7 Heritage Bridal Looks To Inspire Your Traditional Wedding Trousseau

The big fat Indian wedding season is just around the corner. And if you’re a bride-to-be and have your wedding slated for next year, we've got your back.

Browse through our style book to nail the traditional bridal look of these much-loved regions of India.

1. The Bengali Bride

Drape rich silk weaves with heritage Bengali jewellery like the tikli, kaan pasha, mantasha, and nath. For an authentic vibe, throw in a red bindi and occasional accents of alta. 

Pro Tip: To complement the shades of red in your bridal trousseau, pose against warm backgrounds with a classic charm (think intricately carved, dark mahogany doors!). To further amp up the vibe, bring in large earthen pots and stools with indoor plants!). 

2. The Nizami Bride 

Team the aristocratic state ensemble of Hyderabad consisting of flowy shararas and intricately embroidered kurtas with modern white mehendi and a bejewelled traditional passa. 

Pro Tip: What's a Nizami bride without the grand aura visible in her wedding photos? Include an elaborate glass floor lamp and spotless blinds for the perfect background setting. And for the foreground, add a huge hammered brass vase with a bunch of tuberoses. But most importantly, make sure to pose right to exude the vintage charm of the Nizams, of course! 

3. The Southern Bride 

Add definition to your silhouette by teaming a kamarbandh with your luxurious South Indian silk sari, perfect to cinch your waist. Let the traditional choti and fragrant mogra flowers take centre stage. 

Pro Tip: Definitely highlight the beauty of the classic temple jewellery you'll be pairing with your sari (yes, include your choti as well!). For an added touch, let the bounty of mogra flowers rest on your shoulders. It will add softness and grace to your photos. 

4. The Parsi Bride 

Channel the timeless look of a Parsi bride with an exquisitely-embroidered gara sari. Pair it with a sheer, embellished blouse, multiple rows of pearls, and dark lips for the perfect melange of the old and the new. 

Pro Tip: To match the exotica of your trousseau, make sure to include a backdrop with rich, dark wallpapers in ornate flourishes. The luxuriance of the wall, teamed with multi-level candle stands and carved, wooden partitions of the bygone days is sure to do the trick and will make for the most favourable setting for photos on your big day. 

5. The White Bride 

Don an ethereal gown in tints of white, off-white, and ecru. Play with contrasting materials, voluminous asymmetric layering, and a delicate veil. For a fun finishing touch, add a bold, winged swipe of white liner on your eyes. 

Pro Tip: To keep the angelic charm alive in your wedding photos forever, match the ruffled layers in your gown with an equally layered backdrop and floor. White layered curtains in light materials and soft patterns and a mesh-covered floor will surely do the job. For an added effect, include occasional hints of white blossoms and a marble table on the side with a tiny bouquet. 

6. The Punjabi Bride 

Dress like a classic Punjabi bride with heavily-embroidered patialas and dupattas. Complete the attire with intricately crafted juttis, traditional payals, and an endless braid. 

Pro Tip: To give off the typical happy air of the Punjabis, make sure to look laid-back in your photos. A large painting or wall art featuring bright flowers in nature-inspired hues will make for an ideal backdrop. Drizzle a shower of marigold petals on the floor to pack on the vibrancy. 

7. The Rajasthani Bride

Opt for a bespoke lehenga in vibrant hues with ornate gota-patti embroidery. For a quintessential Rajasthani bridal look, pick a borla coupled with a stack of heritage, white bangles from the state. 

Pro Tip: To balance out the burst of brightness in your traditional ensemble, go for a contrasting background. It will make for stunning photos! Choose a tightly patterned backdrop in soft tones and for that slight pop of colour, the beauty of cherry blossoms will keep you company. 

 Which bride are you going to be? Let us know.

Photograph: Adil Hasan. 

Fashion Stylist: Shaurya Athley.

Fashion Intern: Aditi Singh Chauhan.

Producer: Neha Ahuja.

Models: Vartika Singh at Inega and Suzanne Baker Anima Creative Management.

Mehendi Artist: Ravi Mehandhi Art. 

Hair and Makeup: Anu Kaushik.

Location and Decor: Rani Pink.