Elsa Angel Rose
The previous two years could be rightfully called ‘Pastel years’, with most brides opting for pastel shades for their weddings. Pastel shades of ivory, pink, blue, and gold, paired with diamond and emerald necklaces, ruled to be precise. For however much brides looked beautiful, breathtaking and ethereal in pastel shades, this trend might actually be coming to a stop (for a while, it might return). This pastel trend also gained its popularity because of the “Bollywoodisation of weddings.” Actresses including Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, Anushka Sharma, Rakul Preet, Parineeti Chopra and a few others wore pastel shades for their big day, carrying the trend forward. But 2026 began on an entirely different note, the powerful, bold and intense “Red” made a comeback. Not just the colour; rather than Bollywoodisation, one’s culture and traditions are now at the focal point of bridal looks. Indian Actress Rashmika Mandanna’s wedding this year to actor Vijay Deverakonda is setting the tone for the upcoming weddings. For her wedding reception, the actress wore a rich red Mysore silk saree with a bold black and gold border. While most celebrity brides chose a ghagra or lehenga look, the actor’s choice of wearing a red saree seemed like a devoted ode to centuries-old marriage traditions. She wore a custom orange saree with a bold red and antique gold border on her wedding day. Both her Saree looks were compete with traditional South Indian temple jewellery, including chokers, long haram and hair accessories.
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FOR GOAN BRIDES, RED ISN’T RETURNING, IT’S GETTING A REVAMP Brides in Goa have a loving, loyal relationship with red. Regardless of the religion or faith a woman belongs to, red is a go-to colour for brides in Goa. For Hindu brides, it is customary to wear red on their big day. “Red has always been present in Goan wedding traditions, so rather than a comeback, it is more of a renewed appreciation for the colour. Red universally signifies marriage, love, and union. Across cultures, whether Christian, Hindu or Muslim, or other religions, red has always been strongly associated with bridal wear. Trends may evolve, but red is a colour that brides often return to because of its deep cultural and emotional significance,” said bridal wear designer Lyan Fernandes from Panjim. Interestingly, the catholic brides in Goa have a tradition where they have to wear a red or a maroon colour ensemble on the second day of their wedding (ceremony known as ‘Portonem’ in Konkani, when the bride and groom return to the bride’s home after the wedding). On the wedding day catholic brides wear white. “As a designer, I’ve noticed that brides naturally gravitate toward these shades because red is a powerful colour; it symbolises love, celebration, and the beginning of married life. It’s also a colour that instantly elevates a bride’s presence, which is why shades of red and maroon continue to remain a timeless choice for Goan brides,” Lyan said.
A YEAR OF TRADITIONAL ATTIRE AND JEWELLERY?
Instead of the (unnecessarily) overemphasised Bollywoodisation of wedding outfits, whether this year will see a return to traditional attire and temple jewellery or other traditional jewellery is to be observed. “Nowadays, most of the brides are seeking a blend of tradition and elegance, in shades of red as it symbolises auspicious beginnings in Indian weddings,” said Ritu Puri, another seasoned fashion designer from Porvorim. Most popular shades of red in the wedding scenario include ruby red paired with antique gold embroidery, wine red, a darker and moody shade for evening weddings, Vermillion red to offer a warm red shade with orange undertones and the usual Maroon for a bold and rich look. There is an increased emphasis on traditional and ancient mythology patterns, flower and nature inspired motifs to be included in the bridal ensemble. Ritu explained, “Temple inspired designs and antique gold embroidery featuring f loral motifs and paisley patterns are becoming prominent. Textured layering of floral patterns is also being used, along with nature inspired elements such as leafy designs and subtle beadwork.” Designers are also trying to bring a modern touch to traditional bridal wear. “As designers, we are giving red a modern twist with contemporary silhouettes such as asymmetrical cuts and layered designs. Lightweight fabrics like organza, tulle, and silk blends are being used, along with minimalist embroidery featuring statement pallus and intricately designed borders. Innovative embellishments such as mirror work, sequins, and zardozi are also being incorporated,” Ritu shared.
BRIDE SAYS…
My red outfit for the second day is mostly going to be a dress, although some brides choose to wear contemporary fusion sarees, a gown or a red suit. I want a flexible outfit, so a dress that is flowy, stylish and elegant is a good choice. Red, as I mentioned earlier, symbolises new beginnings, fertility and wedding bliss associated with the newlywed couple. It stands out. I think it’s something I associate myself with, someone who is bold and vocal, someone who is unique, and as I like to put it, I’m a walking green flag dressed in red!” said a bride-to-be from Betalbatim
