Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s 2024 wedding celebrations ran for days, and the clothes covered everything from the bride’s heirloom-inspired lehenga to haldi outfits built for getting messy. I’ve pulled twenty of the outfits that I think teach a guest the most, including several from the family itself. You don’t need couture to borrow from them. What these looks get right is discipline: one feature leads, the colours are planned, and the hair, shoes and bag all agree with each other. Below, for each one, I’ll tell you what I’d keep, what I’d simplify and where I’d spend your money.
Rewear, Restyle or Rent Before Buying New
Several of the most talked-about looks at this wedding were rewears and reworks, and I wish more guests felt free to do the same. Before you buy a designer-level lehenga for a single night, I’d run through these options in order.
- Restyle what you own. A new blouse and a different dupatta change a lehenga more than people expect. Add a new hairstyle and jewelry and most guests won’t recognise it.
- Borrow within the family. Mothers, aunts and sisters often have silk saris and lehengas that only need a blouse refit.
- Rent. Rental services for designer Indian wear are now common in many cities. Book early in wedding season, ask what the fee covers for alterations and cleaning, and try it on several days before the event.
- Buy, but plan to rewear. If you do buy, choose a colour and embroidery level you could wear again to a sangeet or reception, not just this one function.
Whichever route you take, budget for a good blouse fit. Rented and borrowed blouses rarely sit right without a tailor’s adjustment.
1. Radhika Merchant Red And Ivory Wedding Lehenga
Radhika Merchant’s bridal look drew on Gujarati tradition: an ivory lehenga with rich red borders, intricate handwork, a matching blouse and layered dupattas, finished with heritage jewelry including a choker, long necklace, earrings, maang tikka and bangles. Red and ivory is a classic Gujarati bridal pairing, and the ivory base is what let all that jewelry show. If you’re a bride borrowing the idea, an ivory or cream lehenga with red embroidery is the version I’d suggest, with a red veil over the head. A neat bun or braid gives the dupatta something to hold. Embroidered flats or low heels and a compact potli keep the rest simple, with luminous skin and a classic lip.
2. Radhika Merchant Red Vidai Lehenga
Deep red with gold at a vidai is about emotion as much as style, and Radhika Merchant’s departure look leaned into that with a matching veil and regal gold detailing. Metallic embroidery is worth choosing for an evening vidai specifically, since it catches flash and string lights where flat silk can go dark. A fitted blouse, full skirt and a lightweight dupatta over the head keep it manageable through a long, tearful goodbye. Antique gold jewelry, traditional bangles, embroidered juttis and a small red potli finish it. With a heavily worked lehenga, I keep the hair sleek and the accessories in the same gold.
3. Priyanka Chopra Mustard Gold Lehenga
Priyanka Chopra’s mustard-gold Tarun Tahiliani lehenga had a fluid skirt that moved well on a dance floor, an embellished blouse and a draped dupatta that softened without hiding the shape. Yellow is a shade I’d always hold up to your face in daylight before buying: mustard, marigold and antique gold flatter far more skin tones than a sharp lemon or neon. For a guest, a sleeveless blouse, a statement choker, stacked bangles and metallic heels or juttis carry it. Loose waves relax the ornate fabric. A gold box clutch, bronzed makeup and a berry or rose lip suit a baraat or sangeet.
4. Alia Bhatt Pink Heritage Saree
Alia Bhatt wore a pink Ashavali silk saree with metallic zari and a coordinating blouse, and in a crowd of crystals it was the woven pattern that stood out. Woven saris like this, along with Banarasi and brocade, look their best with a crisp, well-pressed drape, so I’d have the pleats set the night before if your helper is inexperienced. A sleeveless or short-sleeved blouse, a statement choker, matching earrings and a small metallic potli are plenty. A smooth centre-parted bun and a subtle bindi keep attention on the silk. Gold sandals and rosy makeup finish it for a ceremony or family puja.
5. Kim Kardashian Red Saree Lehenga
Kim Kardashian’s Manish Malhotra saree lehenga paired a crystal-covered skirt with a fitted blouse and a saree-style drape. Crystals that dense are heavy, and they press into your thighs when you sit, so I’d choose a version where most of the sparkle is below the knee. Keep to a single shade of red and let texture do the work. A sculpted blouse, a pre-draped pallu, crystal earrings and either a headpiece or a necklace, not both. Metallic heels lengthen the line; a small embellished clutch keeps your hands free. Soft waves or a sleek centre part, with defined eyes and a neutral lip.
6. Khloe Kardashian Gold Brocade Lehenga
Khloe Kardashian’s Manish Malhotra lehenga worked because the handloom brocade skirt, blouse and jewelry all stayed in one golden tone. For a guest, antique gold or champagne is easier to wear than a bright yellow gold and looks richer under indoor light. Pair a structured short-sleeved blouse and a light matching dupatta. Here I’d actually suggest a little contrast in the stones, clear or green, so the layered choker, earrings and bangles don’t disappear into the fabric. Platform sandals or block heels hidden under the skirt, a polished half-up style and softly bronzed makeup suit a reception or big sangeet.
7. Janhvi Kapoor Gold Temple Jewelry Lehenga
Janhvi Kapoor’s gold Falguni Shane Peacock lehenga had a sheer embellished skirt and a blouse worked to look like temple jewelry. When the blouse is this busy, a large necklace is redundant; a fine choker at most. I’d look for coin, chain or necklace-style embroidery on a fitted blouse, then add a sheer tulle dupatta, temple earrings, stacked bangles and gold juttis. A long braid with small gold accessories leans into the South Indian reference. Check that the embroidered blouse is lined against your skin, since metal thread and beads can scratch over a long evening.
8. Kiara Advani Multicolor Wedding Lehenga
Several colours in one lehenga can look planned or chaotic; the difference is repetition. Kiara Advani’s tri-toned Torani lehenga used peacock-inspired details and metallic work, and the blouse and dupatta repeated its colours. For your version, purple, pink, green and gold in balanced sections work well, with at least one skirt colour echoed in the dupatta border. A fitted blouse, a gold choker, matching earrings, bangles and comfortable embroidered heels. A low bun with small flowers softens the palette, and a neutral gold or ivory potli stops the bag adding yet another colour. It’s a good route if you want impact without wearing bridal red.
9. Jacqueline Fernandez Purple Gold Lehenga
Jacqueline Fernandez wore Anamika Khanna in deep purple and antique gold with ornate jewelry. Purple holds its depth under bright wedding lights, which is why I reach for it for night events. Choose plum, aubergine or royal purple with gold embroidery and a fitted blouse, and drape a sheer dupatta over one shoulder so the waist and skirt work stay visible. A traditional choker, drop earrings, bangles and a gold potli are plenty. Metallic juttis or block heels will carry you through a long evening. Glossy waves, defined liner and a soft berry lip finish it for a reception.
10. Patralekha Red Chikankari Lehenga
Patralekha’s red chikankari lehenga is the lighter way to wear red. Chikankari is hand embroidery in tonal thread, so the detail sits in the fabric’s texture instead of covering it in metal, and it is noticeably cooler and lighter to wear than zardozi. She added diamond jewelry with emeralds, which freshens a red base nicely. For your version, choose red georgette or organza with tonal embroidery, a fitted blouse and a soft dupatta, plus an emerald-trimmed choker and earrings and a small red or green clutch. Silver heels echo the diamonds. A sleek bob, low bun or soft waves keep it modern.
11. Nita Ambani Peach Silk Wedding Ghagra
Peach silk can be as formal as any jewel tone when the handwork is serious. Nita Ambani’s Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla baraat look paired a peach silk ghagra with a blouse worked in gold, silver and crystal. This is the outfit I’d point mothers of the bride or groom toward, because the soft colour flatters at any age and the structure looks dignified. A peach or blush silk skirt, a structured blouse and a sheer dupatta with metallic edging, then a diamond-style necklace, earrings, bangles and a statement ring. Champagne platforms and an embellished potli keep it light. A neat bun with flowers placed low at the back.
12. Isha Ambani Pastel Peach Lehenga
Pale lehengas need one strong focal point or they fade in photos. Isha Ambani’s peach Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga had delicate zardozi and a crystal-worked blouse, and a substantial choker supplied that focus. For your own, keep the lehenga and blouse in one family, peach, blush or light coral, and add a sheer dupatta, a crystal choker, earrings, bangles and a structured potli. Nude or champagne heels blend into the palette. A centre-parted bun and luminous makeup finish it for a daytime baraat, engagement or summer wedding.
13. Shloka Ambani Pink Vantara Lehenga
Shloka Ambani’s powder pink Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga told a story: embroidered scenes of Vantara, a nod to Anant’s love of animals and nature, with a crystal-covered blouse, tassels and a sheer skirt. A motif lehenga only works if every element serves the theme, so I keep the jewelry quieter than usual. Birds, flowers, trees or wildlife on pink, a beaded blouse, a soft dupatta, crystal earrings and a delicate choker. Blush juttis and a pale pink potli with little embroidery. A loose braid or low ponytail keeps it young, and fresh pink makeup lets the embroidery lead.
14. Shloka Ambani Repurposed Pink Wedding Lehenga
Shloka Ambani turned her original red wedding lehenga pink while keeping its zardozi, jadau and cutwork, and gave the garment a second life. It’s a real option, with an honest caveat. Professional dyeing works on many silks, but zari and some embellishments don’t take dye the way the base fabric does, and you can only go darker or warmer, rarely lighter. I’d always ask a specialist to test a hidden seam first. Swapping the blouse and dupatta is the low-risk route. Then change the styling: a contrasting pink blouse, a fresh sheer veil, diamond jewelry, embroidered juttis, a new potli, a sleek bun and softer makeup.
15. Kiara Advani Pearl Concept Saree
Kiara Advani wore a Tarun Tahiliani concept saree for the sangeet, with pearl embroidery, a decorated bustier and a sheer corset layer. Pearls give a soft glow instead of the sharp flash of sequins, and they photograph kindly. A practical version is an ivory pre-draped saree with pearl borders and a structured blouse. Pearl drops, a slim bracelet and a small crystal clutch are enough; heavy necklaces fight the embroidery. Silver or ivory heels disappear beneath the drape. Smooth waves or a clean ponytail, luminous skin, defined lashes and a nude pink lip.
16. Sara Ali Khan Beige Gold Sangeet Lehenga
Sara Ali Khan’s Manish Malhotra trumpet lehenga brought mirror work, gota patti, long sleeves and a net dupatta onto a beige base. Trumpet skirts fit close through the hip and thigh, so walking and stairs are harder than in a circular lehenga. I’d always choose block heels with this shape and practise sitting before the event. A champagne or beige fitted skirt with a coordinating long-sleeved blouse, a light dupatta, a crystal choker, earrings and a neutral embellished clutch. Soft waves and warm metallic eyes complete it for a sangeet or indoor evening.
17. Shloka Ambani Coral One Shoulder Lehenga
Shloka Ambani’s coral Manish Malhotra sangeet lehenga nodded to a famous Bollywood look with its one-shoulder blouse, sequins and zari. One-shoulder blouses need firm construction and, ideally, a silicone grip strip inside, or they creep down while you dance. A flared coral skirt with a secure asymmetric blouse and an attached drape or light dupatta is the base. Skip the big necklace; gold earrings, a bracelet stack and an embellished clutch are enough. Gold platform sandals for height and grip on the dance floor, a smooth ponytail or side-swept waves, and peach-toned makeup.
18. Janhvi Kapoor Yellow Haldi Saree
Haldi is the one function where I tell guests to dress expecting stains, since turmeric paste marks fabric and can be stubborn to remove. A yellow saree in light chiffon is a good choice; Janhvi Kapoor wore a vibrant Manish Malhotra one with delicate beadwork, thread embroidery and a fringed border, plus a long-sleeved blouse. Choose marigold or lemon-yellow chiffon with secure pleats, statement earrings, floral bangles and simple metallic sandals. A small waterproof potli, or no bag at all. A braid or low bun, fresh makeup and waterproof mascara for the splashes.
19. Isha Ambani Multicolor Haldi Lehenga
Haldi outfits don’t have to be all yellow. Isha Ambani wore a playful Torani lehenga with multicoloured heart embroidery, a printed halter blouse and tassels, festive and much less formal than a wedding lehenga. Pair a bright printed skirt with a halter or high-neck blouse in one of its accent colours. A crossbody potli keeps your hands free for games and applying haldi, and flat juttis are the only sensible shoe on a damp floor. Colourful bangles, small earrings and a light dupatta or none. Braid your hair with small flowers and keep makeup minimal.
20. Ananya Panday Sage Green Lehenga
Sage green is a calm choice in a sea of saturated colour. Ananya Panday’s Anamika Khanna couture lehenga layered zardozi, multicoloured threadwork, lace, tulle and pearls, finished with a pearl choker and a floral braid. Sage and pistachio can look flat on camera if there’s nothing to catch the light, so I’d look for subtle gold embroidery and small pink, blue or lavender accents. A fitted blouse, a sheer dupatta, pearl jewelry and an ivory potli. Pale gold block heels or embroidered flats blend in. A loose braid with tiny flowers, rosy cheeks and a pink lip suit a daytime wedding.
Packing and Storing Zari So It Doesn’t Tarnish
Heavy Indian occasion wear is an investment that can last decades or be ruined in one bad journey. This is how I handle it for a destination wedding and afterwards.
On the way there
Carry a lehenga on board rather than checking it if you possibly can. Fold the skirt along its panels with acid-free tissue between the layers, so embroidery doesn’t press into itself and leave marks. Pack the blouse flat on top and the dupatta loosely rolled. Steam it on arrival from the inside, never ironing straight onto zari, sequins or mirror work; a cotton press cloth protects anything metallic.
After the wedding
Dry clean it promptly, especially after a haldi or mehendi, since stains set the longer they sit. Then wrap the outfit in soft muslin or an old cotton sari rather than plastic, which traps moisture and can speed up tarnish on metallic thread. Store it somewhere cool and dry, and refold it along different lines every few months so the zari doesn’t crack at the creases.
One Feature Leads, Everything Else Follows
Across all twenty outfits, the ones that stay in the memory follow a focused palette and let a single feature lead: a heritage textile, a dramatic blouse, an embroidered skirt or a statement necklace. They aren’t simply the most decorated. Borrow the idea, not every detail. Adapt colours to your complexion, pick shoes you can stand in, and match the embroidery level to the function. A well-fitted blouse and a careful drape will make a modestly priced outfit look far more expensive than it is. Wear what feels celebratory and comfortable to you.
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