JOIN USWalk down the aisle in style
Is your D-day just around the corner? Bogged down by the weight of your lehenga as well as people’s expectations of you? While all brides and bridegrooms-to-be look forward to owning the ‘day’ that truly belong to them, weddings are synonymous with stress, mayhem and most importantly, the pressure to look good.
However, by keeping certain tips in mind, you can get the perfect look while staying calm and composed at the same time. Fashion and jewellery designers, who showcased the best of wedding trends at the recently-held Vogue Wedding Show in Delhi, speak about what is in and out in the world of weddings.
According to Anita Dongre, one of the most popular designers in India, brides must follow their heart and wear something that compliments their personality. “This season is all about embracing the rich Indian cultural heritage in the form of gorgeous Benarasi saris and lehengas. Opt for these in elegant silks replete with timeless Mughal motifs in a vibrant summer palette. The silhouettes can range from classic to contemporary with traditional Indian textiles adding to the charm of the bridal ensemble. Brides can also experiment with different sari and dupatta drapes to give it their own personal touch. Apart from the traditional reds and pinks, fresh and vibrant hues of green, blue and ivory are some lovely colours to try this season,” she says. “For smaller functions like the sangeet, pick a bright-hued lehenga skirt paired with an embellished crop top and for the cocktail, go for an intricately embroidered gown.”
When the brides have so much to choose from, why should the grooms lag behind? Popular designer Gaurav Gupta, who showcased his ‘Timeless Collection’ at the show, says men can’t go wrong with a smart, well-tailored navy or black tuxedo for the cocktail or reception. “Add an extra edge to the look with fun bow-ties!”
Though the classic cream and beige remain a timeless favourite, men are also opting for bright hues for wedding wear, feels Anita. “Menswear is typically more structured, and it should be a well-tailored garment. The right kind of shoes always helps elevate the look. If you want to experiment with new colours and silhouettes, always ensure that it is tailored to perfection and doesn’t feel uncomfortable in any way,” she advises.
But first things first — the comfort is a must. “Make comfort your top priority and pick something that flatters your body type. I would recommend shorter girls to stick to one colour and minimal draping since that helps accentuate the height, while taller girls can experiment with different kinds of drapes as well as an amalgamation of colours in a single look,” says Anita. “Keep jewellery and makeup minimal. Less is more when it comes to accessorising, especially with jewellery, so stick to one statement piece; be it a pair of gorgeous Jadau earrings or a timeless necklace.”
Apprehensive about the costs? Designers suggest that you go for light-weight bridal outfits that can be reused in the future. “Go for separates so that they can be mixed and matched to create looks that go beyond a wedding function. Pairing different jewellery with outfits can also create looks that can be worn at future events. This way, the outfit is versatile enough to be worn on numerous other occasions, and not get stashed away after one use,” says Anita. “A lot of brides end up buying gowns from us with a lot of cancan and drama at the bottom, or an empire line flared gown. We offer to remove the can-can or flare after the wedding and make it less dramatic for use at someone else’s cocktail or reception or even a big party,” says Gaurav.
Ultimately, it’s all about striking a balance between comfort and style. As Gaurav says, “The idea is to be comfortable and not just follow trends — it’s all about wearing your personality.”
All that glitters…
Choosing the right jewellery for your wedding is no child’s play. Devashish Kamdar, founder, Occasions Fine Jewellery, feels that the right jewellery not only makes you strike the perfect style statement but is also a good investment. “Brides these days tend to select their clothes first and then jewellery. However, in the olden days, it used to be the other way around, which works better. There are times where brides choose to go for heavier lehengas and minimal jewellery which might not be the best combination.”
Yash Agarwal, the spokesperson from the popular jewellery brand Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, feels that pieces like maang tikkas, naths, necklaces, earrings, bangles, bajubandhs, hathphools, kamarbandhs and anklets are among the must-haves. “The grooms should adorn themselves for their big day in a kilangi or a traditional sarpech. They can also complete their look by accessorising their attire with a kantha, gem buttons, a brooch or a pocket watch.” In the end, it’s all about matching your metal with your wedding dress. “Play with colours and stones to buy contrasting jewellery to your outfit,” he sums up.
For guests only
Considering the innumerable functions associated with weddings in India like mehendi, sangeet and cocktail party, sometimes, the guests too are left pondering over what to wear. “Keeping in mind the colour palette that the couple has picked for their wedding functions, for the mehendi, opt for tulle skirts paired with a wrap top or layer a crop top with an embroidered jacket,” advises Anita Dongre.
While Gaurav Gupta says, “Since mehendi functions happen during the day, the outfits should be kept easy and fun. Guests can opt for flowy silhouettes on feather-light fabrics or a fun pantsuit in soft shades of ecru or beige that would make a statement. For a dressier Indian look, elegant multi-layered skirts or unconventional sari lehengas in pastel colours with beautiful hand embroidery are also great.”