Whites are synonymous with summer time, but now a few fashion designers with the help of some modern brides have turned this pristine colour into a staple for summer weddings as well.
Breaking the taboo that wearing white didn’t fit into ceremonial celebrations like Indian weddings, the new age bride has warmly imbibed the contemporary India, becoming increasingly specific about what she wants, drifting away from the bright colored and heavily embroidered blingy lehengas to something that contemporises India.
– Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra, Fashion Designers
There is the obvious influence of the western bride walking down the aisle in a white wedding gown and as traditional wedding celebrations undergo changes, so do the preferences of what the ladies want to wear.
“Nowadays, in India, destination weddings are preferred more than the traditional way of marriage. Hence, for such weddings, softer tones with mild colours which soothe the eye are used. Eye-catching and vibrant colours have been supplemented by a much gentler colour palette with the inclusion of whites and pastel shades”, says designer Mandira Wirk.
For the completely risk-averse white and ivory are perhaps not part of the list, but remember besides the gold and white or silver and white combinations, the colour can be teamed up with a brighter hue if that’s how you like to celebrate.
Why the white and ivory palette also works for summers is because these colours work best when used with lighter fabrics like tulle, georgettes and chiffons - making the difference very stark from the heavy, ‘can barely walk’, brightly shaded wedding attire. If not for the main wedding nuptials, fashion gurus suggest using this palette for the reception or cocktail night where you can also give the lehanga a miss and try interesting silhouettes like saree, gowns or corset and skirt combinations.
Different at so many levels, sophisticated yet subtle - White is the light at the end of the tunnel if you’ve not figured out what to wear for that mega summer wedding yet.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)