Dear Brides, Ditch The Traditional Lehenga For These Stunning Alternatives

Ditch the traditional lehenga for a traditional saree, gharara, sharara, and more to stand out on your wedding day.

Published On Feb 14, 2022 | Updated On Mar 08, 2024

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Beyond the bridal lehenga, there exists a plethora of bridal wear options that can help you make an aesthetically gorgeous statement. After all, it is your wedding. So, if you want to skip the traditional lehengas and try something new for your wedding festivities, you've come to the perfect place. There are countless ways to play around with your wardrobe selection and we are here to suggest other outfit options for you. Take inspiration from these Bollywood celebs and choose to stand out from the crowd.

Contemporary trends may come and go, but a timeless saree for a wedding will always be in vogue. This versatile and beloved drape is nine yards of elegance and can make any woman fall in love with her silhouette. Regaining popularity among Indian women, it's a brilliant alternative to swap your traditional lehengas with. Actor Yami Gautam, for instance, chose to stay rooted in her culture by wearing a stunning crimson red silk saree for her big day.

Let’s not miss out on the recent wedding that became the talk of the town where Mouni Roy made a picture-perfect bride by donning a traditional white saree with red borders.

If the blend of classic and contemporary is what you are looking for then get inspired by the heavily embroidered, regal saree design from the house of JJ Valaya or take cues from Masaba’sgreen floral print, lightweight creation.

If you are looking for a bridal ensemble that can break all the conventional barriers at your wedding, then nothing’s better than a sharara! A sharara set is among the most flexible ethnic wear pieces a woman can own. Shararas are flattering and available in a wide range of styles. This attire is perfect for any wedding celebration, whether it's a mehendi function or your dream wedding day. Here's Divya Dutta showing you how to nail this look in a charming Chanderi turquoise sharara with brocade finishing.

With the wedding season in full swing, a Varun Bahl gorgeous yellow sharara might just be the one for you.

Ghararas, in contrast to shararas, offer more fit-and-flare to your silhouette, and they've recently made a comeback with a bang! Many celebrities have shined in this fashion staple on various celebrations, one of which being the exquisite Shilpa Shetty, who wore a magnificent white printed gharara and accessorised it with an embellished belt. Pair the gharara pants with a short kurti or an angrakha-style kurta to prevent them from getting overshadowed and amplify the look with a parandi like Shilpa.

Anarkali is one of the best options for brides who prioritise comfort above everything else. It's easy to style and you can wear it for your sangeet, mehendi, engagement, or wedding day. Take the cues from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who rocked this exquisite floor-length anarkali with ribbon applique work, designed by Rohit Bal.

Or choose to be effortlessly beautiful by taking style inspiration from designer Ritu Kumar’s classic red ensemble detailed with signature floral prints.

For all the brides contemplating between hefty lehengas and sarees for their wedding festivities, we understand the dilemma—that's why we think a bridal gown might just be the answer to all your woes. When it comes to gowns, there are so many styles to pick from.

You can choose an elegant ball gown, a princess silhouette, or a strapless piece. You also can complement the style with personalised jewellery or a choker just like Neeta Lulla’smagnificent red Victorian gown.

Who would have thought that a formal pantsuit can be an alternative to an Indian bridal lehenga until Sanjana Rishi, a well-known Indian-American entrepreneur, wore this unconventional attire at her wedding. She chose an inspirational blue pantsuit with a scalloped hem dupatta and minimal diamond jewellery that reflected her personal style, while also dedicating her look to sustainability, local craftsmen, and ethical purchasing.

This wedding season is the perfect time for brides who want to veer away from traditional silhouettes and embrace something distinctive! Contrary to your wedding lehenga, these choices will serve you well when you tie the sacred knot. 


Photo: Shutterstock

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