First comes the proposal, then comes the planning. Among the vast and diverse to-do list to execute that dream walk down the aisle, curating the bridal trousseau is easily one of the most important and time-consuming aspects. Whether you are a bride who knows exactly what kind of outfit you want down to the minutest detail, you have never thought about your purchase or you are indecisive about your choices, there are several elements to consider when putting your wedding wardrobe together. Then, there are other catalysts such as trends, techniques, and tones. A number of questions and doubts are likely to arise. What silhouette should be shortlisted? Are pastels still popular? What’s the 2024 low-down on the lehenga? What are timeless craftsmanship techniques? What fabrics are apt for a destination wedding? Is the season and time of the year important? Does the wedding venue and décor need to be considered?
Of course, finding heirloom-worthy pieces is no mean feat. You will want outfits that are flattering for your skin tone and body type, and you’d definitely want your personality to shine though. After all, there’s also so much emotion attached to the bridal trousseau. Not to mention, you might be looking for multiple outfits—ensembles for the pre-wedding celebrations, the wedding outfit and post-wedding creations—making the shopping sprees even more stressful. If you’re feeling the pressure to start the process or unsure about what garment you should commit to, trust me, you’re not alone.
No matter your budget, personal style, or timeline, we got 10 of the best bridal wear designers in the country to weigh in on everything you need to know about finding the perfect bridal outfit. From designs that will never go out of style to the biggest trend for this year, they spill all the beans.
Anju Modi
Forever In Vogue
“The lehenga continues to be a favourite among brides, showcasing intricate designs, rich fabrics, and exquisite craftsmanship. While colours have evolved, with pastels like pink, blush and white gaining popularity, the classic red remains a beloved choice for many.”
Trend 2024
“Trailing veils will be the biggest trend. Brides are really into having veils for their weddings. It doesn’t matter if the veil is white, blush or another colour—what’s important is that it adds a modern touch to their traditional lehengas. Ethereal pastels will be a big trend too. Think shades like light pink, lavender and mint green that give a classy and modern look.”
Gaurav Gupta
Forever In Vogue
“I don’t believe in trends, but instead in patterns. Originality, sophistication and elegance is what I would want every bride to aspire for.”
Trend 2024
“Unusual bright colours will reign supreme and we have played with a lot of unique shades this season. Newer silhouettes like a slim lehenga and newer iterations of a sari-gown is also something brides must dabble in. Don’t shy away from playing with variations on the play of volume.”
Jade By Monica And Karishma
Forever In Vogue
“Timeless elegance will never go out of style. I mean the kind of sophistication and classicism that transcends trends, eras and captures the essence of a bride’s individuality, unique style sensibilities and grace. There’s no going wrong with classic reds and golds when it comes to a bridal lehenga,” shares Monica Shah, co-founder of Jade By Monica And Karishma.
Trend 2024
“Sustainable couture is poised to take centre stage in the coming season, where each stitch becomes a statement of conscious beauty and luxury. Jade By Monica And Karishma’s latest bridal couture highlights how trailing veils will continue to be huge in the coming months,” she goes on to add.
JJ Valaya
Forever In Vogue
“Intricate crafts and unique prints are what we are known for—both make up our strong DNA and it’s reflected in our collections. At our atelier, we don’t use too many crafts in terms of quantity. What we do is limited and fine, but it’s special and that’s what makes it special.”
Trend 2024
“A play on classic and modern will be big, like we do saris with belts or lehengas with bodysuits.”
Manish Malhotra
Forever In Vogue
“Some things like our dramatic veils and trails are two bridal trends that will never go out of style. They always add that touch of elegance and grandeur to a bride’s ensemble.”
Trend 2024
“I foresee diamond jewellery making waves, especially when paired with emeralds. Additionally, we’re seeing a shift towards softer palettes. The kind of ombré we did for Kiara Advani for her wedding is a distinctive example. Earthy palettes of greys, oysters, beige, ebony, and ivory are the hues I see making a grand statement, offering sophistication and charm. We have added a twist to his iconic blouses with fresh takes on the crisscross and infinity designs.”
Rahul Mishra
Forever In Vogue
“Time-honoured embroideries supplemented with modern embellishments such as shimmering sequins, pearls, rhinestones and meticulous beadwork will forever be in vogue. Think botanical motifs with high-octane glamour.”
Trend 2024
“Delicate florals on monotone ivory, pastel and metallic looks realised in intricate hand embroidery will be huge. Also, a play on newer iterations of classic looks such as tactile jumpsuits, capes and capelets of varying lengths. Bralettes and bustiers make for fresher, more glamorous takes on tried-and-tested blouses this season.”
Shyamal And Bhumika
Forever In Vogue
“Two timeless bridal trends stand out. Traditional bridal couture in exceptional silhouettes and colours like kalidaar lehengas, trailing head veils, fitted cholis. Brides can team them up with authentic hand-crafted embroideries and age-old crafts like aari, zardosi, marodi, peeta,” says Shyamal Shodhan. “In the spirit of true bridal couture, the brides want to go for bespoke personalised looks specially created for their big day.”
Trend 2024
“The magical Indian silhouettes in striking traditional colours, fun blouses with romantic details in the sleeves, ancient embroidery techniques, accentuated lehengas and trailing fairy-tale veils will be on every bride’s wishlist. Classic reds, mustards, bottle greens and shades of white symbolizing auspiciousness make up Shyamal & Bhumika’s latest collection.”
Suneet Varma
Forever In Vogue
“When it comes to colours, red is a shade that will never lose its lustre for bridal couture. There’s just something so striking and auspicious about the palette that will never go out of style. Gold and all its iterations, from colour to jewellery, will also retain its top status. Zardozi stitch will also forever be timeless.”
Trend 2024
“I love classic bridal wear, but with my designs, I try to keep it modern and sensual. I recommend brides to opt for sexy blouses to contemporize their look.”
Varun Bahl
Forever In Vogue
“In today’s day and age, it’s all about silhouettes that are both easygoing yet bold. We’re talking about voluminous and innovative cuts, dramatic trails, capes that sweep the floor, lehengas that trail behind, and corsets that cinch like a dream.”
Trend 2024
“It’s about telling a story with your look, infusing meaning into every thread, with conscious choices. This season is definitely a big one for statement-making details, vibrant colours that and mesmerising appliqué work, embellishments and embroideries that allow for the piece to become an heirloom in one’s wardrobe.”
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
Forever In Vogue
“Bridal fashion in India finds timeless allure in the celebration of vibrant colours, where shades like bright fuchsias and reds remain perennial favourites. The enduring charm also lies in the use of metallics like gold and silver, forever infusing bridal attire with an elegant gleam,” shares Rahul Khanna of Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna.
Trend 2024
“2023-2024 haute couture are centred around opulence and refinement. There is a notable focus on sumptuous fabrics, intricate embellishments, and soft, muted tones. This season, the voluminous and heavy lehengas have taken a backseat, making way for the trending fishtail or mermaid silhouettes and cropped bralette blouses.”
