Heirlooms, Trousseau & Timeless Bridal Style
1
A bridal fashion trend you approve of this season...
Ditch the lehenga for a farshi gharara. It has this regal, old-world charm. Wear it with vintage heirloom jewellery.
2
Your top trousseau must-haves for every bride...
Invest in a real zari Banarasi sari that can be handed down for generations. Solitaires (natural diamonds, not lab-grown) are another must-have. I'd also invest in gold bangles and a gold necklace in a vintage design. Definitely add some heirlooms to your trousseau — jewellery as well as shararas, saris, and intricate dupattas that have been in the family.
3
How can one repeat heavy bridal outfits after the wedding?
There is nothing like shopping your closet. Style your sangeet lehenga skirt with a satin shirt or a muted blouse and a pared down dupatta for a friend's wedding. Wear your bridal blouse with a sari for festive occasions. And consider styling the dupatta with another sari as a double pallu. Or upcycle it into a modern kurta set.
4
What's the modern Indian groom like in 2026?
It's a new wave. I love how grooms are now having fun with their looks — whether it's experimenting with their jewellery or paying attention to every last detail of their looks — from footwear to accessories.
5
One bridal trend that's due for retirement...
The red lehenga with a polki necklace. The colour may be sentimental and auspicious, but wear it as a sari or sharara instead.
6
A classic no bride should mess with...
A good ol' nath and maang tikka on the wedding day. Women rarely wear these otherwise, and they really up the impact of the bridal look.
7
How could brides incorporate heirlooms while still keeping the look contemporary?
Heirloom pieces can never look dated. Don't feel pressured to modernise them. Preserve their sanctity and embrace their timeless appeal in traditional looks.
8
A common mistake you see brides making during trousseau shopping...
I'd say never buy on a whim. Explore multiple options before you commit to one.
9
The outfit or the jewellery — what should the bride buy first?
It really depends on what you want as the centre of your look. Ideally, jewellery does have a higher investment value, so customise your look around it. But if you're fashion-forward and want to focus on that dream outfit, then make sure the necklace complements the neckline of your blouse. Buy both in tandem.
10
How could couples make their looks more unique and meaningful to them?
Rashmika Mandana and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding is such a great example of doing it your way, beyond rules and conventions. I love how Vijay wore jewellery unabashedly. So, couples can be well-coordinated but they don't need to match — make your own statement, lean into your heritage and event theme, find a good stylist, and have fun with the process of playing dress up! ✦
“Definitely add some heirlooms to your trousseau — jewellery as well as shararas, saris, & intricate dupattas that have been in the family.”
