JOIN USIt is that time of the year when the big fat Indian weddings abound. And with the new trends and rise in the number of fashion-conscious brides, designers have come up with new fusion trends in the traditional wedding outfits. Weddings don't have to be about traditional Kanjeevarams or Banarasis. You can add your own fun twist to them by going for fusion designs.
This winter, opt for comfortable dresses for all the wedding ceremonies like mehendi, haldi, sangeet, pre-wedding cocktail, post-wedding parties, and show-off your desi avatar with some fun and flirty styles. Mixing of colours with sequins, motifs, embroidery and gotta-patti work will give your d-day outfit a touch of uniqueness.
'Lehenga' with pockets
The Indian bridal wear has witnessed a sea of changes. Lehenga with pockets is a unique twist in the traditional bridal wear, and it looks as elegant as a traditional lehenga. Add an edge to your ceremonies by sporting a lehenga with pockets that is not only chic, but also comfortable. This is ideal for a tom-boy bride.
'Dhoti' sari
Want to look ramp-ready on your big day? Why not try the dhoti-sari. These days, saris have become a style statement. A dhoti-sari is a no-fuss solution for brides who want to look elegant yet modern. The dhoti-sari look is for brides who want to make a bold style statement and stick to their traditions at the same time.
Full-sleeved blouses
Full sleeves is the most followed trend in the bridal wear category. Designers have experimented with full-sleeved cholis and created the off-shoulder and cold shoulder looks too. These are ideal for winter weddings, as they add an element of cosiness and lend a sophisticated touch. One can go for embroidery or colourful prints in fabrics like silk, chiffon, etc. In case your lehenga, sari or dupatta is heavily embroidered, you can go for a plain choli or blouse to give your ensemble the right balance.
Double 'dupatta'
A double dupatta is not just an accessory, it is a crucial piece of clothing that can add a rich feel to your trousseau. Take your first sheer and light pallu in front and drape it like your normal chunni and pull on your heavily embroidered dupatta like a veil on your head. You can also drape your front dupatta like a shawl. Don't your cover your neck completely with front chunni; keep it low to reveal your lavish necklace.
Jackets & capes
Look uber elegant with long-sleeved jackets and capes to match your bridal wear. Cape jackets are being worn on saris now. You can try all types of cape styles this winter like cropped cape, jacket cape and floor-length cape. For more regal touch complete your look with pearl jhumkas and chandbalis. This will work well for pre-wedding cocktail events.
Digital-printed bridal wear
Dresses painted in geometric patterns, abstract shades or 3D floral prints give an appealing look. Along with modern prints, some traditional colours like red, pink, off-white and beige are 'in' this season. Pastel colours are in demand for modern bridal wear.
Floor-length maxis
Maxi dresses never go out of fashion and seem to be more popular than ever this season. Floor-length maxis with gold print paired with ethnic capes are again a perfect Indo-western option for the brides who want to go from drab to fab in seconds.
Neon 'ghagra'
Pastel-coloured choli paired with a neon ghagra is a perfect pick for wedding ceremonies. One can opt for a silk choli and team it with an embroidered
neon-coloured ghagra. This will definitely make you stand out in the crowd.
Flowy block-printed 'lehenga'
A block-printed lehenga is the finest piece of clothing you can own for any wedding-related event. Contrasting crop tops with a pleated skirt is another amazing option for young brides or bridesmaids. Be it dark, deep, light, pastel or coral, you won't fall short of options. Pair them with maang tikaas or a traditional choker necklace to complete the look.
Banarasi touch
Banarasi lehengas, embellished with intricate zari work or delicate embroidery, spells opulence. Ravishing Banarsi silk lehengas are all-time classics. A Banarasi silk lehenga-choli is an essential take away during wedding ceremonies. If you wish to go bold and loud, you can choose a heavy kundan set studded with gemstones; it will add required bling to your attire.
Designers are now experimenting with varied colour palettes, contemporary silhouettes, and modern lines. Colours ranging from pastels and neons have made a statement this season. Powder blue, mint green, tea pinks, soft peaches, maroon, nude, salmon, royal blue and sea green pastels are a rage. So go on and experiment to look stunning on your big day.
(The author is founder & creative head, AKS)