Shopping for a wedding trousseau is undoubtedly one of the most quintessential aspects of the Indian wedding experience. But, for most brides and grooms, these outfits are relegated to the back of the closet once the festivities end, destined to languish there until donated, inherited or discarded. Challenging this notion are celebrities like Alia Bhatt, who recently re-wore her mehendi lehenga from her 2022 wedding to a Diwali party. 

“The idea of mixing and matching different elements from your wedding outfit is gaining more popularity. Most brides balk at the notion of spending large sums of money on an outfit that will only be worn once in their lifetime. But, with a little imagination, it is definitely possible [and advisable] to get more wear from each piece of your wedding attire and to create looks that are memorable and sustainable,” says fashion designer, Sanjana Bubber.