How to not sweat in your Sabyasachi on your wedding day

There’s a certain charm to summer weddings: the mellow light, the vibrant blooms, the unmistakable glow of golden hour pheras. But with that comes the reality of soaring temperatures, humidity, and the challenge of wearing a full couture lehenga without feeling like you're in a personal steam room. Fortunately, there's good news! With the right styling approach, bridal wear can be both glamorous and breathable.

To help decode the secrets of staying cool while looking couture-level stunning, we turned to two experts trusted by brides who want to look and feel amazing all the way from the varmala to the final thumka—bridal stylist and founder at Style by Ryuu, Srishti Jain, and fashion stylist Sukriti Grover. Their tips are rooted in practicality, comfort, and clever styling—because, as Srishti puts it, “Comfort is queen.”

Fabric, fit, and function

Everything starts with the right fabric. “Breathable linings are non-negotiable—cotton, mul, or voile make a world of difference,” says Srishti, who styles brides with comfort in mind right from the trial stage. Her go-to summer fabrics? “Chanderi silk and organza—they have a regal sheen but are incredibly breathable.” She also suggests Banarasi lehengas as a lightweight alternative to heavily embroidered pieces, and loves that brides are getting more adventurous with pastel tones. “From blush and mint to lavender, I’m loving the move beyond traditional reds.”

Sukriti echoes that less is more when it comes to summer styling. “Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza, or cotton blends are perfect. They allow for better air circulation and help prevent excessive sweating.” Her advice? Skip the dense embroidery, thick textures, or heavy beading that adds unnecessary weight and heat. “You want material that flows with your body, not something that sticks to it or drags it down.”

Necklines and sleeves also matter. Srishti recommends sleeveless blouses, open backs, or lighter sleeves for added breathability, while Sukriti suggests “V-necks, short sleeves, and strapless cuts” to encourage airflow. And don’t underestimate the dupatta: “Always keep the head dupatta light,” Srishti warns. “Those heavy veils pinned into your hair might look dramatic, but can really test your patience—and your posture—during the ceremony.”

Style smart, not stuffy

Srishti is all about styling with flexibility. “I encourage brides to keep their dupatta draping fuss-free and hands-free—the more mobility, the better.” She even customises the outfit structure for functionality. “For one bride, we used a dual-layer can-can skirt. She entered with full volume, but after the varmala, we removed one layer with Velcro so she could sit through the pheras comfortably. Genius, right?”

Sukriti advises cutting back on excess layers altogether. “Stick to a single dupatta, avoid thick can-can if you don’t need it, and go easy on jewellery. Pastel shades can keep the look fresh and reflect heat better than deeper tones.” Her biggest suggestion? Think about how the outfit feels, not just how it looks. “That full regal fantasy only works if the bride’s not distracted by discomfort.”

When it comes to hair, both stylists vote updo. “A girl’s best friend during summer is a hair tie,” laughs Sukriti. “For outdoor moments—whether it’s the ceremony, cocktail hour, or pheras—go for an updo. It keeps you cooler and also helps your hair survive the humidity.” Srishti agrees, favouring sleek buns, ponytails, or braids that stay put and look polished even after hours of celebration.

Stay fresh for the flashlights

Looking photo-fresh when the sun’s high and the humidity’s higher is no easy feat—but it’s not impossible either. “We prep for heat from the trial stage,” says Srishti. “Draping is everything. I pin and tack everything securely so it doesn’t shift mid-function.” She also coordinates with the makeup and photo teams to time key portraits during golden hour, when the lighting is most flattering and the makeup is still pristine.

Sukriti suggests taking photos indoors first before stepping out. “This might sound counterintuitive since you want outdoor bridal shots, but it really helps your makeup last longer. Go for airbrush makeup and ask your artist to use a matte primer for a flawless finish.”

Both stylists swear by a solid emergency kit. “Mini fans, blotting sheets, cooling sprays, fashion tape, tissues, and backup jewellery—we don’t leave anything to chance,” says Srishti, who also gifts each bride a bridal survival pouch. “Cooling patches for the back or underarms, silicone heel pads, boob tape, earlobe support stickers, even a cooling seat pad for the mandap. We want our brides to feel prepared, pampered, and perfectly put-together.”

Sukriti also advises, “Use sweat liners under your blouse and go for silicone cups instead of a traditional bra. And innerwear matters—choose cotton, always.”

Ultimately, both stylists agree that what really makes a bride shine is not just the outfit or the makeup, but how she feels in it. “We remind our brides to stay calm, laugh through the chaos, and enjoy the day,” says Srishti. “Because joy photographs better than perfection.”

So go ahead, twirl in that Sabyasachi, glow in the golden hour light, and walk into your pheras knowing you’ve styled for the heat without compromising the magic. After all, cool is a state of mind—and with the right prep, it can be your bridal aesthetic too.

Lead image: Aditi Rao Hydari/Instagram

Also read: The bridal glam guide for golden hour makeup and sun-kissed pheras

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