6 Fabulous Outfits To Rock With Glam At Your BFF's Wedding!

By Nikitha Terrance

Finally, the day you’ve been dreaming about is around the corner — your best friend is getting married! But being the bridesmaid is no piece of cake: you have to be by her side through every ritual while also being the glam doll of the event. You’ll have a lot on your plate, and the last thing you want is to worry about your outfits. Worry not — if you’re looking for a contemporary take on ethnic bridesmaid outfits, scroll down for the best inspiration, straight from our wedding collection.

Draping it with pride

The saree is a dress for the ethnic soul, ever irreplaceable. As generations have passed, so has the look of the saree — gone are the days when the theme was anything in red. There are plenty of lovable changes: the fabric, the draping styles, exquisite blouse designs and more. A very recent trend is the dhoti saree — dhoti pants replacing the usual inner skirt, which changes the entire viewpoint of the drape.

The emerging mix-and-match game

The most elegant clothing of them all is the lehenga — the typical attire for any bride or bridesmaid, especially in North India. Red lehengas have long been replaced by versatile indo-western ones. The recent changes that made us fall in love with lehengas all over again are the colours, the way the upper wear or skirt is altered, and most importantly the way you carry it. There’s plenty of room to try new designs and styles.

A modern twist to an antiquity

This is about one of the most refined garments dating back to the Mughal dynasty — the anarkali suit. It gives a cultivated impression to anyone who wears it, and though it’s existed for decades, its sophistication has never faded. A modern twist: pair it with sharara pants, similar to palazzos but with more flair and flow.

When the West meets the unexpected

The viral trend making rounds in fashion is the indo-western gown. Wondering how a western garment gets a dash of Indian-ness? Simple corrections — changing the neckline, a ruffled or feathery finishing length, and the right colours — transform the whole look. It’s a big favourite for any woman who wants to show off her swag at Indian functions, and you won’t be criticised for this excellent choice.

Where did all the flowers go?

No function in India is complete without flowers — in the decor or at least in the bride’s hair. When flowers grace the clothing department, an astonishing garden blossoms. Floral prints remain a beloved way to embrace refined femininity, and when those prints meet comfy palazzo pants, it’s a complete package — useful to run around in, or to dance and twirl.

How about some quirkiness?

Another outfit that works for the Haldi — or a designer version for the Roka or engagement — is the jumpsuit. Contrary to the rumour, they’re not just for skinny ladies but for plus-size women too. Paired with the right jewellery and shoes, no one can stop you from being the queen of the room. Customise with patterns (striped, checked, plain), fabrics (velvet, cotton, georgette) and, of course, extra embellishments.

Something to remember

• Just as you have plenty of choices in life, the same goes for clothing — try different styles for the different functions of a big fat Indian wedding.
• With a heavy, dark-coloured outfit, go for minimal makeup, and vice versa, to keep your look balanced and vibrant.
• Wear comfortable footwear — maybe even sneakers.
• Make sure you have enough time for your parlour sessions.
• Get an outfit fitting done about a week before the big day.
• Don’t forget to relax and have fun — it’s not every day you get to be invited to an extravagant wedding.