MWP's Top Picks: Wedding & Reception Gown/Dress Designers

Love! Love! Love! We have some super inspiration to share with you today, as we give out our verdict of the top 20 best reception dress/gown designers in our country in a two part series. From the most influential names in the business to the newest of the lot, these designers are India’s answer to Vera Wang and Elie Saab! Have a look at who we think are India’s top 20 best dress designers and some of their pieces that we’re massively crushing on this month!

From Sabyasachi’s extravagant floor sweeping gowns that just leave you in awe to Riddhi Mehra’s exquisite pieces that define a clear love for vintage by imbibing European influences mixed with traditional Indian motifs, these designers understand Indian brides and their refined sense of aesthetics.

Dresses are all about romance and sensuality captured in the timelessness of silky fabrics and dainty hues and designers these days use buttery and lightweight chiffons, crepes, georgettes and organza for a flowing delicate and ethereal look. Net and velvet are more edgy and used in bustieres and embroidered jackets that go with the reception dress. While usually reception dresses in the West are all about the right cuts, colors and sensuality; they need to be tweaked to fit the Indian bridal trousseau. Indian bridal wear dress designers focus heavily on detailing and embroidery work.

1. MANDIRA WIRK

Mandira Wirk’s dresses exude an exquisite sense of luxury and modernism, symbolic of subtlety, femininity and romanticism. Most of them have a layer upon layer of beaded tulle or weightless organza that looks divine. I particularly love the blush shades as they complement any Indian skin tone.

Mandira Wirk’s elegant collection showcases light weight fabrics and romantic colors like cotton candy pink, light mint, whipped cream and champagne gold.

2. SHANTANU AND NIKHIL

Shantanu and Nikhil are renowned for their royal and exquisite gowns. Love the last pink one that we have featured- it’s a true fairy tale princess gown.

Unusual color combination that we totally adore! Plus it’s sparkly and subdued bling!

Nothing defines royalty more than cream and gold! Beautiful detailing and embroidery on both these gorgeous dresses.

A gorgeous pink evening gown by the designer duo!

3.SABYASACHI

Sabyasachi is a dream designer for Indian bridal wear. He knows what will look good on Indian brides and it almost seems like he has captured the heavens and wrapped it in his gorgeous lehengas and sarees. They are that divine! So if you’re thinking of a reception outfit by Sabya be prepared for a massive Indian take on the western apparel.

Totally in love with the new palette of colors like Vintage rose and Mint being used in Sabya’s collection. Such a refreshing change from traditional hues and goes so well with the rich detailing and embroidery work done on these exquisite pieces.

4. AD SINGH

Some might find his creations too bling, but I think the diamonds and rhinestones that he incorporates in his dresses accentuate the otherwise demure look.

AD Singh’s prom dresses, gowns and floor length anarkalis display intricate embroideries with single yarn zardosi teamed with pearls and swarovski dust. Love how he incorporates summer shades like bright canary yellow into his collection.

5. GAURAV GUPTA

I don’t know why, but Gaurav Gupta’s creations always remind me of old Hollywood glamour. There is always an added element of mystique and sophistication in his creations.

6. WENDELL RODRICKS

I have followed Wendell Rodricks’ collections for many years now and always felt that there is almost an element of deconstructed luxury and sophistication in his garments. They are simple, yet classy and indulging.

Deepika Padukone in a classic white gown by Wendell Rodricks.

7. ANJALLEE AND ARJUN KAPOOR

Bridal gowns by Anjallee and Arjun Kapoor spell romance and beauty. Their take on Indian bridal couture is simply genius! Their clothes have a red carpet feel that I love.