Weddings nowadays aren’t just about highlighting the décor at the venue or having the most delicious food but also the aura of the clothing and latest silhouettes carried by all is explored. The wedding ensembles showcase the hard work, talent and craftmanship of thousands of artisans behind the beautiful artefact. India has a diverse and rich culture. Selected outfits reflect traditions and beliefs. The fusion of Indian and western culture is clearly visible in the outfits worn by people at their weddings. The upcoming wedding season expands the grandeur and versatility of the oeuvre.
Everyone wishes to look impressive and appealing on D-day. The brides, bridesmaids, grooms, groomsmen and last but the least ladkiwale-ladkewale explore the designers they will choose for their wedding functions well in advance. Currently, not just celebrities are a source of inspiration but also fashion influencers who ace the spirit of style and trend. Influencers/ Celebrities shows a way to think and ponder upon the options to wear.
Wedding couture has extensively grown over the years. Outfits are either purchased from bridal couture stores or famous fashion designers; stitched from scratch by local tailors. The love for dark red shades doesn’t end, however, neutral and pastels are also preferred for occasions. Lighter tones like lime, pista green, cyan, lavender, and fuschia pink can be opted for spring or summer weddings and darker tints of mauve, olive, emerald, burgundy, and wine can be opted for winter weddings. Lehnga, sharara, navari saree, kanjivaram saree, gown and so on are selected keeping in mind the comfort and elegance.
The year 2022, gives humongous sketches of how to create and combine comfort with grace and refinement. Clothing that provides the best silhouette is favoured. Every body type and shape has distinguished apparel to highlight the features. A floral work ensemble appears flawless and impeccable. Generally, in India, fabrics like chiffon, organza, satin, crepe, brocade, georgette, silk, taffeta, velvet to name a few are picked. Brides and bridesmaids either pick traditional or indo-western or both for the events.
Chikankari, Zardosi, Aari, Gota, Kantha, Phulkari are popular embroideries for wedding occasions. Outfits that are lightweight and easier to carry can be opted. They seem to be tons of weight but actually, they are on edge and relaxing. Wearing sneakers became quite popular. Frivolous yet flowy skirts became an option for many people. Sleeves and necklines for the blouse or choli or crop top play a significant role to appear ravishing and gorgeous. This season, bell sleeves, off-shoulders, ruffles, puff sleeves, square neckline and plunging neckline were worn.
Pairing a white shirt with a heavily embroidered skirt is an easy, affordable and eye-catching dress for minor functions of a wedding. Wearing palazzos or flared pants either with crop top and cape or short kurta with beautiful pair of statement earrings or chandbalis respectively completes a stunning ensemble for the occasion. Usage of capes over the crop tops, sarees, Anarkali, angrakhas was noticed in the wedding seasons. After all, fashion is a lot about reuse and reprocess.
Meters long veil and a pleated dupatta made the bride look exquisite, charming and defined. Getting mantras inscribed on the dupatta was another cherry on the top. Accessorising the outfit with potli bags, belts, belt bags, capes flatter the looks. Wearing saree with coat and belt in winters made the outfit warm yet stylish. Ruffle sarees were worn to grace the occasions. Sequin saree was the show stopper for the entire year. From gowns till lehngas none was left from the craze of sequin work.
Jewellery, hairstyle and makeup complete the perfect wedding look. Contrasting shades of kundan stone chokers and neckpieces outshine the look. Mangtikkas, passa, chandbali polish the appearance. Gold and green coloured kundan and polki set never fail to match the attire. Statement jewellery enhances and smoothen the guise. Nude makeup with bold lip colour contributes to the look. Dewy makeup is also favoured these times. Eyes reflect the personality making eye makeup more intense and dramatic. Smokey eyes, glittery eyes can be chosen for various other functions. Open hair with flowers or tiara stuck in them or a tight bun with gajra or high ponytail are some of the picks to complement the wedding looks.
The writer is founder of a multi-designer outlet ITSOM.