lifestyle

Dressing Up The Modern Bride

By Rachna Virdi December 16, 2023

With the wedding season right here, MARWAR gets India’s leading bridal connoisseurs to share their bridal offerings that come with a modern twist.

Weddings in India are known for their cultural essence, grandeur and extravagance. Marwari weddings are no different, for they showcase the ultimate in swish and luxurious trends and are always the talk of the town. This especially rings true for wedding couture and bridal ensembles that elevate the wedding aesthetics.

Come wedding season and every bride-to-be is scouting for that ultimate bridal offering that will go a long way in adding to her bridal sheen and allure. After all, every eye is on the bride, and her sheer magnetism—in intricately crafted lehenga, bejewelled treasures, bridal finery and resplendent make-up—never ceases to steal the spotlight.

Each year brings new bridal trends and offerings to suit the sensibilities of the modern bride. Here, we present renowned bridal fashion labels and their newest trends.


Bride on the beach

With changing times, luxurious resort weddings are gaining popularity. To match this ambience and vibe, fashion designer Neeta Lulla presents a romantic collection called Asmi that is ideal for bridesmaids, friends and family. Poetic and elegant, the attire presented is perfect for resort weddings, as the garments blend harmoniously with natural surroundings, immersing you in the romance of pale and warm monochromatic colours or enchanting warm ombré tones.

The skirts flowing gracefully, and the tops with sensuous cuts and drapes, are adorned with exquisite embroidery, resham threads, pearls and crystals, transforming them into wearable art. Each stitch is a testament to the beauty and strength that lies within. The sharara sets come with layers of fabric cascading like waterfalls, with embroidery, capturing the enchantment of blooming flowers and majestic landscapes. The pre-stitched saris—a manifestation of the beauty of drape and structure to fit the form—drape with elegance.


For the bride tribe

For wedding soirees in India, chic Indian wear goes beautifully for the modern bride tribe. This calls for a collection that embodies the spirit of a star. To match the look, designer Nupur Kanoi presents a feminine yet sassy, confident and classy look, with an interesting mix of pop and pastel, shimmer and shine with soft glam.

The expert chooses colours that are a deliberate marriage of candy pop pinks and oranges, dainty sorbet mint and peony with midnight blue and grey, which glide from day to night just like our modernday weddings.

Her silhouettes are easy, effortless and contemporary Indian, and can be styled ingeniously as separates on exotic travels. An intricate use of thread work, mirrors, swarovski, metallic sequins, studs and pearls—all hand-embroidered with intricate playful 3D details—create an ethereal and whimsical range.


Bridal accessories & more

A dainty pair of footwear makes the modern bride shine brighter. Spanish footwear brand Lodi adds a touch of elegance with contemporary, signature designs in pumps, slingbacks, sandals, ballerinas and yutes. Harshad and Darshika Ajoomal of the House of Ajoomal offer a collection that serenades every Indian bride’s love for footwear with Spanish craftsmanship. With its legacy and timeless designs, the footwear brand has been in existence for over 40 years and has been worn by the Queen of Spain, Queen Letizia.

In an era where weddings are a celebration of joy, love, and laughter footwear designer Sonali Dalwani presents Crimzon's bridal collection that revolutionises the footwear experience and offers the perfect blend of style, elegance, and comfort. Understanding that each bride is unique, the footwear label's bridal boutique service offers a customisation section where brides-to-be can unleash their creativity and design the footwear that complement their outfit and celebrate their individuality. From intricately embellished flats to stylish wedges and stunning block heels, each pair is meticulously crafted to make every bride feel like a fashion icon. The unparalleled comfort provides a balance of style and functionality, ensuring the brides can dance the night away and celebrate themselves.

With her creative expertise, elegance and innovation, Tanushri Biyani is committed to pushing the boundaries of fashion. Her footwear brand Anaar embodies a seamless blend of fashion-forward design and ergonomic engineering, and is perfect for the runaway bride. The collection elevates sneakers, heels and platforms to artful statements, and balances style and comfort. The wedge sneaker range offers a dynamic fusion of height-enhancing elevation and laid-back sneaker comfort, catering to those who demand both style and ease.


Bags for the bride

Handbags, evening clutches and potlis are an elementary part of the bridal ensemble. An elegant bridal bag serves the purpose of keeping necessities and elevates the bridal look. Bridal designers go all out to add intricate embroidery, stonework, beads, pearls, etc. to spruce up the style game.

Bags and jewellery brand Outhouse by Kaabia Grewal offers Le Palm Resort Bridal, an ode to the modern yet audacious brides who portrays herself as a reflection of her personality. The Outhouse bride makes a statement with styling jewellery that are versatile pieces of art and conversation starters, and appreciates couture designs through wearable pieces. Coming to bags, the Crystal Furbie nano bag is a coveted addition to its repertoire. Encrusted with more than 2,000 crystals, it is the perfect carry-on for the wedding season and a gleaming addition to your bridal trousseau. The party essential awakens an unmissable gold rush to match the mood of the season.


A radiant bride

Last but not the least, in the journey to become a modern Indian bride, bridal makeup is an artful expression of style, blending tradition with contemporary elegance. Utkarsha Chowdhary, in-house beauty expert at Boddess Beauty helps to achieve a modern bridal look that turns heads. Follow her tailored tips and create a look that is uniquely you and allows you to embrace your role as the radiant, modern Indian bride with grace and confidence.

  • Start with a skincare regimen a month ahead to create the perfect canvas. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it flawlessly. Contouring and highlighting can define your features and add dimension.
  • Eyes are a focal point; use waterproof eyeliner and mascara for lasting beauty. Experiment with shimmery eyeshadows, and consider classic cat-eye or smoky eye styles.
  • Reds, corals, or pinks are timeless hues for your lips. Use a lip liner to prevent feathering and apply setting powder to control shine. A perfectly placed blush adds a natural flush to your cheeks. Conduct a makeup trial with your artist to ensure your vision is brought to life.
  • Lastly, prepare a touch-up kit with essentials like blotting papers, lipstick, and a small mirror.