Is it the Era of Minimalist and Mindful Indian Weddings ?

 In an age of grandiose spectacles where weddings often double as social media campaigns, a quieter revolution is reshaping the Indian wedding landscape. Amidst the scramble for Instagram-worthy moments, a new wave of minimalist and mindful celebrations is emerging. These weddings eschew extravagance, instead spotlighting heritage, intimacy, and a deeper connection to culture.

Take, for example, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth’s temple wedding at a 400-year-old structure in Wanaparthy, or Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya’s understated nuptials at the Akkineni family’s Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. These ceremonies reflect a conscious return to simplicity an instinctive homecoming expressed through fashion, decor, and tradition.

A Heritage-Driven Aesthetic

The shift begins with textiles. Brides today are reclaiming the narrative by choosing Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, and Chanderi saris woven treasures that carry the stories of craft and heritage. For some, this means donning heirloom saris passed down through generations, their folds whispering tales of bygone weddings. Others bypass boutiques entirely, seeking out the artisans themselves to ensure authenticity.

South Indian star Keerthy Suresh’s wedding epitomized this ethos. Collaborating with designer Anita Dongre, she wore a timeless Kanjeevaram sari that honored her cultural roots. For the first time, Dongre worked with Kanjeevaram clusters to create a sari whose pallu bore a poem, blending personal narrative with tradition. Similarly, Sobhita Dhulipala’s wedding attire a muted metallic Gaurang Shah sari was a tribute to the understated elegance of handlooms.

Aditi Rao Hydari’s choice of lightweight ivory saris and minimal gold jewelry further underscores the trend. These brides prioritize freedom to move, to breathe, and to savor their wedding day unencumbered by heavy ensembles.

Venues Rooted in Memory

The settings for these weddings mirror their sartorial simplicity. Lavish banquet halls are being replaced by temples, ancestral homes, and courtyards steeped in personal history. Decor elements marigold garlands, oil lamps, and brass urns enhance rather than overpower these intimate spaces. The result is a celebration that feels deeply personal, yet timelessly elegant.

A Pared-Down Aesthetic

Businesses like CLAD, a wedding styling service led by Tanya Vohra, are championing minimalist aesthetics. “Couples today, especially those funding their own weddings, are drawn to cost-effective, meaningful celebrations,” notes Vohra. She points to the influence of celebrities like Alia Bhatt, whose wedding look balanced luxury and minimalism.

Vohra recalls styling a bride who wore a custom Anamika Khanna ensemble paired with heirloom jewelry a fusion of modern design and personal heritage. Even grooms are embracing this philosophy, favoring understated, sustainable couture that feels both contemporary and authentic.

The Beauty of Subtlety

This minimalist approach extends to bridal beauty. “The focus has shifted towards enhancing natural features rather than layering on heavy makeup,” explains celebrity makeup artist Tanvi Chemburkar. Skincare-first routines and skin-like foundation techniques now define bridal looks, emphasizing understated elegance.

A Celebration of Craft

At its core, this movement is about honoring craft. By embracing handwoven textiles, sustainable practices, and local artisans, these weddings celebrate heritage while championing mindfulness. In an era defined by excess, this return to simplicity is more than a trend—it’s a meaningful reminder of what truly matters.