Weddings are one of those rare, momentous occasions in life, so it only makes sense that you opt for a wedding lehenga that is equally memorable and special. And after two years of delays due to the pandemic, this year marks an exciting wedding renaissance. While there are those who may tread the traditional route of tried-and-tested wedding garb, the modern bride is all about mixing convention with contemporary inventions and adding a personal touch to her bridal wardrobe.
What really defines the modern bride is her willingness to experiment and choose outfits that resonate with her personality. “For us, the modern bride is fearless in experimenting and playing with her personality; strong enough to carry a never-seen-before look and positively spark a trend with the exquisite couture created for her,” says the designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock.
For brides-to-be on the hunt for a contemporary wedding wardrobe, chances are you will want a set of outfits that feel on-trend and in touch with your sensibilities. To help ease your search, scroll ahead for the bridalwear trends top designers are seeing this season:
High on glamour
“With weddings becoming an intimate affair, brides are now willing to splurge on their outfits and want something even more exquisite and grand. They have also gotten experimental in terms of silhouettes and colours. What was off the charts earlier is now being experimented with and embraced,” say Falguni and Shane Peacock. The view is seconded by couturiers Shantnu and Nikhil Mehra: “This season about more is more and extravagant is back. We’re investing in opulent pieces which cater to the fierce S&N bride.”
Lighter tones
While the traditional embroidery-heavy red wedding lehenga has been the praxis, it isn’t a one-size fits all fantasy. “Many brides are diverting from the typical ‘red’ colour palette, so as to keep their pieces relevant for other events in the future,” says Rahul Mishra. Take your cues from recent celebrity brides such as Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif, who chose to tie the knot in ivory with light gold embroidery. “Champagne golds and silvers are the most-coveted hues this year. We are also seeing a surge in metallic and pastels,” say Falguni and Shane Peacock.
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The corseted gown takes centerstage
With the rise in both destination and multicultural weddings, the gown has become a popular option for brides. “We have seen a change in the way weddings and events happen now, the bride and groom like to host gala dinners, cocktails and keep the wedding day intimate. For our latest collection, the mood board was blues for starry nights and cocktail colours like sapphire, reds, and emeralds that are fitting for such occasions,” say Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Brides are also re-inventing gowns. Take for instance, Kourtney Kardashian's corseted Dolce & Gabbana mini dress with a dramatic long veil and Shibani Dandekar’s contemporary mermaid-silhouette lehenga-gown a corset-style blouse. “Lately, corsets are being re-imagined and we’ve recently launched our collection Gaze, which is our take on the trend. The corset sarees are fusion with contemporary details like sequins, crystals and leather appliqués,” Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra tell Vogue.
Sculptural volume
“Brides now are excited to wear detachable bustles on fitted gowns to add exaggerated volume while also having the option to take them off, to be able to party all night long. It’s all about volume, you can go as grand as you want,” recommends surrealist designer Gaurav Gupta, whose lehengas and gowns feature artful multitudinous lines.
“We have always designed clothes, bridal or otherwise, that enable mobility, movement and comfort. For instance, we don’t use under layers to add unnecessary weight and volume to our pieces but instead focus on how the crafted textile can itself create the grandeur of a volume. So, it has a lot to do with the fabric engineering that adds volume without adding any artificial under layers. Our seemingly futuristic designs are all hand-made, from the word go. We want our bridal looks to have a lightweight, almost ethereal appeal, and yet have the grandeur brides would want,” says Amit Aggarwal.
A new mindset
When we think of bridalwear, embroidery-heavy lehengas and sarees immediately come to mind. However, one could argue that a wear-once wedding lehenga is one of the most unsustainable purchases you can make. Luckily, designers such as Amit Aggarwal and Rahul Mishra are bringing sustainability to the bridal bracket. “Our Am.IT line has worked extensively with vintage and heritage metals and materials that no longer served their original purpose. We have adapted and interpreted these beautiful heritage materials into a new world, with modern sensibilities. The intention is to ensure sustainability doesn’t just end in picking up trash and fashioning it into something luxurious. We focus on streamlining the end-to-end process through the filter of sustainability. So, when brides wear our clothes, they might not have the time to know the intricacies of these materials but I’d like to believe they can feel it in their bones when they wear it, they can perceive the conscious history of the fabric and the detailed craftsmanship that has gone into it,” reveals Amit Aggarwal.
Also behind this phenomenon is a growing desire to re-wear bridal attire beyond the big day. “Our society is opening its horizons to different design sensibilities. Especially after the pandemic, brides are more conscious about the clothing they are investing in and are looking to buy pieces that are versatile and can be worn multiple times. They might pick a jacket with the lehenga, and drop the dupatta for an ‘after-party’ look and later style that jacket with a trouser,” says couturier Rahul Mishra.
Also read:
Summer brides report: How to build the perfect wedding wardrobe for the classic bride
Summer brides report: What to wear to a destination wedding in 2022
