In a country where 16 adornments of a bride set a strong definition for tradition, for those who want to make a bold fashion statement, things can get a bit tricky. So, how do you traverse the path between tradition, to appease your loved ones and making a statement by keeping your fashion palate fresh? Thanks to a handful of Indian bridal designers who have understood this need of modern brides and are creating bridal pieces with a twist. Be it Anamika’s intricately embroidered flared trousers with floor length jacquards, Gaurav Gupta’s neo-ethnic sari gowns or Rahul Mishra’s embroidered biker jackets and jumpers with saris, brides have a plenty to choose from.

We say it is still not late to make a new year resolution, be a fearless bride in 2017 and experiment to your heart’s content.

Here are five of the coolest bridal designers who will give you enough cues on how to think beyond traditions. 

1. Anamika Khanna – Credited for reinterpreting sari and bringing it to the forefront of the couture scape, Anamika is one of the few Indian designers who blends luxury and functionality through her creations. Be it her intricately embroidered capes, palazzo-cum-saris, off-shoulder tunics or jackets that are equal parts a trousseau staple and a pub worthy piece, there is no dearth of bridal must-haves in her mood board. Known for her subtle selection of hues, she creates for a bride who seeks adventure yet remain committed to sophistication.

2.  Gaurav Gupta – Contemporary, sexy and edgy sum up Gaurav Gupta’s global bridal couture. In his design vocabulary, a sari becomes a pre-draped, pre-pleated easy to wear piece and a salwaar kameez transforms into a cinched-at-the-waist dress with trousers. Though cocktail gowns remain Gupta’s forte, his take on the traditional Indian lehengas with high octane embellishments, flattering cuts, and twisted shoulders make his bridal pieces a must have.

3. Rahul Mishra -His handwoven woolen evening wear fetched him one of highest accolades in fashion, the Woolmark Prize in 2014. Though, his global fashion sensibilities cater to high-end luxury stores such as Colette in Paris and Le Peri Boutique in LA, at heart Rahul remains loyal to the Indian crafts. One look at this experiments with Maheshwari, Benarasi, and Chanderi weaves will cement the fact. A very tasteful use of gold thread work, badla, chintz embroidery and sequins provide the customary bling to his bridal wear pieces. His lightweight overcoats, embroidered jackets, and jumpers paired with saris and lehengas define the changing DNA of the modern Indian bride. 

4. Payal Khandwala – Payal’s inner artist often manifests through her creations on the ramp. Her distinct sense of layering which is dramatic yet minimal, a bright colour palate and an edgy take on Indian classes such as a draped sari and a shirt make her one of the most sort after bridal designers. If you are looking forward to ditch those heavy embroidered lehengas, Payal has a lot to offer.  Her banarasi brocade lehengas, sleeveless raw silk sherwanis, jewel-toned shirts with pleated skirts and floor-length brocade dresses will leave the guy clan swooning.