The oversized maang-tikka comeback is the bridal trend that you should bookmark

Bridal jewellery trends have a funny way of making a comeback just when everyone thinks they have moved on. One minute, brides are busy keeping things minimal with delicate chains and barely-there earrings. The next, an impactful maang-tikka appears on a celebrity bride, and suddenly, everyone is looking at their jewellery collection wondering if their forehead has been underdressed all this time.

The oversized maang-tikka is having a moment, and unlike some bridal trends that require an entirely new wardrobe, this one is surprisingly easy to get behind. A single statement piece can make a familiar lehenga look different, give a simple outfit some much-needed personality and save a bride from the very real problem of looking like every other bride on Pinterest. Not that there is anything wrong with Pinterest, but after six months of saving the same 47 bridal references, a little individuality would be nice.

What makes this comeback interesting is that the maang-tikka has always been integral to Indian bridal dressing. It has been around for generations. The difference is that the delicate little pendant sitting politely along the hairline is now sharing the spotlight with oversized kundan pieces, elaborate polki designs, pearl drops and intricate settings that are very much here to be noticed. 

And before anyone assumes that bigger automatically means heavier, more expensive or impossible to keep in place, there is plenty of room to play around with the trend without turning the wedding day into an endurance test.

Atrangi Adaaonwali Jadaau Maangtika ₹2,450

For brides who believe green and gold belong together, this oversized kundan maang tikka makes a rather convincing case. 

The intricate circular pendant, green stone detailing and tiny pearl drops give it that traditional bridal jewellery feel, while the long chain of embellished motifs ensures the design does not go unnoticed. 

It would look particularly good with a red, bottle green or mustard lehenga, especially if the rest of the jewellery follows a similar colour palette. 

After all, the maang tikka deserves more than a passing glance in the wedding album.

Isharya Nooranih Statement Maangtikka ₹9,999

Not every statement piece needs a riot of colour. 

This oversized maang tikka pairs white kundan stones with gold detailing and a fringe of pearl drops, making it a lovely option for brides who prefer their jewellery a little more restrained in colour but certainly not in size. 

The circular pendant has enough detail to hold its own against an embroidered lehenga, while the white stones make it versatile enough to work with ivory, champagne and pastel ensembles. 

Minimalist jewellery lovers, consider this a reasonable compromise.

Rimli Darshana Polki Tikka ₹9,850

Pink, green, white and antique gold come together in this elaborate maang tikka, which makes a strong case for letting the jewellery do some of the talking. 

The floral motifs, layered detailing and dangling pearl accents give it a traditional feel, while the mix of colours makes it an interesting choice for brides wearing heavily embroidered outfits. 

It would pair particularly well with a lehenga featuring similar jewel tones, although a simpler outfit could give the design even more room to shine. 

Sometimes, the accessory really can do the heavy lifting.

Preeti Mohan Sarvani Red & Green Tika ₹9,000

For the bride who has never understood the appeal of playing it safe with jewellery, this oversized polki-style maang tikka brings together pink and green stones, white accents and an elaborate gold setting. 

The crescent-shaped pendant, intricate motifs and layers of dangling beads give it plenty of visual interest without relying on a single oversized stone to make an impression. 

Pair it with a richly coloured lehenga and matching earrings, or let it stand out against a more understated outfit. 

Either way, this is not a piece that will get lost in the wedding photographs.

Paisley Pop Gold Plated Kundan Polki & Cubic Zirconia Maangtikka ₹6,999

Floral motifs take centre stage in this gold-toned maang tikka, which features white stone petals surrounding a green centre stone. 

The slender chain, accented with green beads, keeps the design relatively delicate despite the elaborate pendant. 

Brides wearing ivory, champagne or pastel outfits could use it to introduce a little colour without committing to an entirely multicoloured jewellery set. 

Sometimes, one well-chosen accessory is all an outfit needs.

Amama Shikara Maangtika ₹3,000

There is something particularly appealing about a gold maangtikka finished with rows of tiny pearls. 

This design features an ornate, curved pendant with pearl embellishments that frame the forehead beautifully, especially when worn with a sleek bun and a centre parting. 

The overall effect is traditional without requiring an elaborate mix of coloured stones, making it a lovely choice for brides wearing ivory, gold or pastel outfits. 

It also proves that a statement accessory does not always need to be oversized in every direction. 

Sometimes, the detailing does the work.

Kiara Gold Plated Kundan Polki & Red Onyx Maangtikka ₹6,900

This gold-toned maang-tikka features a large, intricately detailed pendant with magenta stones, kundan-style floral motifs and a border of pearl drops finished with tiny red beads.

Three smaller embellished motifs run along the chain, giving the design a layered look that feels distinctly traditional.

Pair it with a richly embroidered lehenga or a deep red bridal outfit, and let the pink stones add a little colour to the overall look.

Lead image credit: Rashmika Mandana/Instagram

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