked for in a wedding outfit, she said, “Something borrowed—I borrowed my sister's wedding veil. I definitely wanted it to be red (and) stay true to the tradition.”
Image Source: Instagram/meghnagoyal1
Sentimental additions are increasingly becoming a common element amongst modern-day brides. Recently married, influencer and entrepreneur Tarini Manchanda took to social media to share details of her wedding outfit, “My sari and jewellery are all repurposed. The antique border is from my great grandmother’s time; the necklace is my nani’s restrung with bits of my mum’s jewellery. I wore one kaleera which is a family heirloom from my great-grandaunt, broken into bits it is passed on to the first daughter who gets married in each family. I wore an old ring of Archit’s grand mum’s and an antique gold bangle given to me by his sister as a part of his family’s history.” About her veil, she adds, “My head dupatta has excerpts of letters my grandparents have written to me through the years and tales of love I have grown up hearing. All embroidered by karigars who work with me at The Initial Studio.”
Image Source: Instagram/tarinimanchanda
As recent times made weddings smaller and more intimate, an increase in attention to detail was an organic shift. Giving brides the opportunity to shed the bridal lehenga weight and experiment with more comfortable designs, colours and choose pieces that spoke to them. ‘Choose what you think is most YOU and not just follow the usual trends. Stay true to who you are!’ is Goyal’s advice for to-be brides looking for their bridal outfit.
Image Source: Instagram/meghnagoyal1