If lifestyle follows film style, then the best person to tell us what’s in-what’s out is a film designer. The person who has ruled the roost in this field for over 20 years now is Neeta Lulla. She has designed exclusively for actresses like Juhi Chawla ( Darr, Aaina, Yes Boss, Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke), Karisma Kapoor (Judwaa), Aishwarya Rai (Taal, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dhai Akshar Prem Ke), etc.

An expert in bridal trousseaus and a national award winner, she has identified trends and looks that promise to be big this wedding and party season. Over then to Neeta Lulla...

"Colours are conservative. Indians are still clinging to pastels and crystals, when it comes to planning a trousseau. Though internationally colours have gone more vibrant. Indian brides wherever in the world they are, come to India to shop for the wedding.

Tastes are quite region-specific too. Some recent choices of blues, greens and flames have been bold and interesting. But it would be safe to say that the aquas and lilacs will continue to rule trousseau-land."

Floral jewellery for mehndi ceremony: "Mogras and rose petals threaded in ordinary thread, gold wire or even cord are very much in demand. For the earrings, use wire. For the wrists, entwine the flowers around glass or metal bangles. We do jewellery for the entire solah shringar, right from the maangtika to the toe ring. Artificial flowers can also be used."

Maangtikas and bindis:"As far as jewellery is concerned , maangtikas are going to be really popular. Diamond jewellery is really big. But the trend is confused. Very rarely is wedding jewellery designed by a professional designer. People tend to stick to heirlooms and traditional stuff for the wedding."

"I, for one, believe that jewellery must never be made to match with your clothes. Because jewellery lasts, fashion doesn’t. I recommend classical styles for jewellery."

Kaleeres are pretty: "Kaleeres are the little gold/ silver trinkets attached to a Punjabi bride’s bangles as part of the pre-wedding ceremonies. But now it’s big fashion fad. The delicate chimes and the prettiness of the bell-like baubles are very attractive."

Hand embroidery: "The adornment for the back of the hand has gone minimalistic. It’s just one sleek and simple line of filigreed jewellery, often encrusted with diamonds or kundan."

Make-up is very stylised: "From the minimalistic, natural look of some time ago, it’s back to heavy stage make-up. When there’s glitter, there’s lots of it. But the colours are more subtle, not just reds and pinks."

Let your hair down: "Again, flamboyance and style rule. No more joodas. Flowers, beads , etc, are all essential. Elaborate hair-dos with the help of wigs and fakes."

No more run-of-the-mill lehengas: "Elegance is the buzzword. A lavish use of fabric, textures and the dupatta in different drapes are very in. I am even doing two dupattas, one for head and one for the body. Silks are hot, brocades, tissues, organza are all back. Crystals in different colours and of course the customary zardozi."

Comfortable footwear: "It’s either blocky high heels or open-toed sandals, stuff that can take you standing for long. Brides no longer wear court shows beneath their lehengas."

For the bridesmaid: "Sarees, the short kurta with the churidar-styled clothing wins over cliched embroidery. Go for bright colours — blue, fuchsia, turquoise, deep aqua, jewel colours, white, off-white. Some unusual preferences are strawberry pink and baby pink, the latter which was never opted for wedding wear."

 Text Courtsey: INFS.info