If you’re browsing Pinterest boards for the ultimate wedding look or diving deep into Bollywood style, you’re not alone. Bollywood has always been the OG trendsetter for designer wedding Indian wedding dresses, from show-stopping veils to embroidered lehengas that resemble art. Our go-to iconic Bollywood characters to dress up as not only slay on screen, but they also provided us with bridal inspiration for life. Let’s explore the most iconic Bollywood looks and crack the code on how to recreate that magic.
Rekha in Silsila: A Regal Tale of Traditional Elegance
When Rekha glided onto our television screens in that ageless golden saree, she wasn’t merely acting; she embodied bridal chic. That Banarasi silk, that gold jewelry, that gajra in the hair? Unadulterated perfection. This look is all about pulling off traditional Indian Bollywood bridal wear at its most evolved, otherworldly best. Imagine rich silks, maroon deep and rich, temple jewelry that’s hollering “classy with a capital C”.
Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat: The Royal Bridal Look
No one does queen power like Deepika in Padmaavat. That red lehenga with zardozi embellishments, those heavy polki ornaments, and her fierce conviction made this one a Bollywood bridal wear moment that will be etched in memories forever. Layered jewelry, minute detailing, and royal colors had us all dreaming of a wedding out of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie.
Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar: Mughal Opulence Meets Ethnic Grace
Aishwarya as Jodhaa was a renaissance painting walk, a fusion of ethnic beauty and Mughal grandeur. Her intricate anarkalis, tiered jewelry, and regal dupattas were a lesson in bridalwear for royalty. Perk? This look is great for Gen Z brides who seek a designer wedding Indian dress that fuses history and high fashion.
Anushka Sharma in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: A Contemporary Bridal Statement
Cue the background score and cue the emotions. Anushka wearing that ravishing deep red lehenga left us all green with bridal envy. It was traditional, of course, but very much in vogue. The makeup was light, the styling subtle, and the mood? Contemporary yet rooted. A great choice for those brides who wish to tip their hats at tradition without getting overwhelmed by it.
Kareena Kapoor in Veere Di Wedding: Bold and Chic Bridal Trends
Kareena’s iconic Bollywood look reimagined what a contemporary bride can be: unapologetic, glam, and bold AF. With her pastel lehenga, messy bun, and OTT jewellery, she brought back cool bridal fashion for the millennials. If your aesthetic is quirky-meets-chic and you wish to experiment with unconventional tones, this is your formula.
Priyanka Chopra in Bajirao Mastani: Blending Heritage with Glamour
Priyanka, as Kashi Bai, presented us with another spectacular iconic Bollywood look filled with glamour, rich in colours, vintage Marathi ornaments, and layered sarees. She struck a perfect balance of soft and strong, elegant and emotive. For brides who wish to keep their roots at the forefront while still oozing with allure, this one’s for you.
Styling Tips for Bollywood-Inspired Bridal Looks
How to Incorporate Royal Jewelry into Your Bridal Outfit
Jewelry is an accessory and the headline. Get your inner Bollywood bride on with these royal touches:
Polki + Kundan sets: Deepika & Aish, anyone?
Chandbalis + Mathapattis: Because who doesn’t need regal forehead drama?
Nath (nose ring): Need to be duped into thinking you just emerged from Bajirao Mastani? You have to get this.
Pro tip: Layer vintage family pieces with new designs to create a look that’s all about you. It’s got history and glamour!
Mixing Traditional and Modern Styles for a Unique Bridal Look
This is where the party starts: mixing heritage with individual style. Some ideas:
Saree and crop top blouse: Combine a Banarasi with a cut-out designer blouse = fashion-forward fusion.
Pastel lehenga with oxidized silver jewelry: Rule-breaker? Yes. Gorgeous? Also yes.
Embroidered veil with power bun: Who said flowing curls are necessary?
Millennial/Gen Z Tip: It’s your day, your way. Draw inspiration from these iconic Bollywood characters to dress up as them, but reboot them with your style, whether that’s glitter sneakers beneath your lehenga or bold neon eyeliner.
Glam Up It For Bollywood
Bollywood has not only impacted bridal style, it created it. From Rekha’s eternally classic silk drapes to Kareena’s pastel coup, every look is a narrative of identity, culture, and transformation. Be the bride, bridesmaid, or bestie-on-duty; let these screen brides be your inspiration to show off your own take on tradition and bling. Because where Bollywood bridal wear is concerned, more is more, and the spotlight is yours.
