There’s something undeniably majestic about South Indian bridal jewellery—the gleam of gold, the intricate carvings, and the unmistakable presence of heritage in every piece. But what happens when tradition meets today’s modern bride? Magic.
South Indian classics like the kasu haram, vaddanam, jhumka, and nethi chutti have been long-cherished heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next—rooted in temple art, master craftsmanship, and family legacy. But the new wave of Gen Z brides are giving these traditional and cultural treasures a fashion twist, proving you don’t need to be dripping in layers to make a statement. So here's how you can take tradition and make it your own.
Make one big statement
Take the kasu haram (where small coins are strung into a necklace) and the bottu mala (where rows of small button-like pendants form the necklace)—these classic necklaces were traditionally worn in multiple strands, layered neck-to-waist on brides. But not anymore, brides today are pairing a single or double strand with deep-neck blouses or sleek gowns for a modern-meets-ancestral moment. Some even wear them with offbeat colours such as ivory, powder blue, or mint green, breaking away from the red-and-gold formula.
Choose a different silhouette
Vaddanams, the traditional gold waist belts, are also seeing a major glow-up. No longer just a bridal essential worn with the classic sari—they’re now being paired with concept lehengas, pre-draped saris, and even with cape sets for mehendis and sangeets. Like everything else, the new-age bride is treating the vaddanam as an accessory, not a rule.
Earrings but make them XXL
The all-time classic and beloved jhumkas will never go out of style, but how do you play with them to make it yours? Go for the oversized temple earrings, a bridal favourite, but to make them more you, style them solo and skip the layers of chokers and necklaces altogether for a clean, contemporary look. With hair tied back in low buns or sleek ponytails, let your danglers do all the talking.
Detach to lock into your traditional style
Designers and jewellers are also adapting with lightweight versions of traditional pieces, matte gold finishes, and detachable elements are making South Indian jewellery more versatile and dare we say, more fun. Think—pendants that you can string differently and brooches you can pin to your hair or dot your lapel with. Today’s temple jewellery is rooted, but not restricted. Just like the bride who wears it. She’s not just wearing her heritage, she's owning it.
