Destination Ready

From creating delicate tulle lehengas to pushing pastels in the bridal colour wheel, Anushree Reddy has become one of the coolest bridal designers in the country. Her knack to balance style and functionality sets her apart. With destination weddings slowly becoming an obsession, she gives some useful tips for our brides-to-be.

By Anupam Dabral

Ileana D'Cruz & Anushree Reddy

What suggestions do you have for a destination bride?

A.R – If you are a destination bride, go for something fun but also look like an Indian bride. Sometimes brides think that because its a destination, they have to ditch the traditional Indian look, which is something I do not recommend. A bride is a bride. It is important to look the part.

Anushree Reddy Lehenga Collection

How can a bride experiment with her trousseau for a destination wedding?

A.R – I suggest playing with candy pop colours. I do not suggest deep jewel tones. Depending on where you are getting married pick up the colour scheme. If you are getting married in a palace those rich reds, emeralds and indigos would look lovely but not on a beach. So, I suggest being very careful with colours.

Shruti Hassan & Anushree Reddy

Besides the traditional lehenga, what other options do brides have for a destination wedding?

A.R – Besides lehengas, fortunately, brides have a number of options to go for. You can always go back to tradition and opt for a gorgeous kanjivaram sari or try the more unconventional pre-draped or a pre-stiched concept saris. Even if you are picking up those regular zari work saris you can always have fun with their drapes. One can always go for a sexy off-shoulder gown. A strapless tube gown with minimal jewellery is also great. If you are a bit of an adventurer you can experiment with a floor length jacket and super sexy flared trousers.

Anushree Reddy Wedding Lehenga Collections

What kind of jewellery pieces should brides invest while shopping for a destination wedding?

A.R – I recommend select jewellery which will make you look entirely different for each function. Funky oversized earrings are not going anywhere they always provide a winning look. You can even pick up some cool Kundan or polka jadau pieces for the main ceremony as you got to infuse a bit of tradition in there. You can even go for those old school chandbaalis. For an occasion like cocktail opt for an all diamond look. For the Mehendi ceremony, nothing replaces floral jewellery.

Designer Anushree Reddy Bridal Lehenga Collection for Brides

Could you suggest some looks for the various functions at a destination wedding?

A.R – Mehendi – Lightweight lehengas are the way to go. Also, high-low lehengas are perfect for mehendi as they ease the process of applying mehendi.

Cocktail – Go monotone, go very western, think sleek gowns with embellishments with gorgeous metallic makeup and pulled back hairdo.

Designer Anushree Reddy's Lehenga Collection & Bridal Tips

Wedding – For the main wedding ceremony, keep it very traditional and classic. Don’t let the momentary trends influence your bridal look. 10 years down the line trends will change, so you would want to go for something which evergreen like a benarasi sari. It makes no sense giving up your traditional look. If you are a North Indian bride, go for a beautiful veil with a lehenga or if a south Indian bride, pick up the classiest Kanchivarams and Benarasis.

Reception – A fusion look would be best suited for a reception. You can go for a light sequined lehenga in champagne or blush pink with nice chunky earrings. You do not have match the whole outfit, experiment with a different shade of blouse.  

Anushree Reddy - How To Be A Perfect Destination Bride

What are a few mistakes a bride should avoid while shopping for her destination wedding?

A.R: Do not depend on the last moment shopping plans. Not that Indian brides do not plan but playing safe and being prepared is always good. Pick up pieces which are light, pack them with care. Never travel without a backup plan, as it’s a destination wedding, unforeseen wear and tear might land up in trouble. So you might want to slip on a dress after bearing that lehenga throughout the Mehendi ceremony, for that you need to be prepared early.

And don’t forget to let your hair down.

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