With the ever-growing love and craziness for the wedding season, it’s now become as important to dress right for a close friend/ sister’s wedding as it is to put the best fashion foot forward at your own wedding. The urge to share special moments on social media or the inexplicable impact of television shows and silver screen viewings- the wedding-goers and especially the bridesmaids and groomsmen are way more conscious of their fashion choices than they ever were.
While many are of the view that the entire concept of bridesmaid and the best man originated in the West and it’s a new phenomenon in the country, some believe that this has always been rooted in the Indian culture- not necessarily by the same name.
“There has traditionally been codes for family dressing for the bridal party especially the close relatives. This is not at all a western concept. The wedding clothes are planned for months for long weeks of festivities. No country does it with such pomp and normally, it’s not over the top,” shares ace designer Ritu Kumar.
Designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, believe that it’s a fallacy to call it a new phenomenon and even though we’re now mixing the old with the new, the tradition hasn’t been forgotten. “Indian weddings have always been an absolute feast of celebration and dressing up. Friends, family and even guests have always chosen their ensembles and jewellery with great gusto. Whether it is the local tailor, or Karol Bagh, or Couture, it's always been a tableau of colour, bling and sartorial splendour.”
Narendra Kumar, who has designed for the likes of Rahul Khanna, believes that the concept has been adapted well in India and “especially since most destination weddings involve people from different backgrounds who have lived, travelled or studied abroad for some part of their lives.”
“Clothes also speak for your relationship with the members of your life. It also adds uniformity at a wedding or any other function. The outfits are a sort of non-verbal form of communication among people, they speak for your personality and sometimes your roots,” adds that designer duo Sonam and Paras Modi.
As the wedding season is upon us, News18.com got in touch with some of the best couturiers in the fashion biz to seek their advice on picks for bridesmaids and groomsmen. The designers also share tips on how to make the wedding budget friendly in terms of ensemble selection and things to keep in mind while making the final cut.
Gaurang Shah
Things to keep in mind:
The outfits should be coordinated with the bride and groom, but not exactly on the same line. They should be less ornate version of the couples taste and a reflection of their personality. One should also keep in mind comfort and movability in their outfits.
Budget-friendly tips:
If it is budget-friendly, one element can run same in their outfits instead of the whole outfit being the same. For instance, the colour can be same, or a dupatta can be same.
Trends to follow:
They should be comfortable in their outfits since they would be taking care of the bride/groom. They should extend an element that is a part of the couple.
Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla
Things to keep in mind:
They should complement the attire and occasion. Never try to outdo the couple. You won't be able to. Your outfits might be heavier, your jewellery more elaborate, but they will always shine brightest. There is no need to coordinate with them, just keep your looks fabulous and a perfect fit.
Budget-friendly tips:
Invest in ensembles which you can wear time and again. That you will never tire off and repeat either as a whole or in parts. Buy the best you can afford- quality is always King. Shop around, do your research, begin early so that you have the time to find fabrics, ensembles, accessories without going broke.
Trends to follow:
Ditch trends. Create your own fashion revolution. Experiment if that is what comes naturally. Stay classic and traditional if it's what pleases you. The only golden rule is to look and feel wonderful. This isn't a fancy dress or a costume ball. Forget the gimmicky and outrageous. It's a wedding. Do the occasion and yourself full justice.
Sonam and Paras Modi of SVA
Things to keep in mind:
Comfort wins over anything! Since wedding days can be hectic and quite tiring, apart from the fun part of it - brides and grooms are required to wear an outfit for long hours to dance and perform rituals in them! The comfort your outfit provides is the most essential part of picking the right fit for your wedding.
Budget-friendly tips:
Opt for clothing that's rich in colour but not too heavy on other aspects otherwise. Since, hand-embroidery takes long hours to get made and meticulous talent, a top-notch wedding outfit is definitely an investment, after all, it carries so many memories and is one to be treasured. For smaller functions like a sangeet or mehendi, opt for lighter options that are also budget-friendly but look immaculate on you.
Trends to follow:
For women, trends such as layering via drapes or accentuating that waistline through a corset-belt and capes are really in. For men, asymmetrical bundees and print on print are your go-to attires.
Narendra Kumar
Things to keep in mind:
Most important is to not overshadow the groom. The clothing should be a perfect backdrop allowing the couple to stand out.
Budget-friendly tips:
For a budget conscious person to make an impact at a wedding occasion; take these cues. A well-tailored garment even without embellishment will give a smarter fit and can make any ordinary garment look great. While choosing a colour, monochromatic palette looks most sophisticated and elegant.
Trends to follow:
Shorter lengths are more in trend; your sherwanis are also getting much shorter in length. Lighter pastel colours for day time occasions. Self on self-embroidery and floral prints this season is a hot idea for men.
Adarsh Makharia
Things to keep in mind:
While planning the wedding outfits for the bridesmaids and groomsmen is that the colour story of the outfits should complement each other as well as that of the bride and groom. You don’t want jarring colours as it will lead to photographs that have no harmony. They should also look at silhouettes, which are easy to wear so that they can glide through the wedding in a comfortable manner and fulfill all their bridesmaid chores without difficulty.
Budget-friendly tips:
Order their outfits from the same designer/shop, this keeps things simple and the theme and color story of the bridal outfit and can extend beautifully and that too within a budget. One can also just focus on similar accessories, like the groomsmen can wear the same pocket squares, ties or safas similar to the theme which can keep things under budget and gives fantastic results.
Trends to follow:
The trends this season embraces the natural elements with a lot of personalization, contrasting silhouettes, antifit and asymmetrical layers or capes highlighted with a tad bit of opulence and sophisticated elegance. The silhouettes can differ but should share the same hue/colour story. They could showcase their individuality but at the same time there should be a distinct similarity, which can be achieved in unique ways like wearing similar jewellery for the bridesmaids or boutonnieres for the groomsmen.
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