Brides can make a style statement this wedding season with anarkalis, panitar saris and Indo-Western styles like pallu jumpsuit, drape jumpsuit and gowns, designers say.

Not just traditional Indian colours like red but also earthy tones like tan olive, beige and gold are becoming popular thanks to Bollywood beauties like Aishwarya Rai who experimented with their trousseau.

"Brides are getting more experimental with their different looks at different occasions. Wedding planners are working as per their themes and thus the costume revolves around that subject, bringing a much required variety in terms of cuts and colour palette, " Mumbai-based designer Archana Kochhar told.

"The classic panitar saris are modified in intricate outwork version for the ever demanding classic traditional design and style. Floor length panel anarkali with a crushed narrow skirt is a new silhouette which Indian brides are opting for, " Kochhar noted.

"Indo-Western styles like pallu jumpsuit, drape jumpsuit gown, lycra dhoti and puffed skirt short lehengas are a great fun option, " she added.

Choosing the bridal dress depends on a girl's frame and skin tone, feels fashion czarina Neeta Lulla.

"For girls who are tall and slender, bright and colourful saris in various colours and broad borders can do wonders. Pear-shaped frame is an apt figure for dark-coloured saris with embroidery running vertical. Round figure girls can go for dark-coloured saris with small bootis and thin borders, " said Lulla.

While earlier brides were only seen wearing a signature red or maroon colour, actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Lara Dutta, Shilpa Shetty and Kalki Koelchin have broken the norm by introducing a new family of colours to their bridal wear.

Aishwarya had donned a cream-coloured Kanjeevaram sari at her wedding. Lara draped a cream and gold sari for her court marriage whereas Kalki took her saat pheras in a white silk sari with an elaborate matching border.

"Red and pink are eternal but these days brides want to have something new and are ready to experiment. This season is a mixed array of colours ranging from earthy tones like tan olive, beige, gold, deep red to traditional Indian hues like emerald, green, red, bright pink and orchid, " Lulla added.

Breaking the monotony of satin and lace fabrics are chiffons, nets, silks and crepes, making a comeback in bridal wear this season.

Embellishments, accessories, hair style and the right make-up are equally important, Kochhar said.

"Opting for more silver-toned embellishment over garish is the modern bridal trend, and delicate detailing is more important over bold ones.

"The right make-up and hairdo should also be taken care of and one should not take a chance as it can damage the entire picture, " Kochhar elucidated.

For Kolkata-based designer Simran Singh, "balance" between garments and accessories adds charm to the whole attire.

"Keep the accessories minimal and there should be a balance between garments and accessories. Either one can go for a heavy neck piece or a nice pair of earrings. Also one can go for elaborate mang tikkas and big kaliras and bajubandh. Brides, please avoid handbags and heavy dupattas on the head, " Singh said.