Destination Weddings for the Contemporary Bride

BEACH WEDDINGS: FOR THE CHIC BRIDE
When choosing your ensemble, it is important to keep your location and the climate in mind. A tropical locale or beach wedding is the desired destination for many contemporary brides. If this is your calling then you should opt for lightweight fabrics that pack well and won't easily wrinkle. Avoid excessive embroidery that is often done with metallic threads and beads, and heavyweight fabrics like banarasi and dupion. Instead, go for breezy wrinkle-resisters such as silk tulle, organza, chiffon, Charmeuse, georgette or light laces. 

You'll also want to forego trailing doppattas or sari ends that may blow around in ocean breezes, and choose to wear a light dress instead. Whatever dress style you select should be comfortable and flatter your figure. Sheaths, mermaids, A-lines with layers of sheer ruffles are all appropriate when made with the right fabric. You want to look sharp but also show your curves. You can also invest in a classic full length with high slits or low back which will make you look like a diva. A sari can also be worn, especially ones that are sheer and soft which will accentuate your body nicely, requiring very little accessories, only a killer blouse. For a more modern twist, go for a headpiece with floral designs.

Have fun making a strong style statement with your accessories. A dramatic bead necklace or dangling pearl earrings will glam up a simple yet beautifully tailoured dress. Or choose tropical hues for your jewellery and wear bright turquoise or coral accents. Your headpiece, whether hair combs, a tiara or fresh flowers in your hair, should complement your dress or sari and add to your personal style. Also, make sure your shoes allow you to walk on sand or uneven ground – consider wearing low-heeled wedges, sandals, or even kitten heels if you want a bit of lift. You should never settle for predictable styles or done to death colour schemes. Stick to fresh summery tones and colours that echo the landscape around you.

GARDEN WEDDINGS: FOR THE COUNTRY BRIDE
Today brides like an outdoor wedding, as they are fun and engaging. The brightness of the sun and the fragrance of the environment all work for you and add to the wedding ambience.  Garden weddings are done with the concept of rustic charm being the predominant theme. Twigs, wild flowers, creepers and terrains of gardens just make the wedding very nature-friendly. The clothes you wear must also reflect the theme, with floral embroidery and accessories like hair pins of roses and peonies, or brooches of beautiful birds. Avoid wearing anything too shiny or glittery and make your look as close to natural and neutral as possible. You should also go with chiffon, Charmeuse or even fine cotton. Wear flats or low-heeled shoes as gardens are not even. Finally, keep to muted colours as the environment will be quite vibrant with greens and warm floral tones.

CITY WEDDINGS: FOR THE MODERN BRIDE
If you're planning a city wedding you have a myriad of options available to you. This wedding season, shun the opulent big ballroom and instead consider a sassy rooftop venue that will either have the cityscape or a park view. You can look very classy in a trailing mermaid-style layered lehenga ensemble or a shift-style pant suit that is classic yet has a very 'today versus yesterday' look. For the modern bride, always consider the weather when choosing your attire. If you wish to wear a sari and the groom to wear a sherwani or a tuxedo in the heat it can not only be inconvenient but also very uncomfortable, so keep it very simple. Only pick out some bridal accessories.

Finally, remember that you have to be twice as organised if you are planning a destination wedding. If you are that bride who wants to get every little detail done, make one fat to-do list. 

Do your research, set up appointments and visualise what you want before you arrive at your destination. 

TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS: FOR EVERY BRIDE
You may want a traditional wedding as the rituals are very beautiful and aimed at pampering you. You will wear classic heirloom ornaments and get showered with saris and presents. This theme is very special for the bride-to-be. With days to go, there are rejuvenating activities that are aimed at making you look luminous with a radiant glow for your wedding day. You will work towards flawless skin with turmeric and oil that compliment your jewel-toned saris in pink, fuchsia, maroon or red. Banarasi saris are probably the most traditional and red is the colour that is believed to be the most auspicious for the occasion. White ground with a red border, or maroon ground with a pink border, is a good colour scheme but most brides prefer to wear a red sari with gold zari border with butis on the ground. 

The Bengali bride loves to be very decorative, with painted altas on her hands feet or ornamental henna that is applied with very complex patterns. For the traditional bride, gold was compulsory in the past, but silver is becoming increasingly popular now. Shades of red for lipstick are widely liked but consider trying a natural rose pink or a light plum that will make your lips look fuller.

HAIRSTYLES AND MAKE UP
When the time comes for your hair you should stick to a low bun decorated with flowers, and of course a Bengali bride is incomplete without her tiara. It must be a remnant of the British Raj. The intricate design on the forehead using Chondon sandal wood, a special fragrant wood paste, gives a regional identity, a look with divine innocence.