On the trousseau trail

MATCH FIXED!

If you want to make a personal style statement on your wedding day, the obvious choice is to splurge on clothes. Shine Teresa, chief designer, Kanate Originals, says: “If you have a fabulous figure, then sexy, slinky silhouettes are ideal, but for those who loved the fitted and fabulous gowns from the movie Gone with the Wind, those are in too; ballroom gowns are back, squishing you into shape and giving you a fabulous cleavage.”
Deepika Govind, popular designer, says the predominant colour palette is in shades of rose and off-white.

“Huge volume or flare in the lehengas testifies that tradition is going strong. The motifs are elegant and delicate, crafted in antique hues. Embroidery is seeing the use of antique material (zari, sequins, zardosi, etc) and threadwork. Cholis are tiny, with a deep back or a backless style, tiny sleeves, interesting necklines and the two-dupatta concept is popular as is vintage lace,” she observes.

Chiraag Dattani, who specialises in ethnic men’s wear, says: “For the big day for the bridegroom, soothing colours like ivory, gold and white with cuts like royal rajwada and Jodhpuri sherwanis — paired with churidar or dhoti — are popular. Minimal work around the chest is in, along with accessories like the traditional head gear in gold or tissue, and pearl malas around the neck. The key is less embroidery and more accessories.”

Sparkle and shine

Undoubtedly, the best part of trousseau shopping is jewellery buying. Changing times, tastes, globalisation and extreme economic scenarios have all influenced the modern bride’s choice of jewellery.

“Today’s bride has the same love and passion for jewellery that her mom and grandmom had, but she does not like stashing away her jewellery in a bank vault. Diamond jewellery with bespoke designs rule the day. And, this has led to the popularity of use of both precious and semi-precious stones in wedding jewellery. What matters is jewellery that has struck the perfect balance between the trendy and the traditional,” says Shehzad Zaveri, MD, Minawala.

“Jewellery styles even in South India have become more elaborate — bigger pieces are now welcomed and we see more colours in gemstones,” says C Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director, C Krishniah Chetty & Sons.

Sirish Chandrashekar, Senior Manager  (Marketing), Tanishq, says: “Jewellery for the muhurat ceremony is likely to be a family heirloom — jadau, nakashi, uncut diamonds, precious coloured stones like rubies and emeralds. If not, then antique jewellery — gold with a burnished look is the current trend. This goes well with the zari and zardosi work on most Indian wedding clothes.”

Bring on the add-ons

Weddings are not just about clothes and jewellery. There are a host of ancillary issues that are part of the wedding jamboree. Fraxel, botox, tooth whitening, microdermabrasion and hair reduction are some of the top treatments being done on brides-to-be.

Dr Pritam Pankaj, senior cosmetic laser surgeon, New Look Cosmetic Skin Laser Centre, New Delhi, says: “More young  women than ever before are choosing cosmetic surgery to look their best on their wedding day.”

Return gifts are a big part of the shopping. Tanmay Ayare, who got married in March this year, says: “At my wedding, we gave a pair of floating candles with personalised messages to close family members and friends and were happy to see their pleased reaction.”

Jenny Haokip, make-up specialist, Lord & Berry, says: “Brides come to us for their make up, demanding a bright look;  they want a bright shade of eye shadow and lipstick and dark kajal, but it depends on their complexion and skin.”

She says elaborate bridal make-up packages can cost anything between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000.

Hot trends

Trousseau shopping is fun all the way. Trendy sarees — not  kanjeevarams or heavy silk sarees — are in great demand. Apart from shopping for the main ceremony, buying for other occasions is fun.

“It’s also important to shop for good inner wear that fits well. Attention must be paid to funky accessories too,” says Krupa Sumanth, Founder, Impressionz.

In fact, the concept of splurging for a wedding is catching up big time with several special exhibitions and fairs being organised solely for wedding shoppers.

Trousseau Trails at UB City in Bangalore features a bridal fashion show with brands like Kimaya, Minawala, Paul Smith, Canali, Etro and Estee Lauder showcasing their best in trousseau collections.

From gifting and packaging to mehendi and cake-tasting sessions, this festival promises to be a one-stop destination.

Divya and Vithika, wedding planners, say: “We are seeing people move away from traditional wedding cards. They prefer to get the invitations custom- designed to incorporate their personal style. Whether  it is water colours or Tanjore paintings, the aim is to get a one-of-its-kind invitation.”

‘Wedding Special’ collections are being launched by leading designer wear brands. Italy’s luxury menswear brand Canali has recently launched their Nawab collection, inspired by the rich, sophisticated history of the maharajas’ era.

List it to remember it!

The best way to start shopping is make to make a detailed list of things you need. The list should include the most minute need of shopping, including where to get the outfits tailored. Given how important it is to have a wedding budget and organised planning for wedding shopping, we are always surprised to see how this rule is ignored by most Indian families in the excitement to get everything up and running.

Before you buy your outfits for the wedding and reception, make sure you know the colour scheme for the event to ensure you don’t become a part of the decor! It is also important that the couple is colour-coordinated in their outfits.

You need to be comfortable in what you are wearing. Wear what suits you; don’t become a fashion victim.

Lakshmi Rammohan, Partner, Dreamweaver Weddings, says: “Wait until three months before the wedding to start shopping for the important outfits, especially if you are fashion conscious, as trends tend to change every three months or so and new stocks become available. Take into account weight loss or gain. Go for certain classics with timeless appeal.”

Every bride leaves footwear to the last minute — bad idea! Buy a couple of pairs  that go with most of your new clothes. Get footwear with tastefully-done gold and silver work and some bling. Break-in your wedding pair well in advance to avoid discomfort on the big day.

Having decreed all this and more, the big fat Indian wedding just got bigger and fatter. Join the fun!