The bridal fashion edit for a monsoon wedding

Planning a big, beautiful Indian wedding in the middle of the monsoon? Don’t let a little (or a lot of) rain cramp your bridal style. From lehengas that won’t soak up the storm to silhouettes made for dancing through drizzle, this is your guide to looking effortlessly glam—even if the weather plays spoilsport.

Lightweight lehengas

This is a good time to skip the cancan. Instead, opt for a lehenga that’s as breezy as you hope the day will be. When it comes to materials, choose fabrics like organza, georgette, chiffon, or tulle that won’t weigh you down—Gopi Vaid’s haldi-ready floral lehenga, Shantanu Goenka’s ivory silk and Shanti Banaras’ ice blue kora lehenga immediately come to mind. Think twirl-friendly skirts, playful tiers, and if you’re buying something custom made, try and ask for a slightly shorter hemline (ankle grazing is chic!) so you’re not dragging half the rainwater around with you. Keep it light, elegant, and easy to move in.

The embroidery is art

When it comes to bridal bling, less is truly more. Skip the metallic zardozi threads and chunky mirror work that can soak up water and tarnish in high humidity. Instead, opt for delicate threadwork, luminous pearls, and intricate cutdana that catch the light beautifully. Think of Ekaya’s French lace-trimmed saris, Monisha Jaisingh’s embroidered dhoti set or a handloom-woven silk sari by Asha Gautam that offer rich texture without the bulk. You still get the grandeur, just in a softer, more breathable way that moves with you (and doesn’t trap humidity like a heatwave).

Silhouettes that keep you moving

A rainy day calls for silhouettes that are easy to move in. Ghararas, like the ones from Ritu Kumar and Lajjoo C, are a great pick—they’re elegant, roomy, and bring major old-world charm with modern ease. Pre-draped saris from designers like Shweta Kapur are another genius option: they give you the drama of a sari without the stress of pleats coming undone mid-performance. And if you’re the bride who wants to keep it cool and contemporary, a dhoti skirt paired with a statement blouse hits the sweet spot—festive, flattering, and totally monsoon-proof.