The Second Act

This is something few are prepared for. In all rational minds, the wedding hullaballoo ends with the post wedding reception, and the 'firani.' The point you are missing, and as all seasoned couples will tell you, is that a whole new ball game awaits every newlywed — the Second Act — a series of invitations from all frontiers that welcomes the newly added member to the clan. This is neither easy on the new bride nor the groom. And what is infinitely worse than putting on the extra pounds within just a week, is the chronic case of 'nothing to wear' syndrome.

We are sure you have the wedding covered. Starting from the start of formal talks, to the proposal, the mehendi, the holud, until the post wedding walima. That is wedding scene 2019 for you. You have the bridal entourage ready to dance till they drop, and on the big days, your plans are so stellar that they are fool proof. Almost!

You have taken sartorial advice from your bestie, the husband-to-be (just in case), and also all the couturiers in town. The major brands have all been visited, not once, or twice, but thrice just to check if all events are covered. The list has been made and posted to the groom, and you are expecting the delivery of the proverbial wedding suitcase soon enough.

Wedding scenes have changed; all can testify to that. It is not only the outwardly affairs that have witnessed transformations, the entire concept of tying the nuptial bond has seen a paradigm shift. Keeping up with the Joneses was never this important in our lives.

It would have been okay if you could just think of the sari for the holud, the wedding itself, a sari for the reception, and one for the day after. Not anymore! Today, the bride and the groom are bombarded with invites, at times, even before they say "I do." And all their sartorial needs have to be addressed ASAP.

As far as wardrobes are concerned, weddings are no longer the only event that need good coordination between the bride and the groom; it is the significant start. As the days go, the bride shall need several looks that will match up the hype of a new bride with all the glitz and all the glam.

Your BFF may get married this wedding season, and by virtue of you being the 'newlywed,' you need to look the part. Simplicity has never been more crucial, because in the event of a wedding of a female friend, or your husband's friend, you must follow the same cardinal rule that you expected everyone to abide by — glow, but never outshine.

Major fashion crime!

OWNING THE STYLE MANTRA

While it is possible to buy four to five different saris, just for the sake of it, there are reasons to put some good thought into your purchases. Remember, the post weddings' Second Act is where you once again emerge as a couple, and there needs to be coordination between you two.

As months will roll into years, the need for this coordination will become less important, and you will only be expected to meet the needs of a lovely bond. You can 'up' the game, or take it one notch lower...as you please.

For now, designer-ware makes complete sense. More so because today's couturiers already have the 'one completes the other' motto well represented. Designer saris are something that have become a huge fashion statement. Yet, with so many designers out there, selecting the right sari is never easy.

As clichéd as it may sound, if you are the low-maintenance newlywed lot, then show it with what you put on. The intent to raise the fashion quotient should come from within. If it does not look grand on you, your style factor will tumble.

THE GLAM FACTOR

If low key is not your style, embroidery and embellishments on the border are chic and modern options for a wedding reception. Of course, this is completely acceptable for the reception you are planning to attend, but not the wedding of a friend, or a family member.

Red is the typical wedding colour, and given that you essayed the role of a 'bride' recently, it can have enchanting effects if you don it once more. Remember, nothing is as classic as wearing a silk sari at a wedding! Ditch synthetic fibres, and opt for natural hues and organic yarns.

Wedding wear makers are ll about the 'slim paar' this season; time to bring out some of those classic heirlooms is now. Chances are, what is being handed from one generation to another is exquisitecompared to what is available in stores. Although designs may have improved, the skill of the artisans may have disappeared 

In the end, all that matters is that you look the part of a newly married bride, basking in joy of matrimony, a significant role in the cycle of life. Simplicity is often the most beautiful-- be it the sari, or the Mona Lisa smile of a newlywed.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Mysha, Niki

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: Almira Saree Club

Jewellery: Sparkle

Makeup: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon