Weddings have become no less than grand festivals in India, redefining trends that blend tradition with luxury. If you are a bridesmaid, you play an integral role in the wedding squad—supporting the bride throughout her wedding journey and standing with her at the altar! Nonetheless, you need to pull off your best look to indulge in the pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies with style and glamour while doing your bridesmaid duties. Choosing a perfect bridesmaid look is no rocket science, say experts.

Play by your rules

As the wedding season approaches, designers roll out stunning collections that may leave any bridesmaid spoilt for choice. Gautam Gupta, Creative Director of Delhi-based fashion label Asha Gautam, explains, “Navigating a bridesmaid to find the perfect look needs considering balancing several key aspects. It begins with understanding the wedding theme—traditional or contemporary—and ensuring that the attire aligns with the vibe of the event. Colour coordination is essential, so opt for shades that complement the bridal colour palette without overshadowing the bride—pastels, jewel tones, or earthy hues. Comfort should be a priority, so lightweight and breathable fabrics are recommended to stay at ease during long hours of wear. Incorporating personal style is important, as it helps one feel radiant. We guide bridesmaids to accessorise wisely by keeping the jewellery minimal for heavily embellished lehengas and adding statement pieces to simpler outfits for a balanced and elegant look.”

Asha Gautam lehengas for bridesmaids blend heritage craftsmanship with contemporary glamour, and radiate grace and poise. “Crafted from luxurious fabrics like Banarasi silk, Kanjivaram, Paithani, and Bandhani, each lehenga is a masterpiece and celebrates India’s rich textile traditions. The ensembles feature stylised drapes, modern silhouettes and statement blouse designs, and are embellished with zardosi, French knots, dori and resham to enhance the allure of the bridesmaid and ensure they enjoy unmatched comfort throughout the celebration,” states Gupta.

Express your individual style

Bridesmaid fashion has undergone a remarkable evolution and Ranna Gill, designer and leader in contemporary Indian fashion, couldn’t agree more. “Bridesmaid fashion has significantly evolved, becoming a key element in contemporary wedding celebrations worldwide. In India, this shift reflects both the changing cultural landscape and global fashion trends. Bridesmaids are now offered the flexibility to personalise their attire with a specific theme or colour palette, but allows flexibility to express their individual personalities and style through distinctive silhouettes and accessories, thereby complementing the wedding aesthetic and highlighting the unique preferences of each bridesmaid,” she avers.

According to Gill, bridesmaid looks for pre-wedding celebrations such as engagement and cocktail parties, as well as mehendi, haldi and sangeet ceremonies, seamlessly blends traditional elements with contemporary styles. “Bridesmaids now prefer light, comfortable, and modern outfits that truly reflect their evolving preferences. Trending styles include fusion outfits like chic tunic sets, embellished co-ord sets or lehengas paired with modern blouses, alongside western-inspired choices like flowing maxi dresses or gowns that offer a fresh and contemporary look. Floral motifs and nature-inspired elements, combined with luxurious fabrics such as sequins, velvet, and sheer metallics, create a beautiful fusion of Indian and contemporary design while capturing the grandeur of the occasion.”

Blend of tradition and modernity

A notable trend in pre-wedding fashion is that of celebrating the spirit of bridesmaids with outfits that transition from vibrant, bold looks to understated elegance. “The wedding season is about inclusivity and celebrating everyone who makes a wedding special. Our collection reflects that ethos and offers versatile designs that allow bridesmaids to stand out while staying true to tradition,” affirms Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder of Fashor. His collection is a blend of tradition and modern sophistication with versatile, lighter ensembles. It draws inspiration from India’s rich cultural heritage, incorporates intricate hand-embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and vibrant floral motifs, and caters to a range of wedding events—from pre-wedding festivities to reception celebrations.

Opt for outfits that blend traditional crafts with contemporary cuts to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, suggests Gupta. When it comes to fabrics and techniques for bridesmaid fashion, Asha Gautam offers an exquisite blend of design aesthetics for pre-wedding occasions. “Lightweight and airy materials like chanderi, organza, cotton silk, and georgette are complemented by rich, vibrant options such as Banarasi lehengas. We offer handwoven lehengas that are lighter in weight yet exude a festive charm, balancing elegance and comfort. Adding to the allure, techniques like bandhani tie-dye bring a burst of vibrant patterns, while kalamkari applique on organza offer a cheerful, detailed aesthetic with its hand-painted motifs. Subtle embellishments such as zardozi and gota patti enhance the vibe without overwhelming the look, thereby making each outfit a blend of tradition and artistry for pre-wedding events,” he adds.

Sustainable approach

In times where sustainability matters, bridesmaids are also embracing timeless fashion choices by investing in classic styles that never go out of fashion. “These versatile outfits can be worn again and restyled for various occasions, ensuring long-term use. Adopting a ‘circular approach’ to fashion—by passing on inherited pieces to friends and family—helps extend the lifespan and value of occasion wear, and high-quality designer outfits. These pre-loved garments not only reduce waste and pile on, but also make room for owning newer pieces of the same timeless appeal,” advocates Gill.

And now the ground rules for bridesmaid fashion? “Dress appropriately by choosing lighter, more breathable ensembles for daytime events and reserve embellished pieces for evening celebrations. Coordinate your outfit with the bridal party’s theme without matching exactly, ensuring the bride remains the focal point. Select versatile garments that can be restyled or reused after the wedding, adding value to your wardrobe. Prioritise comfort with lehengas that allow ease of movement. Keep the look slightly understated, and add a playful, cheerful vibe with smart accessories to complete your ensemble,” concludes Gupta.