The BFIW loves all things wedding-related: whether it’s quirky, unusual, or offbeat, we admire the unique touches a bride chooses for her big day. As we know, Indian bridal outfits are the perfect outlet for self-expression – there’s so many styles and fabrics to choose from!
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite offbeat wedding outfits for you to get inspired:
Peach Frill, from Payal Singhal
The frills totally make the lehenga here – what a fun way to stand out! I love how they are organized in rows and encircle the skirt. It adds a mermaid-cut simulation to the dress. The peach and seafoam green pastels blend together fabulously, and the gold accents brighten up the outfit.
Red Velvet, from Shehnaai Couture 2012 Collection
Velvet is the perfect fabric for winter weddings – it’s fashionable, yet warm. The traditional wedding color, red, is utilized for a common outfit; but, the rose-themed embroidery is a welcome diversion. I love the winter silver look it adds to the outfit and how the thick borders accentuate the heavy fabric. Who knew gold and silver went so well together?
Sparkling Royal, by Ali Xeeshan
The traditional white wedding dress is free of elaborate beading and colorful designs – but that doesn’t mean a bride has to miss out. This elegant royal blue dress is decked out in Indian motifs, such as damask and mango print. It’s conservatively cut and sophisticated enough to be worn to a wedding reception.
Periwinkle Perfect, by Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani’s bridal collection stuns us every year, but this year’s periwinkle dress is the perfect offbeat attire. It’s a light pastel – making it appropriate for weddings, and it’s also conservatively and elegantly cut to accentuate the bride’s waistline and allow for a flowing skirt. If white isn’t your thing, consider another lighter, yet brighter, shade like periwinkle.
Gold Glamour, by Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani definitely knows how to keep it classy, even if it’s not white and traditional. This shiny gold wedding dress is flashy, but not trashy. The pale gold color is bound to highlight the bride’s glow, and the sweeping skirt is a common feature in bridal wear. I’m a fan of the unique take on the sweetheart neckline too.
Plush Purple, by Mandira Wirk
Who says a bride needs to be pastel and pale? If you’re craving some bold color for the reception, purple is a great choice. This ombre purple dress has textured layers and elaborate frontal beading work to glam it up. It’s fun, but also too fancy to be found at your local high school prom.
Steampunk Chic, by Sabyasachi
Black is an unconventional choice for a wedding dress, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ruled out. This one piece gown plays off the brilliant combination of black and shiny coral, along with beading and sequin details. The collared neckline and long sleeves complete the stunning look and give it a unique flair.
Golden Peacock, by Gaurav Gupta
This light gold, tulle lehenga is gorgeously embellished with peacock embroidery for a modern, yet classy look. I particularly love the way the dupatta drapes across the blouse in ruffles and how full the skirt is. This is a fun outfit with elegant Indian motifs.
Sparkling Peach, from Kirti and Sandeep’s Chinese Indian Fusion Wedding
The beading on this dress is reminiscent of the 1920s, but the ombre effect of peach is quite contemporary. I love the glowing effect this dress gives off, and how the color isn’t white – but still light and pastel enough to wear to a daytime wedding event.
Red Swirl, by Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor
The swirling skirt of this dress is amazing – it’s unique and bold, without going over the top. The monotone color scheme and simple necklace is only embellished by floral details on the top and the skirt. It keeps the look balanced, even with all the intricate beading details.
Ombre Couture, by Vikram Phadnis
The velvet blouse contrasts well with the light, airy skirt. I love the ombre effect of the skirt and the gold details in the sequined border and embroidered top. This outfit would suit a cold-weather reception perfectly. It can easily be intensified with a unique headband like the one pictured.
Floral Canvas, by Fahad Hussayn
The floral details on this white gown really stand out against the beautifully blank space. Minimalist gowns are standard for weddings, but the long sleeves and asymmetrical hemline add personality to this dress. The gold, shiny borders highlight the little bits of flower embroidery and leave room for fabulous jewelry accents.
Bloom, by Dolce and Gabanna
Although not worn as a wedding dress, Sonam Kapoor dons this floral gown elegantly enough to pass for an offbeat walk down the aisle. The pearly white contrasts with vintage rose designs for a demure look. For brides who want a pop of color in their white dress, a design like this one is a bold and pretty option.
Maroon Marvel, by Vera Wang
If the queen of wedding dress design, Vera Wang, creates her 2012 Spring Wedding Collection with red toned gowns, it’s a clear sign that white dresses aren’t the only acceptable ones. This maroon gown features a stunning, layered mermaid cut skirt. The simple back and tulle flower design on the front literally lead up to the skirt, making it the focus of the outfit. I can imagine this worn for a wintery wedding.
Sash and Shimmer, by Shantanu and Nikhil
For a white dress that refuses to be bland, this Shantanu and Nikhil piece is a great inspiration. The gold embroidery on the net skirt layer and over the blouse add Indian imagery to the look. I think the gold sash across the skirt steals the show – adding a bodl flair to the outfit while still screaming “beauty queen.”
Sweet Pink, by Vera Wang
Vera Wang’s Fall 2014 Wedding Collection featured an array of pink dreamy dresses. This one is simple as can be in the front, but a stunner in the back. I can imagine this bride’s walk down the aisle was the most memorable part of the wedding! The net cutout in the back is adorned with fabric flowers in an asymmetrical, “just fallen” style. The double bows add even more of a girly flair to this fairytale outfit.
Ball (Gown) of Sunshine, by Jyotsna Tiwari
This beautiful ball gown, debuted at Aamby Valley Bridal Week 2012, is a fine choice for a bride who wants to make sure she really stands out against the other bright colors of Indian fashion. Indian motifs are stamped and beaded all over this dress, added depth and texture to the dazzling color. I love the fringe borders as well – they add to the dress’s similarities to a golden sun!
Silken Fringe, by Tarun Tahiliani
I never knew it was possible for a grey-ish tint to be a gorgeous wedding dress. This Tarun Tahiliani dress is silky and lacy at the same time. The lower layer of the skirt is an intricate fringe pattern, which so boldly contrasts against the gathered silk middle. The short cardigan and heavy pearl necklace add an old-school touch to the outfit.
The Peacock Bride, by Falguni and Shane Peacock
While this dress is white, it’s far from traditional. The feathered lower skirt and embroidered bird motifs really pull together a unique look. With a quasi-sweetheart neckline and heavy beading, the outfit is glamorous enough to pass for an embellished white dress – only with a touch of feathery style at the bottom.
Royal Blue, by Mandira Wirk
Let’s not forget the royal blue shades when considering white dress alternatives! This dress is made of heavy fabric laced with velvet and intricate bronze beading and embroidery. Its full skirt and detailed top accentuate the waistline, making this a flattering look. The deep purplish-blue color is the highlight of the outfit, proving that darker colors do have a place at weddings after all.
Shades of Sunset, by Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani definitely knows what he’s doing when it comes to shiny and glamorous. This dress features a flowing skirt in shades of bright yellow and deep orange – reflecting the colors of a tropical sunset. The heavy, sparkling details on the bust of the dress pull the look together with a fun elegance that only a bright dress could truly manage. This is the perfect dress to ride away into the sunset after the wedding hassle!
For more bridal style inspiration, check out 21 Ways to Wear Tikkas and Jhumars and 21 Bridal Bouquet Inspirations.