A Trousseau Guide for the Rajasthan Bride

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear wedding bells, is a beautiful bride in her best bridal attire and finery. While the bride is the cynosure of all eyes, the bridal trousseau also shouts for attention in all weddings.

Bridal trousseau or the bride’s luggage bag consists of all the varied essentials that the bride would love to flaunt right from the moment she embarks on her marital journey and moves in her new home. With changing times, the bridal trousseau has undergone a constant evolution. Unlike earlier times, when it was a single suitcase, today it is defined as different luggage bags containing bridal ensembles, high fashion stuff, elegant saris, ethnic wear, accessories, bags and clutches, luxe jewellery, embellishments, footwear, hair and makeup care, personal care and other important items.

If you are a new-age Marwari bride looking for a fashion and style guide on the latest trousseau trends, we have got your back. Here’s a sneak peek into what these renowned jewellery and fashion brands have on offer.

Straight out of the Bridal Trousseau

Think Timeless Jewellery

Ishu Datwani and Trisha Datwani Anand, of Anmol Jewellers, recommend timeless jewellery trends for the bride. “The Rajasthani bridal jewellery trend is about timeless, royalty-inspired pieces that capture tradition and culture. Rajasthani culture is considered to be one of the most extravagant. Being a former kingdom, Rajasthan has a rich and robust history and this is reflected in its age-old customs and traditional wear. Hence their bridal jewellery is synonymous with royalty. Rajasthani bridal jewellery styles, particularly kundan, polki and meenakari are in trend, and highly sought-after by brides from other States as well,” they elaborate.

Talking about heirloom pieces, Ishu states, “Heirloom pieces have their significance. A borla, choker, raani-haar, haathphool and nath are must-have heirloom pieces for the bride. They represent the regal heritage and legacy of Rajasthani culture.”

According to Trisha, “The traditional bridal look will always be in trend. When it comes to weddings, brides still prefer a quintessential traditional bridal look. A bride can coordinate her bridal jewellery in such a way that it complements or contrasts the colours and patterns of her bridal attire.”

Go Classic and Contemporary

There are infinite things to consider while exploring the world of jewellery for significant and impressive pieces, advocates Suraj Popley of Popley Eternal. If taking home classics or contemporary pieces makes your heart skip a beat, here are some suggestions for alluring bijouterie.

Bridal gold choker: Find your true tradition with a charming choker that sits like a crown on your neck. Crafted with kundan, pastel green enamel, khakis pearl, and Russian emerald, this will surely make your heart skip a beat.

Blue enamel necklace set: Decorate yourself in tradition, royalty, and ubiquitous panache with a beautiful set from the meenakari collection. Adorn this sky-blue enamel necklace with complementing hath phool and matha patti.

Nikita Dutta flaunting her maangteeka by Anayah Jewellery

A Riot of Colours and Motifs

Bridal trends are ever evolving in 2022. How can the Marwari bride be an exception to this fresh wave of change? Pink City by Sarika has a few recommendations. “Taking the kesar colour for the bhaat ceremony and giving it a spin by infusing it in a modern silhouette is the go-to choice for the breezy summer bride. Mehendi calls for a pink hotter than the tropics, just like tradition demands, in a carefully handcrafted lehenga with delicate dori work and modern motifs. This ensures that the bride stands pretty channeling her inner enchanted princess vibe.”

Vvani’s magnum opus collection inspired by spring flowers and shades of bright yellows, pinks, and purples, paves the path for every bride and her bridesmaids’ colourful journey. “It is a celebration of an auspicious journey, where each colour is brighter, every embellishment is startling, and all ensembles are handcrafted to perfection. It represents the lively spirit of each occasion and celebration that leads to the ‘big day’ for a bride as well as her bridesmaids,” says designer Vvani Vats. She features an array of voluminous lehengas, elegant saris, gorgeous ghararas and state-of-the-art kurta sets handcrafted to perfection and customised to celebrate each woman’s journey and spirit.

The Contemporary Bride

“Lehenga choli is a popular trousseau pick for a Rajasthani bride. Traditionally, red is the colour of choice but contemporary brides are pushing the envelope and embracing more colours and different shades and tones. The colour palette differs from bride to bride, from soft pastels to deep dazzling hues. Intricate yet sublime threadwork and embellishments are also slowly becoming more popular among all brides, per se,” suggests designer Ridhi Mehra.

Conventionally, the preferred fabrics for lehenga are net, raw silk, soft silk and satin. However, with changing times rich new-age fabrics like organza and chiffon are becoming quite the bridal favourites. “Apart from the lehenga fervour, brides today are also seen experimenting and widening their options with contemporary pre-draped saris, classic heavy work saris and anarkali-style silhouettes to name a few,” adds the designer.

Gulabo Jaipur’s Satrangi collection is a colourful and eclectic choice with a combination of the warmth of colours and freshness of prints. The comfortable and graceful Ruqaiya sharara set is an absolute must-have here. Made from cotton silk, these silhouettes are paired with doriya dupattas and enhanced with lacework detailing. It represents a connection with the festivities deeply rooted within us. From the warmth of the reds, yellows and greens to the intricate embroidery, it weaves multiple colour stories with elegant silhouettes keeping the modern Indian woman in mind.

Handcrafted outfits with modern motifs by Pink City

Glistening Wedding Companions

Bespoke brand Aanchal Sayal throws light on blingy accessories that form an essential part of the trousseau. “Bridal trousseau is incomplete without these shining or glistening wedding companions. A stunning potli bag is just enough to throw in the keys, some makeup and your phone-a-friend! These stunning pearly bags are a true testament to being a bride in style. Great to match multiple outfits in any colour, these muted looking potli bags will surely have all eyes on you,” suggests Aanchal. She further says, “Keep things bold and absolutely spot on with a pair of lovely heels. Chunky, comfy and an absolute go-to for any event, they will surely elevate your look. Get pieces that travel day to night with comfort and class as the ‘sole’ criteria,” she concludes.