Three bridal stylists share tips for curating a timeless, personal, and picture-perfect bridal trousseau

In the digital age we live in, where everything is made for everyone and lasts forever, brides have found the perfect solution to their myriad needs—bridal stylists. They undertake everything from decoding a bride’s personality and vision to curating ensembles tailored to their events, budget, body type and complexion. As the demand for bespoke ensembles and assiduous aesthetics grow, bridal stylists have emerged as both guides and catalysts for self- expression, curating couture that fuses high fashion with personal narratives, enabling each bride to tell her story through every stitch and silhouette.

In conversations three celebrity favourite stalwart stylists—Tanya Ghavri, the visionary behind The Dhoom Dhaam Company; Shaleena Nathani (think Shibani Akhtar and Deepika Padukone’s wedding looks); and Aastha Sharma of The Wedding Style Project—Brides Today brings you their insights on everything bridalwear.

Unravelling their vision
Essentially, it’s perfect styling when the bridalwear of choice brings out the woman’s essence and echoes her personality, rather than seem forced. For our trinityof stylists, “decoding the bride” was the unanimous answer to their starting point. Shaleena says, “For me, it’s vital to spend a good amount of time with my brides to understand their preferences, and then come up with something fresh and go beyond the stereotypes of what one can and cannot wear.”

And for anyone starting their bridal attire venture, the advice is simple—research, research and research. “From the location to the weather, everything comes into consideration while building the mood board, which is an activity I make all my brides do,” Tanya explains. “Being organised and discussing each and every aspect of the wedding refines the look we’re trying to accomplish.”

The timeline
“A minimum of six months” was a sentiment that each stylist agreed upon. There’s mood-boarding, rummaging, shortlisting, deliberating, altering, and finally, the goal. Although these master stylists are capable of curating your looks in a time crunch, they urge brides to start planning 8 to 9 months before their wedding day.

The role of trends

Couturiers, designers and stylists all vouch that the only style that endures is your personal style. With trends spewing micro trends, durability and self- expression often take the fall. Curating looks for your nuptials has to be a balancing act. “Trends are inevitably a part of the wedding,” says Aastha. “Incorporate them in a way that they are relatable and timeless. Trendy colours or silhouettes matter, but it’s always a mix of both.”

Building the trousseau

“Beyond the traditional trousseau of 11 pieces comes the modern, evolved and thoughtfully curated trousseau. It entails a mix of western silhouettes and easy Indian wear, culminating in a variety of designs and patterns suited for every occasion,” Aastha explains. As for the accessories, she adds, “Heirloom pieces and jewellery are passed down for generations. Brides either want to refurbish these or wear them as is, and it’s our job to help them re-wear these pieces in modern renditions.”

Tanya let us in on her styling mantra: “Finding a balance of slightly heavier Indian wear, slightly festive Indian wear, a few cocktail and summer pieces and, of course, a few heirloom pieces with jewellery you can wear across events.” Shaleena, on the other hand, advises that brides focus on collecting rare jewellery they connect with.

“Collecting and selecting those special, rare pieces is the key,” she says.

There’s a lot more to building a bridal trousseau than simply picking outfits for different occasions. It involves researching everything from the location to the weather, which ultimately play a crucial role in the mood-boarding. Tanya explains. “Being organised and discussing each and every aspect of the wedding refines the look we’re trying to accomplish.”

SHALEENA NATHANI

“The bride should wear the ensemble—it shouldn’t be the other way around. Don’t overdo it.” “Stick to what works for  you. It’s not about being ‘in style’ but looking and feeling your best.” “Avoid new hair and make-up experiments. It’s crucial to do a trial first.”

AASTHA SHARMA

“The fit should not be overwhelming to your body or your personality. Prioritise comfort.” “Maximalism is only striking if balanced; avoid stacking too many jewels.” “Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t shy away from any movement. It will change how you will feel.”

TANYA GHAVRI

“Wear something innate and personal to you to make your look unique.” “Over-accessorising kills the look.” “Do enough referencing, or get a stylist—but the hair and make-up has to be in accordance with the look, otherwise it will fall flat.”

PICKING A COUTURIER

As themes transform into meticulously curated soirées, the question of selecting a couturier comes to the fore. After mood-boarding and much online research, it’s time for the recce.

For modern brides, wedding shopping has transitioned from an extensive excursion with their opinionated friends and family, to a journey of finding their voice as a bride. This shift has leant new meaning to bridal attire—from the rigid heritage tableau bridal ensembles once used to be, they are now expressive silhouettes that blend comfort and reusability.

“The first step is to identify which designer’s aesthetic and craftsmanship resonate with you,” says Aastha. “We guide our brides through multiple designers so they can assess the workmanship, colours and silhouettes, and then help them narrow down the choice.”

COUTURIER RECOMMENDATIONS

Contemporary

Falguni Shane Peacock, Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, Anamika Khanna, Arpita Mehta, Ritika Mirchandani, Faraz Manan and Torani

Traditional

Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Raw Mango, House of Masaba, Re- ceremonial and House of Kotwara

Experimental

Gaurav Gupta, Amit Aggarwal, Mishru and Jade by Monica and Karishma

Unconventional

Rimzim Dadu, Ridhi Mehra and Ridhima Bhasin

Laid-back in style

Good Earth and 431-88 by Shweta Kapur

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