Say yes to the (white) dress

For generations, red has ruled the Indian bridal wardrobe. It’s auspicious, it’s opulent, and it’s as traditional as the sound of shehnais. But lately? Brides are rewriting the playbook—trading fiery scarlets for the soft shimmer of ivory. And honestly, we’re here for it. Blame it on global Pinterest boards, destination weddings, or just the princess-like charm of a white dress—but more and more desi brides are embracing this Western classic.

Case in point: Aashna Shroff and Armaan Khan’s wedding earlier this year, where both turned heads in matching ensembles from Shantnu & Nikhil. Shroff wore a sculpted Victorian corset dress embellished with freshwater pearls. Come summer, and beach weddings powered through in all their white, textural-dress glory. Alekha Advani’s look by Cheri D played with curves and contrast—a sculpted mermaid silhouette that enveloped the body just right, offset by strands of oversized pearls at the neck. Then there was Sanaya Irani Zohrabi's open-air garden wedding, where her NYC label Berta gown brought floral appliqués that crept across the sheer tulle.

And it’s not just gowns. Designers like Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta are leaning into the white-out trend too. Think off-white saris with metallic thread work or organza dresses that envelop you like clouds. Even traditional silhouettes are getting the vanilla treatment.

For brides who want a toned-down colour palette without skimping on glamour and drama, white is the sweet spot. It’s versatile, timeless, and pairs like a dream with heirloom jewels—gold, pearls, polki and diamonds all pop against the softness of white. 

Find your summer white-wedding style below:

For the classic beach bride

For the seashore bride who says “I do” with sand between her toes and pearls in her palms, the vibe is nautical (but make it nuptial). At Shaleen Khergamwala’s seaside ceremony, it was all about the corseted lace gown with delicate floral embroidery and sheer panels from The Bride Atelier, Dubai. Glide down the aisle in a pearl-studded ivory Manish Malhotra. Accessories? Think mermaidcore with major sparkle—Alok Lodha’s Lace of Radiance earrings and a diamond showstopper from Rare Heritage’s Endless Escape collection.

For the flower-power bride

For the bride who believes florals are forever in season, why stop at bouquets? Step into your big day in Rahul Mishra’s hand-embroidered gold-flecked Nargis sari, as seen on Lisa Ray. Or go full bloom in Gaurav Gupta’s pearly embroidered masterpiece. Top it off with Hirani Diamonds’ jaw-dropping 30-carat yellow diamond and Hazoorilal Legacy’s drop earrings that drip in brilliance.

For the sculpted bride

If you like your silhouettes sharp and your style sharper, sculptural gowns bring the drama. Amit Aggarwal’s corded coral gown with its ribbed drape is equal parts movement and muscle. Gaurav Gupta’s white Sculpted Ascension gown—seen on Olivia Munn—serves shape with precision. Pair with Sunita Shekhawat’s Art Deco diamond drops and Shruti Sharma’s bold-cut diamond necklace. Because soft isn’t the only way to do bridal.