The only fashion shopping guide you need at The Wedding Collective

If you've been waiting for a sign to finally nail down your wedding wardrobe, consider this it. The Wedding Collective is back, and this edition has got the classic, the contemporary, the quietly luxurious, the unapologetically extra and everything in between.

Season 3 brings together some of India’s most exciting design voices covering the full spectrum of your bridal wardrobe. You’ll find everything from Ashdeen’s collection of Parsi Gara hand-embroidered lehengas, Punit Balana and Roseroom’s romantic couture to Gopi Vaid’s latest “Chaar Bagh” collection with mirrorwork. Whether you are a pastel-ivory girlie or boho maximalist, if Padmavat is on your moodboard or you’re more of a Veere Di Wedding kinda gal, consider this your one-stop destination to find the latest pieces for every occasion whether it’s the mehendi, the sangeet, or even the wedding after-party.

Of course don’t forget to bring the family too because we’ve got options for the groom and also your mother, sister and that one aunt who always upstages everyone at the pheras. To help you differentiate the fashion brands on offer–because trust us, each one is special in their own right–we’ve sorted them based on their USP so that it’s easier for you to browse when the big day comes. Btw there's more fashion in our various curations and edits, but more on that later. For now, scroll ahead to mark the bridal trends that are most your vibe:

Craft maximalism

This season is all about heirloom dressing, which is basically code for heritage crafts that have been perfected and preserved over the centuries. So go maximal and pile on the hand embroideries from aari to zari along with the appliques, mirror work and so on. Be it Mayyur Girotra’s one-of-their-kind Collectibles or Delhi Vintage Co.’s statement pieces and Punit Balana’s signature Chaandni Tilla artistry–there’s something for every bride, bridesmaid and wedding guest.

A play of drapes

Whether it's a pre-draped Banarasi silk by Shweta Kapur’s 431-88 for the woman who loves a sari but not the six-yard struggle, Ashdeen's Parsi Gara hand-embroidered georgette for the one who's been planning her wedding sari for years or Naina Jain's Bandhani in silk and organza for the woman who wants colour and craft in equal measure. This edit covers every version of the fashion and heritage sari and then some.

Summer of sharara

The sharara is having its biggest moment except this time it’s layered with mirror work and block prints. Wide-legged, floaty, and effortlessly regal, this silhouette is the answer to every “what do I wear to the sangeet?” text you’ve ever sent at midnight. Trust Lajjoo C to deliver a sharara set in everything from brocade to organza, that too, in striking colours. And if you are more into contemporary with a nod to tradition then Mrunalini Rao will do exactly that.

The craft jacket club

The jacket is no longer just a layer, it's the whole personality. Throw a zardozi-embellished one over a simple kurta and suddenly you're the most interesting person at the pre-wedding brunch. Go for Delhi Vintage Co.'s voluminous brocade jacket for an easy but elevated look, or throw on Mrunalini Rao's royal purple silk jacket over a skirt for something effortlessly elegant. SVA's embroidered occasion jackets sit somewhere between the two, structured enough to mean business, beautiful enough to not need anything else.

Textile maestros

Ask any woman what she remembers most about her favourite outfit and she’ll almost always talk about the fabric. That experience is exactly what these brands prioritise. Ahujasons has been perfecting authentic Kashmir Pashmina since 1979. Asha Gautam works with Banarasi weaves in the kind of vibrant, considered colours that have made the label a bridal favourite for over two decades. Swati & Sunaina Gold's pure zari silks are woven in Varanasi using rare techniques that most weavers have stopped attempting. And Kanakavalli curates handloomed kanjivarams the way a gallery curates art , with real intention and a very discerning eye. These brands are every textile purist’s dream.

Cocktail hour

The cocktail event is criminally underrated as a fashion opportunity and we’re here to fix that. This is the night for the backless blouse and the structured corset that does too much in the best way. Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna’s metallic embroideries and Monisha Jaising's fluid evening drapes are built exactly for this light and the kind of evening that starts at seven and somehow ends at two. But if you are more into sartorial styling, then try Misho’s corsets from their bridal couture line that you can pair with lehengas, skirts as well as saris.

Embellished and proud

Does your bridal vision include something unique, fun and embroidery heavy that can be seen from the back row? Then this edit was made for you. Somewhere along the way, “less is more” became the default setting for getting dressed and honestly, who approved that? Indian fashion at its best has always been about colour stacked on craft stacked on more colour. Imagine Dareaab by Sonia K Mahajan's embroidered Kashmiri maximalism, eye-catching loud colours and intricate embroideries from House of Masaba, regal craftsmanship and opulence from Ruddarsh to Shantanu Goenka's Swarovski-studded couture drama. Big day energy, every single look.

Pastel power

Pastel is not a compromise. Let's get that straight right now. There's something about antique lace, sheer organza, and the kind of crystal detailing you only notice up close. Isha Jajodia’s label Roseroom reimagines grace with vintage appeal and Victorian design, perfect for Bridgeton but make it desi kinda look. Gopi Vaid’s latest collection “Chaar Bagh” is as all in for pastel weddings and we cannot talk about pastels without mentioning Punit Balana misty blue tissue lehenga.

Bandhagala bros

A wardrobe essential for the wedding season for men? A bandhagala, of course. A classic alternative for tuxedos and formal wear, you can move from an engagement to an after-party with almost no effort in this. And they’ve got a range as well, from minimalist designs by Sarah & Sandeep to metallic accents by designer duo Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, and sculpted silhouettes by Arjan Dugal, there's one bandhlagas for every style choice.