In his last and final blog on bridal trends, stylist Marv D’souza explores the various cuts and silhouettes you can opt for this wedding season. From drapes to classic cuts and mermaid style lehengas, Marv has it all covered to make your choices easier and quicker.

Now that I have written blogs on which colours to choose from and which fabrics to pick out,  we have a range of cuts and silhouettes to get cracking with. Flirty lehenga-cholis and the ever gracious saree have always been front runners. Anarkalis and sherwanis for women have become favourite for the fashionistas who live the drama. Even men have a lot to pick from this season, from classic sherwanis to a globally influenced version of it. From so many styles and so many statements, I cut down to my favourite few that might help you pick a direction if not answer all your queries.

Drapes

If wearing a saree, the garment has a range of ways you can style and drape it. Don’t let it intimidate you, if worn properly and secured, a saree is one of the  more comfortable garments. Designers like Neeta Lulla and Tarun Tahilliani had beautiful sarees draped in a few different styles, which added to the appeal of this ever sensual garment.

For those who still dread the thought of the saree but love draping fabrics, try draping your dupatta differently. Not as lengthy as the saree, but the dupatta can be fun to play around with. And since is easy to manage, you can keep experimenting through the evening and have a little fun of your own. Rocky S. tried knotting the dupatta into a bow while Neeta Lulla strategically places the duppatta letting a portion of the mid-riff peep sensually.

Fringes

Remember the 1920’s fringe dresses? Taking a cue from that era, this bridal season saw a lot of fringe detailing in sarees, anarkali inspired gowns and classic cocktail dresses. Falguni and Shane Peacock added fringes to the saree borders while Tarun Tahiliani merged it with tulle frills. Adarsh Gill stuck to the classic 20’s style in a shimmery number. Be carefull to not over-do the fringe or the garment will look like a Halloween costume.

Mermaid Cuts

Weddings are described with references to fairy tales and the brides to princesses and mystical beauties. So it was no surprise that the mermaid shaped gown in Tarun Tahiliani’s collection saw its place in beautiful cocktail wear. Even Jona By Jyotsna Tiwari had a few Lehengas with the mermaid shapes curving at the hips and then flowing outwards.

My Favourite CLASSIC Looks This Season:

1. Anarkali by TarunTahiliani

Old school and restored to modern day sensibility. Muted Cream accented with deep red and greens. Raw silk and net teamed to balance it all out. Perfection for the wedding season.

2. Jodhabai styled saree by Rocky S.

Simple toned and draped with a regal sensibility. With the chunari covering the head, the look is coy and conservative yet sensual with the kamar-bandh. Simplicity is at its best!

3. Ornate Lehenga Choli by Neeta Lulla

In a flaming red tone with gold embroidery all over, this look would be perfect for the wedding day. What adds to the grandeur is the green brocade border on the red dupatta. Ideal for the “I do’s”.

4. A simple & elegant Salwar Kurta by Rocky S.

I personal love simple stories like this light pink number by Rocky S. Playing with a soft and serene sense of styling and an elegant flow of the garment , Rocky presented another masterpiece.

5. A knee-length form-fitted number in metallic burgundy by Adarsh Gill

If you have being working out at the gym , this body hugging number is sexy and sophisticated. Perfect for a cocktail date, Adarsh Gill dished out a garment for the sexy hour-glass shape.

6. The classic Rajputana look by Vikram Phadnis

Who doesn’t like the royal look? At his recent bridal show, Vikram belted out this metallic brown sherwani worn by Neil Nitin Mukesh.  He accessorized it minimally with just one golden neck-piece and couple of rings, fit for the prince.

My Favourite CONTEMPORARY Looks This Season:

1. Tarun Tahilliani’s cocktail saree with a bejeweled jacket.

Cocktails aren’t a serious affair, so this pink metallic saree hugged by a jacket with Swarowski elements is apt. The fluidity of the saree is perfectly matched by the structure of the jacket.

2. A creamy beige saree coiled around the neck by Rocky S.

A plain beige saree teamed with a light pink subtly embellished blouse takes a twist the moment rocky draped the pallu around the neck like a scarf.

3. An ornate lehenga-choli by Neeta Lulla

With an illusion that looks like a saree, it seems to be a lehenga-choli Or maybe I’m wrong. Either way, it is an interesting twist and so sexy.

4. Eastern European influences by Tarun Tahiliani

Aesthetically different from the usual menswear, this look is layered and big on the graphic appeal. The print and embroidery is also dense but somehow Tarun brings it all to make perfect sense.

And voila! That wraps up the bridal trend report from the shows I saw and understood. When designing your own trousseau or having your favourite designer doing it for you, be sure not to fall prey to what’s ‘in’ and what’s ‘out’. Trend stories and fashion forecasts tell you what’s out there for you and are mere guidelines. Once you have all your information in fabric swatches, colour palettes and look books, sit with a friend or a consultant and zero down on your trousseau. It’s your big day and make every penny worth it.