Indian celebrity weddings are not just ceremonies; they are larger-than-life spectacles that capture the imagination of millions. With their fusion of opulence, culture, and personal flair, these weddings have become the epitome of what it means to celebrate love in the grandest way possible. From the glittering couture to the luxurious venues and the timeless rituals that span centuries, these events set new standards for elegance and extravagance. Every detail, meticulously curated, creates a fairy-tale experience that lingers long after the celebrations end.
Here, Khush explores the key elements that made nine of the most iconic Indian celebrity weddings unforgettable—each one a hymn to the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, style and substance.
Deepika Padukone’s bold matte makeup look
Today, when bridal beauty is often defined by glowing, dewy skin, Deepika Padukone opted for something truly unexpected. On her wedding day, the star chose a matte makeup finish that beautifully complemented her striking Kanjeevaram sari. Instead of the typical glossy sheen seen on most brides, Deepika’s matte look was a refreshing shift, allowing her natural beauty and sharp features to take the spotlight.
Created by makeup artist Sandhya Shekar, the star’s deep kohl-rimmed eyes, subtle contouring, and velvety matte lipstick were not only timeless but also perfectly aligned with the traditional yet regal aesthetic of her South Indian and Sindhi wedding ceremonies. By embracing this matte makeup look, Deepika made a bold statement that simplicity, when done right, can be more captivating than any trend.
Anushka Sharma’s pastel bridal revolution
Anushka Sharma’s wedding to cricket sensation Virat Kohli was a moment that redefined Indian bridal fashion. The actress stunned in a pastel pink Sabyasachi lehenga, adorned with delicate floral motifs hand-embroidered in silk threads. Up until this wedding, Indian brides were often associated with rich reds and maroons. However, Anushka’s choice of a soft, romantic pastel hue not only stood out but also set off a nationwide trend.
The delicate pink tones, coupled with minimalistic jewellery and natural makeup, created an ethereal, timeless look that resonated with countless brides-to-be. Her bridal ensemble became iconic overnight, symbolising a shift towards subtlety, sophistication, and understated elegance. The choice of pastels also brought forth a more contemporary and softer side of Indian bridal couture, paving the way for countless brides who wished to embrace a lighter palette.
Priyanka Chopra’s rare and bespoke Ralph Lauren gown
Priyanka Chopra’s wedding to Nick Jonas was nothing short of a global spectacle, merging Bollywood grandeur with Hollywood elegance. But what truly set their nuptials apart was the fact that Ralph Lauren himself designed Priyanka’s wedding gown; a rare honour, considering the designer had previously crafted wedding dresses only for his family members. The gown, a breathtaking creation with a dramatic 75-foot veil, was the epitome of romance.
What made it even more special was the personal touch Ralph Lauren brought to it; the dress featured hand-stitched words chosen by the couple, including phrases like “Hope” and “Compassion”. This custom creation was a tribute to their unique love story, symbolising the union of two cultures, while embodying timeless sophistication. The gesture was a hymn to Priyanka’s influence in the fashion world, making her one of the few brides to wear a bespoke Ralph Lauren creation on her wedding day.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s traditional look with a vintage spin
Known for her bold fashion choices, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s wedding was a masterclass in honouring tradition, while making a statement. Instead of opting for the usual couture designers, Sonam chose a red lehenga by textile revivalist Anuradha Vakil, celebrating India’s rich heritage. It was crafted in Madhya Pradesh in India using a special silk and gold yarn, before being assembled at the designer’s studio in Ahmedabad. The intricately embroidered lehenga was complemented by vintage-inspired jewellery that included a guttapusalu necklace, a traditional multi-stranded matha patti, and a symbolic red chooda paired with an ornate haath phool.
Her decision to wear an ensemble that paid homage to India’s textile traditions, rather than following the latest trends, was an ode to her love for sustainable and meaningful fashion. This vintage, handcrafted look not only made her stand out but also set a precedent for brides who wish to embrace heritage over hype.
Isha Ambani’s ode to maternal bond
When it comes to grandeur, few can surpass the scale of Isha Ambani’s wedding celebrations to Anand Piramal. But what made her wedding truly stand out was not just the opulence but the deeply personal elements woven into her bridal attire. Isha wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga that was nothing short of a masterpiece. The 16-panelled ghagra in shades of off-white was intricately hand-embroidered with Mughal jaalis, floral motifs, and exquisite zardozi, vasli, mukaish, and nakshi work. Each panel was a testament to fine craftsmanship, embodying the designers’ signature style.
However, the most sentimental element was Isha’s decision to incorporate her mother Nita Ambani’s wedding red bandhini sari as a dupatta, symbolising the bond between mother and daughter. The sari was reimagined with zardozi borders, blending the old with the new. This thoughtful tribute was a beautiful way to carry her mother’s blessings on her special day. The groom complemented her in an ivory sherwani, making their coordinated look the epitome of elegance and tradition.
Alia Bhatt’s ethereal ivory sari
When it comes to Bollywood weddings, grandeur is often the norm. However, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt decided to do things differently. The couple chose to marry at their home in an intimate ceremony attended only by close family and friends, breaking away from the glitz and glamour associated with celebrity weddings. The understated elegance of their wedding was reflected in their choice of attire—both donned ivory outfits that exuded timeless charm. Alia’s minimalistic Sabyasachi sari, paired with natural makeup and loose hair, was a celebration of simplicity.
The decision to keep the wedding private left the media and fans in a frenzy, as everyone anticipated a larger-than-life Bollywood affair. Adding to the unique charm of their story, Alia shot a wedding scene for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani within a week after her own wedding, showcasing her dedication to her craft. This blend of real and reel-life weddings added an extra layer of depth to their love story.
Anushka Ranjan’s quintessential modern lehenga
When Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal tied the knot, they not only marked the beginning of a new journey together but also set the internet abuzz with their trendsetting wedding ensembles. Choosing to break away from the traditional bridal palette of rich reds and maroons, Anushka opted for a stunning lilac lehenga by Manish Malhotra; an unconventional yet utterly chic colour that epitomised her modern, fashion-forward sensibilities. The skirt was paired with a heavily embroidered blouse featuring quarter-length sleeves.
Her jewellery was carefully chosen to complement her soft lilac ensemble. She adorned herself with a striking silver choker that rested gracefully around her neck, paired with matching dangler earrings and a delicate maang tika. Anushka chose a smoky silver eye shadow to highlight her expressive eyes, a sharp contour to accentuate her cheekbones and a nude lip colour that perfectly balanced her vibrant outfit. As for the groom, Aditya perfectly complemented Anushka’s modern bridal look with his own unique take on traditional attire. Aditya opted for a cream embroidered kurta that was paired with a classic dhoti—an unconventional yet refreshing choice for a groom.
Lin Laishram’s celebration of handloom elegance
Randeep Hooda’s wedding to Lin Laishram in November 2023 was a masterclass in celebrating traditional Indian craftsmanship, with her impeccable sense of style and dedication to her Manipuri roots taking centre stage. For the wedding ceremony, Lin made a bold and beautiful statement in a traditional Manipuri outfit. She wore a rich deep red and green ensemble, featuring a beautifully structured skirt adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant fabrics that celebrated the essence of her homeland. The attire was handcrafted with traditional ‘inaphi’ and ‘phige phanek’ elements, creating an ensemble that was both breathtaking and steeped in cultural symbolism.
To complement her rich attire, Lin adorned herself with traditional Manipuri jewellery, enhancing her look with layered necklaces, detailed earrings, bangles, and an intricately designed headpiece. Her bridal look was completed with a touch of glam—her makeup was both modern and classic, featuring shimmery eyelids, dramatic mascara and contoured cheeks. The deep red matte lip colour was the perfect finishing touch, adding a bold and sophisticated flair to her overall appearance. Randeep on the other hand opted for a pristine all-white ensemble; he wore a full-sleeved handloom kurta paired with a dhoti-like bottom, designed by Wangkhei Phee Mantri. To complete his look, Randeep added striking gold and white headgear, enhancing his traditional attire with a touch of regal elegance.
Yami Gautam’s heirloom sari and DIY makeup
Yami Gautam’s wedding to Aditya Dhar was the epitome of understated elegance. The actress chose to honour her family’s legacy through her wedding attire, bringing together elements that held sentimental value and cultural significance. For her intimate wedding ceremony, Yami wore a treasured piece of family history; a vintage silk sari that belonged to her mother and dates back over 33 years. This exquisite maroon-red sari was beautifully adorned with intricate gold zari craftsmanship, making it an elegant yet deeply personal choice for her big day. Yami’s look was further elevated with a dupatta that held a special place in her heart; it was sent by her maternal grandmother, who was unable to attend the wedding. Draping the dupatta over her head symbolised not just tradition but also her grandmother’s love and blessings, making her bridal ensemble even more meaningful.
The actress’s choice of jewellery was equally significant, focusing on heirloom pieces that reflected her Pahaadi roots. Her bridal look was anchored by a striking gold choker, which was complemented by a classic maang tikka. However, the centrepiece of her bridal jewellery was the traditional Himachali nath, a signature piece in Pahaadi culture. This nose ring was a precious gift from her grandmother, adding yet another layer of emotional value to her ensemble. In a departure from the usual trend of hiring a professional glam squad, Yami chose to do her own makeup for her special day. Additionally, her hair was styled into a classic, neat bun by her sister, Surilie Gautam, adding a personal touch to her bridal preparations.
Indian celebrity weddings have evolved over the years, with each one contributing unique elements that set new benchmarks for the industry. These weddings have become iconic not just because of their scale but also due to the thoughtful details that reflect the personalities of the couples. The wedding elements—the couture, the rituals, the venues, and the emotional moments—combine to create celebrations that are as memorable as the love stories they celebrate.
