Gone are the days when Asian bridal outfits look generic. With so many options from bespoke designers and ready-to-wear wholesalers, you can be sure your wedding lehenga, saree or dress will match your personality.
Whether you relentlessly dream about looking like you've stepped out of historical Bollywood film Jodha Akbar or hope to nail the perfect blend of Indian style and western dress, we've shortlisted the best themes, silhouettes, embelishments and colourways available. Here are 25 different outfits to help you pick a look for the big day.
Words: Sejal Kapadia, main image credit: Ekta Solanki, Osman Ghani (Photographer), Davina Makeup (Make up artist)
Mughal inspired
The white floral design on the skirt and zardosi embroidery replicates the luxurious fabrics and handcraft associated with the Mughal era.
£904, benzerworld.com
Image credit: Benzer World
English garden
Soft colours, embroidered roses and vines, and a lattice border make for a whimsical look that will perfectly match a quaint decor.
£195, Contemporary Collection
Image credit: Contemporary Collection
Quirky bride
A look for those who are adventurous and just a tad bit eccentric. The striking hot pink fabric has contrasting green brocade and appliqué flowers on the border.
£4,800, Ekta Solanki
Image credit: Ekta Solani and Asiana Wedding Magazine
Dramatic trains
If you want a memorable walk down the aisle, sweeping trains are possible on a lehenga. Designer Charmi Mandavia is a London College of Fashion graduate and has a unique flair for merging together Asian and western styles.
£3,000, Charmi Creations
Image credit: Charmi Creations
South Indian inspired
This handloom saree weaved in kora silk is the epitome of the traditional and simplistic bride.
£150, benzerworld.com
Image credit: Benzer World
Ballgown
The perfect outfit to transition from the mandap (religious stage) to the reception dancefloor. London College of Fashion graduate Charmi Mandavia is experienced in creating dresses for the Asian bride.
£2,200, Charmi Creations
Image credit: Charmi Creations
Minimalist
The high collar, rigid banarasi border and Persian velvet on this outfit offers a sophisticated look.
£150, Seasons
Image credit: Seasons
Full Skirt
If you've whiled away hours thinking about Christian Dior full skirts, this A-line net lehengha is the perfect alternative.
£1,337, Variety Silk House
Image credit: Variety Silk House
Grand Shararas
The sharara (matching wide-legged trousers and a long top traditionally worn by Muslim women) has become an all-round popular look in the last five years. This example in Venetian red with a boat neckline, shows just how grand they can be.
£1,155, bargello.com
Image credit: Bargello
Gold filigree
There should be a dictionary for all the types of embellishments used in Asian-wear. This skirt has large ruby-coloured stones and is seeped in gold embroidery in the style of chantilly lace, which looks like filigree.
£1,150, Seasons
Image credit: Seasons
Diamanté
Mumbai-based brand Seasons is known for their heavy diamanté embroidery and they ship to the UK.
£906, Seasons
Image credit: Seasons
Brocade
Gold brocade looks rich without the weight of a hundred beads and a heafty price.
£138, Contemporary Collection
Image credit: Contemporary Collection
Cutwork details
Cutwork designs give your skirt an extra dimension. This one from design house Sonas Haute Couture goes one step further with Swarovski crystal embellishments.
Price on request, Sonas Haute Couture
Image credit: Sonas Haute Couture
Resham embroidery
Multi-coloured embroidery on white net is a beautiful alternative to sequins and crystals.
£115, fashionbazaar.co.uk
Image credit: Fashion Bazaar
Red and green
Red and green is one of the most popular colour combinations because it can make a relatively modern silhouette seem traditional, as seen on this mermaid skirt.
£1,156, benzerworld.com
Image credit: Benzer World
Red and white
The panetar (a white skirt with a red border) is a classic. This one from G-3 has a net overlay embellished with gold embroidery, white stones and a velvet border.
£195, G-3 Fashions
Image credit: G-3 Fashions
Maroon
A dark raspberry lip works perfectly with a deep shade of red. This look is by designer Raishma Islam, who trained with Elizabeth Emanuel best known for co-designing Princess Diana's wedding dress.
From £1,200 (made to order), raishma.co.uk
Image credit: Raishma London
Pink
Pink is increasingly becoming a popular alternative to red. Designer Ekta Solanki is an expert in experimenting with colours and fabrics.
£7,200, Ekta Solanki
Image credit: Photographer - Osman Ghani, Make up Artist - Davina Makeup
Red on cream
It's rare to find thick red embroidery on cream fabric, which is why we loved this outfit by Indian luxury label Pawan & Pranav Haute Couture. They look beyond current trends to make an outfit that will stand out.
£1,800, Pawan & Pranav Haute Couture
Image credit: Pawan & Pranav Haute Couture
White
White bridal dresses and Asian lehengas can easily fuse together. Variety Silk House sells ready-to-wear garments like this one where the sheer head veil becomes a dupatta (scarf).
£1,497, Variety Silk House
Image credit: Variety Silk House
Champagne or silver
Asian ceremonies are naturally colourful, so if you're worried about looking washed out, opt for champagne or silver over white.
£1,158, benzerworld.com
Red and purple
Purple works so well with red, we're hoping it becomes the new green. Contemporary Collection stock a wide range of outfits that can be bought online.
£158, Contemporary Collection
Image credit: Contemporary Collection
Unusual necklines
A round-neck top isn't the only option. Designer Mona Vora is one of the only designers we've seen who makes the top a focal point over the skirt.
Price on request, Mona Vora
Image credit: Mona Vora
Dupatta size
Designer Mona Vora is also a magician when it comes to unique tailoring. She has created a dupatta that goes from a headband to an insert in the skirt.
Price on request, Mona Vora
Image credit: Mona Vora
Corset
Sonas Haute Couture's corset top is complemented with an Arabian-style skirt.
Price on request, Sonas Haute Couture
Image credit: Sonas Haute Couture
undefined
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.