Beach Wedding? Here's Your Luxe Cheat Sheet

Weddings have always been an extravagant affair with flowers, lavish décor, cakes and champagne; but what if you had to exchange marriage vows on the sand surrounded by a gentle breeze, pleasant music in the background and some beautiful fairy lights? Completely magical, isn’t it? That is why, tropical beach weddings are becoming a rage right now; something that every modern day bride dreams of!

From her vows to bridal ensembles; everything holds an enchanting worth in her life that is truly beyond feelings. When it comes to beach weddings, the bridal trousseau is a little tricky to ace. Clothes shouldn’t be too garish and must appropriately marry the subtle natural setting of an outdoor wedding. Think easy, flowy against lush sea waves yet dressy enough for your big day.

If you are confused how to go about choosing your bridal wear, we have the choicest style sheet for you, so that you can party your wedding troubles away looking pretty as ever. Be it apparels, accessories or the beauty section, here is your beach wedding cheat sheet:

• Day 1- Mehendi/Haldi/Kaleera Ceremony:

A vibrant ceremony, the colours alone make for a wonderful day occasion. Set against the yellow haldi or even golden kaleeras, subtlety will spin its magic in beautiful ways. The golden sand and your glowing face needs a combo of easy yet dainty outfits. Pick delicate pastels and prints for day occasions on the beach, for they complement the natural ambiance better than over-the-top bright shades.

Style tip: Go for a sleeveless dress with a flowy A-line silhouette at the bottom. You could also pair a crop top plus a maxi skirt in natural Malkha fabric. Easy and fuss free, resham, dori or gota patti work will look radiant against the understated colours of your ensemble. Keep jewellery minimal, maybe golden pearl drop earrings paired with golden flat sandals for a chic, playful look at a lively affair!

Beauty tip: One can opt for lipsticks shades like soft mauve, nude or blushed pink. Argan oil lipsticks from Lakmé are excellent and good for your lips, especially when you want your lipstick to withstand the beach breeze. Golden or rose gold eye shadow with golden-dusted illuminator will bring out your features, and of course, a little blush never hurt anyone!

•    Day 2- The Big Wedding Day:

Not many things in life are as beautiful as a wedding, whether it’s you and your beau or the guests watching in wonderment. However, a ceremony held out in the open, against the symphony of the sea and sparkling golden sand all around sets a benchmark that is pretty hard to compete with, and equally hard to forget. Make sure you immortalise the day with an equally gorgeous ensemble, a bridal attire to evoke ‘ooh’s’ and ‘aahs’ for years!

Style tip: An ethereal A-line flared bridal lehenga on the wedding day is all you need. Chuck clichéd reds, opt for elegant tones on your beach wedding. You can pick out a dramatic shade of gold for your lehenga, or combine cool tones of icy blue with silver gota patti, both of which will look stunning at the beach. A loose chignon or easy, natural curls will blend right into the theme you have chosen, letting you occupy center-stage in your dainty little ways. For jewellery, opt for an elegant handcrafted jadau tiered necklace, maang tikka and earrings in 18k gold with uncut diamonds from Pinkcity by Anita Dongre.

Check out ‘Alchemy’, a beautiful collection of bridal wear by Anita Dongre, who is easily one of the best designers in India. Her lightweight lehengas ensure you get to dance at your own wedding! Reminiscent of a fairy tale, Alchemy is a brilliant blend of Indian aesthetics with hints of contemporary sensibility. Supplement the look with heavy floral motif tiered necklace in natural stones earrings and golden stilettos.

Beauty tip: Make-up here should be a bit dramatic, going ahead with colours like juicy plum or soaked berry, a well-contoured face and big lashes! Eye make-up can be in shades of rust, pink or bronze. Shimmer away!

Day 3- The Reception/Cocktail Party Time:

The real party, this is where drinks flow, laughter ensues and where you dance your heart out. Cocktail reception parties are a riot, and so should your outfit be! Silhouettes make all the difference here; you want crisp, clean and classic with just a twist of quirky!

Style tip: Layer it up, adding depth to your outfit. A gold tissue A-line jacket with dainty embellishments in resham, pearl and sequin work over a simple dress; a sheer pair of monochrome parallel pants and a fitted jacket or a bold jumpsuit with embroidery marries the perfect desi-quirky combo. For a rather proper affair like a formal reception, opt for chiffon gowns under jackets with intricate work like zardosi, resham and gota patti. Accessorise with something fun; a haath phool or a layered neckpiece should do the trick.

Beauty tip: Let your eyes take the focus with smoky eye make-up, dramatic lashes and a metallic liner in gold. Pick out a whimsical lip shade, maybe a rusty orange, for a fierce look!