If you’ve been invited to an Indian wedding, chances are your first thought is, What should I wear? It’s a fair question, considering how grand and statement-making Indian wedding fashion tends to be. But over the last few years, something interesting has been happening—wedding guest fashion is getting a fresh, modern makeover. From elegant cocktail gowns to effortless co-ords, guests are moving away from heavy, traditional ensembles in favour of stylish yet comfortable outfits.
There was a time when wedding wardrobes were predictable ornate lehengas, traditional saris, and lots of embroidery. But today, the rulebook has been changed. Destination weddings, smaller guest lists, and social media influence have all changed the way people dress for celebrations. Guests now want something that stands out, yet feels effortless. As designer Sunaina Khera tells The Style List, “Wedding aesthetics have shifted towards individuality and personal expression. Guests today aren’t bound by traditional norms, they want to wear what reflects their personality, whether it’s a bold silhouette or a subtle pastel hue.” It’s not just about looking good for Instagram (though that’s definitely a factor). People want clothes they can actually move in, dance in, and maybe even re-wear. The rise of pre-draped saris, structured co-ords, and lehenga jumpsuits means wedding fashion is now about ease as much as elegance.
A Modern Take on Tradition
Traditionally, Indian weddings were all about grandeur. Huge venues, fancy décor, and guests wearing dresses that matched the extravagance. Today, however, things are different. Weddings are getting more personal, more intimate, and more diverse. The influence of global fashion is stronger than ever, and guests are looking for outfits that can be worn again, ones that are practical yet still fashionable.
Instead of the heavy, layered clothing from before, guests now favour pieces that are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish enough for dancing and mingling. Pre-draped saris, flowy anarkalis, Indo-Western co-ords, and lehenga jumpsuits are everywhere, replacing traditional, ornate fabrics with easy elegance.
Much of this shift can be attributed to pop culture and social media, where celebrities and stylists dictate trends that quickly trickle down to wedding guest fashion. Bollywood has long played a role in shaping India’s sartorial choices, and today’s wedding guests look to stylists like Ami Patel, Tanya Ghavri, and Rhea Kapoor for inspiration.
Take Alia Bhatt’s minimalist ivory sari at a friend’s wedding—it sparked a wave of understated elegance, proving that simplicity can be just as impactful as heavy embellishments. Similarly, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor’s penchant for structured drapes and soft pastels has made these styles more mainstream. “This evolution is refreshing because it celebrates uniqueness,” adds Sunaina Khera. “Instead of adhering to a single ‘ideal,’ women are embracing what makes them feel their best—whether through experimental cuts, fabrics, or playful embellishments. It’s a much more empowering and creative approach to fashion.” Nupur Kanoi says, “Women today are embracing versatile and statement pieces that strike a balance between tradition and modernity. One key trend is the fusion of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes such as pre-draped sarees, lehenga-jumpsuits, and asymmetrical co-ord sets.”
Images: Nupur Kanoi
What’s Trending in 2025?
Designers are embracing this shift with collections that mix old-world charm with contemporary appeal. Divya Aggarwal’s latest line, The Night Garden, reflects this perfectly. “Our pieces are for those who seek timeless couture with a fresh, feminine twist. We’ve reimagined traditional craftsmanship with modern flair, incorporating sequins, pearls, crystals, and intricate dori work with sophisticated corsetry.”
Colours are also evolving. While reds, golds, and bright pinks remain classics, muted and unexpected shades—pistachio green, dusty rose, lavender, and ivory—are becoming more popular. Monotone outfits with tonal embroidery are making a statement, offering a polished yet striking look. Designer Sawan Gandhi notes, “2025 is all about understated opulence. Monotone outfits redefine wedding wardrobes, blending timeless sophistication with intricate tone-on-tone embroidery. These pieces act as a blank canvas for statement accessories, allowing guests to create effortlessly stylish looks.”
Night Garden by Divya Aggarwal Label
A More Personal Approach
For those who want something unique yet wedding-appropriate, designers are offering a mix of contemporary and classic. Sunaina Khera suggests an “ivory peplum top and pant co-ord, embroidered with intricate beadwork, 3D florals, and delicate feathers” for a look that’s both sophisticated and fun. Meanwhile, Nupur Kanoi champions structured co-ords and contemporary printed saris for pre-wedding events, and Sawan Gandhi recommends pre-draped fishtail lehenga saris for a seamless blend of drama and ease. Mogra’s collection is also worth checking out if you’re looking for a thoughtful mix of modern silhouettes with traditional details.
Sawan Gandhi
At the end of the day, fashion and style have always followed suit. Guests are no longer dressing just to conform to traditional expectations, they are using fashion as a medium for self-expression. Whether it’s wearing a sari with sneakers, pairing heritage jewellery with a pantsuit, or opting for a minimalist aesthetic, wedding guest fashion is now more personalized than ever. The touch of tradition however will always remain, after all, Indians are deep-rooted in culture and values.
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