Some of the most popular bridal trends for 2024 that you should bookmark

While they aren’t ditching traditional touches, new-age brides are moving towards more contemporary-chic for their ensembles—be it in their lehengas, saris, jewellery or even choice of footwear. Brides Today predicts the most popular bridal trends for 2024. 

STATEMENT SLEEVES

Ornate sleeves are here to steal the spotlight. From lehengas with billowing bishop sleeves to saris with dramatic cold-shoulder capes and gowns with feathered cuffs, statement sleeves are the epitome of bridal opulence, brought to life with intricate details and luxurious fabrics.

COORDINATED CHIC

Bidding adieu to the days of head-to-toe lehenga dominance, modern brides are embracing the versatility of separates. Think shararas teamed with chic peplums, flowy skirts paired with statement crop tops, and even playful dhoti pants teamed with embellished jackets. These allow for personalisation and a blend of textures, colours and silhouettes to create a one-of-a-kind look.

PASTEL PLAY

From calming sky blues and mint greens to delicate lavenders and powdery pinks, the surge of pastels continues. Tarun Tahiliani showcased their playful potential, layering his lehengas with organza in different shades. Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango reimagined traditional bandhani prints in muted rose and pistachio tones. Anavila Misra presented flowy pastel maxi dresses.

CONSCIOUS COUTURE

Many brides are seeking ways to celebrate their special day in a way that aligns with their values. From eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production practices to preloved and vintage finds, they are embracing a greener, more responsible approach to their wedding attire. Designers like Anita Dongre, Gaurang Shah and Ritu Kumar are championing the cause with their sustainable lines and promotion of traditional crafts.

VENTUROUS V-NECKS

Classic meets bold and tradition meets modernity in the plunge of the V-neckline. This season, lehengas, saris and gowns alike come hand in hand with this alluring detail, offering brides a chance to embrace tradition with a touch of contemporary daring. From subtle dips to dramatic plunges, the V-neck reigns supreme for the fashion-forward bride. 

BOHEMIAN BRIDES

For the boho bride, it’s all about effortless style and ease of movement. They want flowy skirts, unconventional palettes and OTT detailing where everything’s personalised. “Earlier, there was just one paintbrush on all brides. Now, thanks to social media and the feminist movement, women are so much more celebrated,” says Shubhika Sharma, founder of Papa Don’t Preach.

IN FULL BLOOM

From intricate hand-embroidered blooms to larger-than-life sculptural embellishments, 3D florals are taking over bridal couture also highlighting the incredible skills of Indian artisans. Rahul Mishra leads the charge with his signature aesthetic, his lehengas, saris and gowns featuring delicate 3D flowers crafted from tulle and organza. Gaurav Gupta embraces drama with his signature ruffles, reimagined in the form of cascading 3D floral appliqués in bold hues. Tarun Tahiliani aces 3D floral embroidery in muted pastels embellishing his saris and lehengas. 

PRE-DRAPED & PREPARED

Saris are timeless, and the silhouette, unparalleled. But for novices who look for a more hassle-free experience—minus all the pins and tripping— predraped saris are the answer. “It’s the perfect solution for brides who are not as exposed to everyday sari wearing,” says Sasha Revankar, founder of One Minute Saree. “The grace of a sari comes from the confidence with which it’s worn. A pre-draped sari could lend that confidence to even first-time sari-wearers.”

FLORAL FANTASY 

While lighter, minimal jewellery may have replaced conventional pieces, these in turn have given way to floral “ornaments.” From halo string braids for long tresses, to sheeshpattis headgear, kaleeras and hathphools, brides looking for fresh variations and lighter ensembles are embracing blooms. “These lightweight accessories bring a playful quirkiness to the bridal ensemble but also emanate a charming, delicate allure,” says Srishti Kapur, founder of Floral Art. These also offer the versatility to incorporate non-floral elements into the design, allowing for a truly personalised touch.”

MINIMAL MAGIC

In a country where wedding jewellery is considered an investment, new-age brides are more conscious and want their ornaments to hold enduring value, thus opting for lightweight designs that are wearable more often and make for chic statement pieces. “Brides love being hands-free for their functions, so our pieces are minimal, chic and in sync with their fashion sensibilities, while having a traditional bridal aesthetic,” says Kaabia Grewal, co-founder of Outhouse Jewellery.

DITCH THE HEELS

Sure, stilettos may be the more glamorous pick for some, but comfortable they are not. To make weddings more enjoyable sans the sore feet, brides have ushered in the era of comfortable footwear, and among them are bridal sneakers. “Some even personalise their sneakers with custom colours, monograms, or special messages, making their wedding sneakers truly one-of-a-kind,” says Tanushri Biyani, founder of Anaar.

Words by Shraddha Chowdhury and Aakanksha Jain.

This article originally appeared in Brides Today, January-February print issue, 2024.

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