Five outfits for brides who want to play by their own style rules

Why should all brides look like each other’s clone? Here’s some inspiration for fearless fashionistas who desire to be themselves on their big day.

The new-age bride wouldn’t let her individuality drown in an ostentatious, 20 kg red lehenga. She plays by her own style rules, dreads looking like every other bride, and wants her bridal outfit to have a whiff of her unique self.

Sounds quite like the person you desire to be on your big day, but don’t know how to break free from wedding uniform rules? Here’s some inspiration for letting loose the rebellious stylista in you. Get imaginative and rock your biggest party with these outfit and styling ideas.

Mirrorwork ensemble by Manish Malhotra, floral headgear by Kalikarr (left); Outfit from Manish Arora’s Peacock collection. Jewellery by Apala by Sumit1 Whimsical meets glam

Nothing says sexy better than fresh flowers in your hair. Give those elaborate ornaments a miss and give your traditional outfit a fairy-tale spin with flowers. Quaint headgears, a classic updo strewn with dainty flowers, or an oversized flower tucked behind your hair - there are plenty of gorgeous ways of wearing flowers in your hair. Think a floor-grazing kurta accessorised with a grand floral headgear for your engagement to phool around in style.

2 A Dash of quirk

We are not talking about those straight-from-the-ramp, alien-inspired enigmas. But if you are the rebellious sorts, you can surely pull off something edgy. For your big day, chuck the ornate choli and pair your kitschy lehenga with a neon coloured crop top that shows off your tiny waist. Team up a striking neckpiece and an over-sized ring and be the most striking bride out there who is not scared to follow her heart. You can always recycle your psychedelic lehenga for glittery occasions later - pair it with a crisp white button down, or go sexy with a bralet.

Jacket and pants by Gaurav Gupta, ear-cuff by Atelier Mon

Trains don’t belong to just bridal gowns anymore. Designers are increasingly infusing trains with traditional Indian silhouettes to create whimsical ensembles. Ace red-carpet glam with an outfit that has an elaborate train. For your reception, think a glamorous long jacket teamed with slim-fit pants.

Lehenga-choli by Manish Malhotra with mirrorwork (left); Gold gown by Gaurav Gupta

4 Mirror love
Mirrors aren’t confined to reflective sunnies this season. Add a dollop of old world glam with sheesha work on your outfit. For your sangeet, pick up a lehenga-choli with mirrorwork in a cheery colour. Underplay the jewellery — edgy kundan ear-cuffs, and multiple glass bangles on each hands will be all that you’ll need to dance away to those peppy numbers.

5 Dig on bling
Sparkly is in, sparkly is sexy and sparkly is your no-sweat recipe for instant glam. So don’t skimp on bling and go bold with head-to-toe shine for your cocktail party. What can be more diva-esque than a gold gown that skims your curves and ends in a whimsical trail? Also think sleek lamé dresses, coloured sequin dresses, glitter heels, and diamond minaudieres. You won’t regret these retirement proof picks that’ll set you up for those glamorous evenings, Iong after your honeymoon is over.

Concept & styling: Shara Ashraf
Shoot coordination: Sanya Goel
Photos: Raajessh Kashyap
Models: Sonalika Sahay & Marcela Cura
Makeup: Cleopatra salon & spa,
Location: The Lalit, New Delhi
Car: Eco rent a car