It can be daunting to research the top fashion trends for Indian wedding wear if you’ve already decided that 2023 is the year you want to get married. The millennial Indian bride is an independent woman who is not afraid of taking risks and does not intend to be a carbon copy of her predecessors. She isn’t just getting dressed for that perfect Instagram photo. This bride wants her wardrobe to be a reflection of her sense of style and individuality. She also wants her outfits to be as comfortable as they are fashionable. It is obvious that picking the heaviest outfit in the store is no longer the only option, so what should you be looking to buy?

Go big or go home seems to be the unspoken maxim for the Indian bride. The popularity of bridal pins inspired by Pinterest has recently increased not just for the soon-to-be-wed couple but also for the bride’s family, friends, and other wedding guests.

The bridal style slated for next year has been characterised as a carefree, modern look. In 2022, traditional reds were being replaced by pastel tones, but they quickly shifted to more experimental colour palettes. In 2023, intriguing hues of white, mustard, bronze, and blue may be seen on the modern bridal colour chart, along with blingy 3D ornamentation, crystals, bustier cuts, interchangeable ensembles, and elaborate narratives. Wedding attire in 2023 is set to get more lavish than ever!

1. Pastels are here to stay

While there are brides who wouldn’t consider wearing anything other than the traditional ruby red to their ceremonies, there is a rising group who are eager to experiment. A definite winner in this category is delicate pastel tones. Since Indian bridal finery is the definition of “more is more,” soothing colours help to balance the entire appearance.

Celebrities like Anushka Sharma, Neha Dhupia, Mira Rajput Kapoor, and Neha Kakkar chose to wear pastels for their big day. Top choices for the pheras ceremony include rose quartz, pink, peach, white, and gold. This colour narrative can easily be expanded to the other wedding events as well.

For the past several years, pastel lehenga designs have been in vogue, and it is certain that they are here to stay. Additionally, pastel lehengas with floral embroidery and strong mirrorwork look breath-taking.

2. Contemporary veils

In India, the veil is an essential component of the traditional bridal costume and is worn throughout the pheras. This expanse of cloth gives the outfit its last flourish, setting the bride apart from the usually overdressed wedding guests. The finest option is a delicate, transparent veil that also allows your hairstyle to shine through. Maintain the same colour family as your lehenga for the veil but consider going a few shades lighter or darker for more impact.

The transparent dupatta’s original purpose has taken on a new life as a veil in the realm of fashion. Any bride will feel like a princess when wearing a veil dupatta with a gorgeous border and subtle crystal work.

3. Anarkali silhouette lehengas

To lend a contemporary touch, several designers have designed lehengas with tea-lengths, asymmetrical hemlines, and sheer coverings. Even with the focus on distinctive festive wear, brides are still opting for the traditional Anarkali styled silhouette for their lehenga skirts.

The lehengas for the upcoming wedding season will follow the same trend. An umbrella cut or cancan can improvise and upscale the Anarkali’s look when worn with a lehenga, but the general attitude will stay the same.

4. Printed lehengas

When choosing between the two, most brides choose for comfort over style. These trends are reflected in this season’s lehenga patterns. Whatever approach you choose—vibrant materials, comfortable silhouettes, or choosing to go the traditional route—the goal is to unwind and enjoy the occasion. An increasing number of brides are choosing printed lehengas for their pre-wedding mehendi and haldi ceremonies, saving the dramatic fairy-tale emotions for their wedding day. Furthermore, just because these lehengas have a  more laid-back vibe that doesn’t make them any less beautiful. If anything, the unconventional colours and designs of printed lehengas tend to capture our attention even more. They also happen to be quite versatile.

5. Elegant double dupattas

Now that blouses have seen a revival, it’s the dupatta’s turn. Designers are updating this drape rather than using it as an afterthought to lend bridal outfits a more visual appeal. Double dupattas have been popular in recent years and will continue to be so. Your silhouette gains vertical integrity from the opulently embroidered borders, making you appear thinner and giving a sense of celebrity-like grandeur. While a few decide to wear the dupatta in a contemporary style, the majority still chooses to do so the traditional way.

6. Technicolour lehengas

Technicolor is a term that is sure to bring back memories of all kids from the 90s. Not only is this vintage style quite close to our hearts, it also ends up looking very mesmerising when incorporated in bridal lehengas.

The contemporary designer often features this pattern in their work. Brides are sure to prefer metallic technicolour designs in 2023!

7. Breezy white colour

Traditions have evolved along with people’s perspectives on marriage over time. Because of this, more brides are choosing to wear white lehengas to their weddings. White bridal lehengas have the most endearing attributes, despite the fact that they may appear unusual.

You have probably seen Alia Bhatt’s white Sabyasachi saree all over social media. Her stunning white saree was like a breath of fresh air among the usual red gowns that the majority of Bollywood brides wore. The elaborate gold embroidery and the Kundan jewellery put together a summer wedding look for the wearer. Taking a cue from her, many Indian brides have chosen to go white for their wedding trousseau.

8. Dramatic trails

A sweeping lehenga trail can give your bridal gown a royal impression, regardless of its length. These sweeping and exquisite looking trails are now being incorporated smartly into lehenga patterns by many couture labels and fashion houses. Today brides are enamoured by them, whether they are intended for a cocktail function, the sangeet, or even the wedding day! The extension of the lehenga adds to the dramatic look befitting a bride on her big day.

In 2023, brides are anticipated to hop on to the extravagant lehenga trails trend.

9. Pre-draped sarees

Why bother making the effort to drape a saree yourself when you have the option to wear one already draped? Pre-draped sarees are not only convenient but also appear stylish and sophisticated. These sarees can also be bought in sets that include a saree and a blouse that look similar to a skirt and top. Pre-draped sarees can prove to be a great choice for brides to wear at their mehndi and sangeet functions.

10. Exaggerated sleeves

If you’ve been invited to a wedding that has a contemporary theme, go for edgy designs instead of a traditional lehenga. If you intend to stay away from typical gowns, exaggerated sleeves offer an opulent touch without looking too heavy.

Over a plain lehenga, a blouse with striking shoulders and sleeves looks lovely. Such wedding outfits feature a variety of textures, embroidery, and materials, so you aren’t going to regret wearing it.

11. Slay with Chikankari

For many years now, Chikankari garments have been practically every Indian couturier’s go-to weave because of its unmatched elegance and opulent appearance. The combination of traditional and modern style, Chikankari can truly level up your outfit. Modern designers are skilfully adding mokaish, sequins, and other embellishments to puja outfits, sharara and gharara sets, anarkalis, and lehengas in a nod to this exquisite subtle art form.

An expertly crafted ensemble can highlight the Chikan work’s great fashion potential and bring it to an entirely new level of prominence.

12. Jackets over sarees

One of the most popular ways to dress up any western ensemble has been with a jacket. So why not do the same for ethnic wear? In 2023, stunning ethnic jackets will be worn over sarees as well as sharara dresses. Brides are sure to embrace this fashion trend and prefer it over the lehenga. If your wedding is set for the fall, this will be the most cutting-edge way to stay warm.

13. Floral lehengas

Most women choose floral lehengas when it comes to selecting fashionable and cosy attire, particularly for their pre-wedding events. These lehengas have a more laidback vibe, but that does not mean they lack style. Above all else, flowery lehengas catch the eye for their eccentric hues and striking designs. In 2023, more brides will be choosing floral, eco-friendly lehengas for their pre-wedding events.

14. Unconventional and vibrant hues

Bridal lehengas are constantly evolving and surprising us. Either brides stick to the classic red lehengas, or throw in a surprise with colours like yellow, orange, or turquoise blue! There is simply no middle ground now. And with their exquisite and exclusive designs in eccentric colours, designers are doing everything they can to accommodate the new age bride. So, if you are tired of crimson, pastels, or neutral colours, these unusual hues are the perfect solution for you!

15. The comeback of velvet

The velvet bridal lehenga combines the opulent feel of velvet with golden hues and ethnic embellishments. One of the most popular Indian bridal fashion trends back in the day, the velvet silhouette has made a comeback and lends an air of refinement. The velvet texture’s sheerness and sheen lend a regal aura—make the bride look and feel like a princess!

Ending Note

Indian weddings have always been about opulence and spectacles. However, weddings have become more intimate since the pandemic as individuals seek to create more personalised experiences. Many Indian brides have no qualms spending up to ₹1 lakh on just their wedding attire. Since Indian weddings usually include various functions, a bride requires numerous ensembles for her trousseau.

Many Indian brides prefer to take a unique approach to every function, from conventional to experimental. The above-mentioned trends are a fine blend of contemporary and classic styles. Brides are now choosing comfortable, lightweight lehengas and sarees over bulky, elaborate bridal attire. Despite the trend towards comfort, brides are in no mood to sacrifice the wow element of their look.