The red-hot bridal lehenga list you needed yesterday

There’s a reason red lehengas continue to be every Indian bride’s fail-safe. It’s the colour of tradition and festivity, but it’s also versatile enough for brides who like to keep things classic and experiment instead with modern details. Designers are now doing red in lush fabrics, thoughtful textures and with clever updates on traditional embroidery. And we're seeing the new reds, both onscreen and off. Bhumi Pednekar’s The Royals’ mirror work lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla brings back old-school craft with a fresh silhouette of an ultra-short blouse. While Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s sister-in-law, Neelam Upadhyaya, chose a timeless raw silk lehenga from Manish Malhotra for her wedding.

Other recent red brides who gave the old hue a new spin include model Pooja Mor with her structured Jigar Mali lehenga that feels fuss-free yet striking. Aditi Rao Hydari’s deep red Sabyasachi ensemble with intricate gold work. And Alekha Advani who added a classic twist with an embellished blouse and easy drape, showing that red can be light and youthful too.

The truth is, red lehenga shopping can be overwhelming by the sheer volume out there. So we've done the homework, so you don't have to, and have handpicked the real stand outs from a crowd of clones. Whether you want heavy zari and silk for a big fat wedding or breezy organza and minimal embellishment for an intimate ceremony, find your red here: 

First up, if you want to keep it sleek and slightly unconventional, look at 431-88’s designer Shweta Kapur’s choice—a minimal yet impactful red lehenga by Kunal Rawal. Known for menswear-inspired detailing, Rawal’s take on the bridal red is fuss-free tailoring with subtle embellishments, perfect for brides who want sharp lines without too much volume. 

Then there’s Roseroom By Isha Jajodia’s rich red lehenga with intricate all-over embroidery; it’s heavy enough for a grand pheras look but modern enough to restyle later with a simpler blouse. Gaurav Gupta’s vermillion red version stands out for its bold motifs and tonal sequins—great for brides who want something statement but not too loud.

For brides who lean towards heritage work, Gopi Vaid’s red lehenga is a celebration of traditional craft. Think delicate threadwork and gota patti that feels timeless yet fresh. Manish Malhotra’s classic red lehenga is pure showstopper territory, with a lush silk base, metallic embroidery, and a flattering blouse that works well for cocktail nights too. Rimple & Harpreet’s scarlet red Kashmiri tilla lehenga is another must-have if you love old-world embroidery.

If you’re after something more artistic, Rahul Mishra’s embroidered red lehenga is a piece of couture you’ll probably hand down to the next generation. The designer’s signature nature-inspired motifs and clever use of 3D detailing make it stand out in a sea of reds. Rasha Thadani wears Surily G’s vibrant red lehenga, bringing in breezy glamour with a light, flowy skirt, ideal for a beach or destination wedding where comfort and style both matter. Shantanu Goenka’s version is for drama lovers with heavy gold zardozi, bold borders and an opulent dupatta that completes the regal look.

Finally, Rasha Thadani wears Surily G’s vibrant red lehenga, bringing in breezy glamour with a light, flowy skirt, ideal for a beach or destination wedding where comfort and style both matter. Sonia K Mahajan’s silk lehenga keeps it classic with all-over work and a well-fitted blouse for brides who love a polished finish. And Payal Singhal’s deep red bagh-embroidered lehenga shows how folk embroidery can be reimagined for modern silhouettes—easy, fuss-free and perfect for dancing the night away.