What to wear for your wedding

What to wear is a question that plagues most of us before a party. And when the event in question is your wedding, no amount of variety, shopping trips and advice is enough.

With all the focus on the bride, it’s equally imperative for the bridesmaids to also look for that perfect Indian dress to wear for the wedding. Whether you are a sister or a BFF, your role as the bridesmaid is not to be underestimated. While largely tradition bound, sthe wedding outfits are also an indication of the larger fashion trends. I feel the world is getting seamless, borderless — hence, it is important that the ensembles have a world appeal in hues, silhouettes and embellishments and are not restricted to the Indian ethos only.

The Indian saree design is of course the quintessence of elegance. Pick a sari that makes an impact. Select chiffon instead of the heavy silks – they drape well and you can show off that great figure you’ve worked so hard to maintain. Quite a few of the Indian designers have sensual collection of sarees that are apt for bridesmaids.

The voluminous lehengas are better left for the brides. You definitely don’t want to steal her limelight – it’s her day after all. But if you do want to wear a lehenga opt for the more fitted and structured ones.

A kurta is a great choice for those of us who think that a sari or a lehenga is too much to handle. If you do not want to be straddled in yards and yards of heavy fabrics opt for structured kurtas teamed with palazzos. Avoid the anarkali – they have been done to death and are so not in trend. Instead go for the floor length kurtas that are structured yet not fitted.

It may not be a bad idea to run your outfit by the bride and the other bridesmaids. This will ensure there are no clashes when it comes to colour and (god forbid) nobody is wearing the same outfit! Select the silhouette depending upon the function you plan to wear it for. I believe that the ensemble should complement the wearer and not overpower her. I believe in making a distinct personality statement rather than just a statement in style.