For generations, wedding wardrobes in India have revolved around the same staples: the bride in a richly embroidered lehenga or sari, and her bridesmaids echoing in coordinating ensembles. But today’s brides are rewriting the rules. From post-wedding dinners to chic reception soirées, many are stepping out in silhouettes that once belonged solely to the groom’s side of the closet, the sherwani.



Traditionally crafted for grooms, sherwanis are known for their regal cuts, embellished fabrics, and commanding presence. Now, brides and bridesmaids are embracing these garments, giving them a stylish twist that feels both modern and rooted in heritage. Think of it as fashion’s way of saying, “You don’t have to wear a lehenga to look bridal.”




Celebrity Inspiration



It helps that icons are leading the way. At Paris Fashion Week, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned heads when she walked the runway in a diamond-studded sherwani by Manish Malhotra. Paired with her signature poise, the look redefined what a sherwani could be, not just groomswear but couture with an androgynous, feminine edge.







Closer to home, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has embraced the avant-garde potential of the sherwani. In a long, textured sherwani-style coat by Anamika Khanna, she layered a dramatic white toga-like drape over one shoulder, secured with an ornate antique-style brooch. Paired with sleek black dhoti-style pants, the look merges traditional Indian silhouettes with contemporary couture, showing how a sherwani can be transformed into high-fashion art.



Karishma Kapoor showcases a more classic approach. In an off-white Bandhgala jacket by Raghavendra Rathore, paired with a flowing dhoti-style skirt and delicate tonal embroidery, Karishma’s look is the epitome of sophistication. Traditional accessories like a sheeshpatti headband, matching earrings, and bracelets complete the ensemble, blending structured tailoring with graceful draping.



Finally, Malaika Arora Khan demonstrates the luxury of sherwani-style gowns. Her royal blue floor-length jacket, paired with slim trousers and detailed with cascading gold embroidery, combines the grandeur of a sherwani with the elegance of a gown. This Indo-Western style is a popular choice for wedding and festive events, offering both structure and opulence in one statement look.




Why Sherwanis Work for Women



Sherwanis offer something that lehengas and saris often don’t, ease and versatility. Brides looking for comfort after the marathon of their wedding day find that slipping into a reworked sherwani, styled with heels or even sneakers, feels refreshing without compromising on elegance. Bridesmaids can also experiment with lighter colors, pastel shades, or monochromatic tones for a playful yet sophisticated ensemble. Paired with palazzos, dhoti pants, or skirts, the sherwani transitions seamlessly from traditional to contemporary.Styling Tips

• For Brides: Choose an embroidered sherwani jacket in ivory, jewel tones, or royal blue, and layer it over sleek dresses or fitted pants.


• For Bridesmaids: Light sherwanis with subtle embroidery, paired with straight pants or skirts, make a bold yet elegant statement.


• Sustainable Style: Repurposing heirloom sherwanis adds both emotional value and a contemporary twist.

Tradition, Reimagined



What Aishwarya Rai, Lilly Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, and Malaika Arora showcase is now inspiring Indian weddings. Brides and bridesmaids no longer feel confined to saris and lehengas. A sherwani at your reception dinner is a statement of individuality, style, and bold reinterpretation.



Because in 2025, the best wedding fashion statement is to own the unexpected and make it entirely your own.