COVER STORY

THE Bridal Story

There is a photographer capturing every candid moment, a guy with a Gimble catching every move, a drone that’s drawing a bigger picture, and a few dozen smartphones taking selfies. There are hundreds of eyes on her in reality while thousands are watching her virtually. Meet the modern Indian bride! She is constantly being photographed and recorded on video. She will live forever as a bride in digital photo albums and on social media. And the onus of making her look beautiful for years and years to come rests on you. A bridal hairstylist and makeup artist are instrumental in making the bride look ethereal on her wedding day. As the wedding fanfare spans across five-six days of pre-wedding functions, the hair and makeup rituals become a form of storytelling. From the fun-filled vibes of a cocktail evening the story transcends into the youthful innocence of a mehndi or haldi function, finally culminating into the regal finale of the pheras. This bridal season, the trends are getting richer, bolder and more personal, making the brides shine with an authenticity that’s classic and timeless. Are you ready to become the storyteller of the beautiful Indian bride? Kanishka Ramchandani delves into the personalisation of bridal trends that is making each Indian bride the hero of her own story.

The Indian bride of 2025 is unafraid. As she sits in your consultation chair, she is open to your ideas but has her own dreams laid out in the form of a designer lehenga, heirloom jewellery, destination wedding venues, global cuisine et al. The bridal look is not just about her hair and face in silo. It’s how she fits into the overall picture of the wedding extravaganza and yet stands out with her ethereal presence. Tricky, isn’t it? A skilled bridal hairstylist would know instinctively that the modern Indian bride wants the latest trend in colour and style, with the right amount of personalisation.

The Indian bride of 2025 has evolved over the years. She hasn’t arrived at her present state of trend awareness. Bijal Gada, Professional Makeup and Business Coach, Bijal Gada Makeover, sstates, “A few years ago, brides would just say “Do whatever you think is best.” Now they come with references from Instagram and Pinterest, and they’re very aware of trends. They want to be involved in the process. I think it’s great because it becomes more collaborative.”

“NEVER under-price yourself just to get BOOKINGS . Brides are PAYING for your EXPERIENCE , your c ALM ENERGY , and your ARTISTRY — not just the PRODUCTS you use. Be TRANSPARENT —clearly explain what’s included in the PACK AGE , whether travel or TRIALS are extra. It keeps everything PROFESSIONAL and BUILDS TRUST .”

-Bijal Gada, Makeup and Business Coach, Bijal Gada Makeover

CONSULTATION MATTERS

The process of bridal hair and makeup starts with a good consultation. Vikas Marwah, Founder, Vikas Marwah Salon, ssays, “The consultation is the most important part of bridal hairstyling. I usually begin with an in-depth conversation about the bride’s personal style, her outfit, jewellery and the overall theme of the wedding. I also consider her face shape, hair texture, and comfort level with different styles. A trial session is always recommended. It gives the bride confidence and allows me to finetune the look before the big day.

He also gives a strong piece of advice: “Over-promising is a big mistake.

Sometimes, hairstylists commit to styles that aren’t achievable with the bride’s natural hair type or without adequate preparation. Transparency about what works best for her hair, and when extensions or treatments may be needed, is essential.”

Gada elaborates, “Consultation is not just about makeup—it’s about understanding the bride. I usually start by sitting down with her and asking about her outfits, jewellery, wedding theme, and most importantly, how she wants to feel on her big day. Some say ‘I want to look natural,’ others say ‘I want to look glam.’ Once I know that, I suggest looks that will enhance her features, not change her. If needed, we also do a trial so she feels confident about the final look.”

Eshita Gambhir, Founder, Makeovers By Eshita, states, “When a bride contacts me, we schedule a consultation either in-person or virtually. I ask her to share her inspiration boards, wedding theme and dress details. This helps me get a sense of her style and vision.”

“During the consultation, we chat about her skin concerns, makeup preferences, and expectations. I also show her some of my work and explain my approach to bridal makeup. By the end of the consultation, I have a clear understanding of what she wants, and we discuss the details of the wedding day look.”

“BE TRANSPARENT and VALUE your EXPERTISE . Pricing should reflect not just the STYLING on the day but also CONSULTATIONS , TRIALS , TR AVEL , and the number of FUNCTIONS . Offering tiered PACK AGES from basic to premium allows BRIDES to choose based on their needs while ensuring HAIRSTYLISTS are FAIRLY compensated.”

-Vikas Marwah, Founder, Vikas Marwah Salon

BRIDAL CROWNING GLORY

From Paris runways to Milan ateliers, the language of hair is evolving into softer textures, unexpected silhouettes and bespoke details. So, let’s step away from the comfort zone of classic buns and traditional braids. Our new-age bride is open to experiment and is ready to try different looks for different occasions.

Speaking of trends, Marwah states, “This year, brides are embracing softer, more natural looks. Textured buns, soft waves and romantic braids with minimal embellishments are in demand. On the colour side, balayage and soft highlights that add dimension without overpowering the natural shade are trending. The idea is effortless elegance.”

“Brides today want individuality. Unlike earlier times, when traditional styles were the default, modern brides prefer looks that reflect their personality, whether minimal, glamorous, or boho-chic. They also value comfort and longevity in hairstyles since weddings now often involve multiple functions spread across days,” he adds.

RUNWAY-WORTHY TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

ROMANTIC CHIGNON

The twists and turns of the classic chignon, but make it a bit more romantic. If you are thinking loose texture, soft wisps around the face and a slightly undone bun, you are thinking right!

VINTAGE WAVES

Finger waves, art deco side parts and sleek finishes – what’s not to love! Hollywood vintage looks are making a comeback. Customise them for your bridal client’s pre-wedding function, and watch the movie magic unfold.

EFFORTLESS LUXE

It’s not your everyday updo. More volume, more glamour! This season’s updos have movement. Throw in some texture for good measure.

HALFWAY HAIRDO

A half-up-half-down style is the perfect mix of polished styling and romantic flow. It’s also the perfect canvas for hair accessories.

GLASS/GLOSS HAIR

Take shiny glass hair and gel it back with a glossy finish. The gelled-back look is not for the faint-at-heart. After all, it’s runway meets bridal drama.

SOFT AND FLOWY

Loose waves or soft curls are a modern bride’s delight. They highlight the youthful charm of the bride, letting her have the most fun on her big day.

NOTES FOR THE STYLIST

• Texture is king: Prepping hair with the right products and understanding how different textures photograph is increasingly important.

• Accessories are still vital: Use pearls, crystals, subtle metallics, floral inserts sparingly. Let the hairstyle be the showstopper always.

“WHEN IT comes to PRICING , I think it’s ESSENTIAL to consider the VALUE you’re providing, not just the time and PRODUCTS involved. Take into account your EXPERTISE , the level of CUSTOMIZATION , and the exceptional SERVICE you’re offering. Also, be TRANSPARENT and clear about what’s included in your PACK AGES , so there are no surprises for the bride.”

-Eshita Gambhir, Founder, Makeovers By Eshita

• Easy to transition styles: Styles that can transition quickly with minimal product application or accessorising are preferred.

• Photogenic finish: Finishes that resist frizz, hold shape and look good from every angle or in different light are in demand.

Great hairstyles are possible on great hair. Haircare is a vital part of bridal grooming. As a bridal stylist you need to chalk out a routine for your bridal client. Marwah advises brides-to-be to prioritise healthy hair. “No hairstyle will look its best if the hair is damaged or neglected. Begin a proper haircare routine early, communicate openly with your stylist, and always do a trial to avoid last-minute surprises. And most importantly, choose a style that feels like you,” he says.

Pre-bridal treatments like protein therapies, scalp care and regular trims can transform hair quality, making styling easier and more long-lasting. As a professional hairdresser, it is your responsibility to assess the bride-to-be’s hair health but also recommend customised treatments and homecare routines tailored to her needs. Your expertise in choosing the right products and techniques ensures that bridal hairstyles hold up beautifully through multiple events, while also protecting hair from damage caused by heat styling, sprays and accessories.

EDUCATION FIRST

“Continuous learning is key. Attending workshops, following global hair trends, and experimenting with new techniques keeps hairstylists relevant. Social media has become an excellent tool as well, brides often draw inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest, so hairstylists must stay updated with those references,” affirms Marwah.

As trends and techniques evolve, staying updated is non-negotiable. Education in hair and beauty is the backbone of professional growth. From mastering product knowledge to learning advanced techniques and client management, continuous education ensures credibility and trust. Stylists who invest in learning not only elevate their craft but also future-proof their careers.

Gada adds, “By learning nonstop. I attend trainings, watch global trends, and then adapt them to Indian weddings. Social media is a blessing—if you pay attention to what brides are asking in your DMs or comments, you’ll know exactly what’s in demand.”

Gambhir states, “I think it’s essential for MUAs to stay curious and committed to ongoing education. Attend workshops, take online courses, and follow industry leaders on social media. It’s also crucial to listen to your clients and adapt to their changing needs.”

TREND WATCH

With pre-wedding soirées and grand ceremonies demanding distinct moods, makeup artistry proves to be the differentiating factor. On the canvas of luminous skin, there are different looks that you can create to complement the bride’s personality, her mood and her lifestyle. The right mix of global trends and traditional elements is what helps create your own unique signature look that helps your bridal client standout and feel special on her wedding day. And above all, makeup should make the bride feel confident, beautiful and comfortable in her own skin. Let’s look at the top trends in makeup.

According to Gada, “This year is all about fresh, glowing skin. Brides don’t want heavy, cakey makeup anymore. They want that healthy “glass skin” finish. Pastel eye shades, soft blush tones, and glossy lips are also in trend. It’s more about timeless elegance rather than dramatic overdone looks.”

“This year, I’m seeing a lot of emphasis on natural, effortless beauty. Brides want to look like themselves, but enhanced. Soft, glowy skin and subtle, defined eyes are huge right now. I’m also noticing a trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly makeup choices, which is amazing!” states Gambhir.

Here are the top makeup trends to watch out for:

• Skin-first beauty: Lightweight bases, skin tints and dewy finishes for natural radiance.

• Bold lips return: Deep reds, cherries, oxblood and ombré lips with sharp liners.

• Monochrome looks: Coordinated tones across eyes, lips and cheeks.

• Sustainable beauty: Cruelty-free, vegan and clean formulations gaining preference.

• Colour revival: Metallic eyeshadows, glitters and shimmers.

• Glass and satin skin: Luminous, hydrated skin replacing heavy matte finishes.

• Textural play: Shimmer, gloss and light-reflecting finishes dominating.

• Makeup-skincare hybrids: Tints, oils and SPF-infused products merging beauty with care.

ADVICE FOR MUA

When asked about tips for creating the ultimate bridal makeup kit, Gada said, “Keep it practical. A good long-wear foundation, a mix of cream and powder blushes, a versatile eyeshadow palette, waterproof products, and of course, a fixing spray are musts. I always keep blotting sheets and mini sponges handy for touch-ups. The kit should be light but smart—you don’t need 100 products, just the right ones.”

She added, “Don’t just focus on technique—focus on building trust. A bride is already under stress, so your calmness is as important as your makeup skill. Always be prepared, always be on time, and always treat her with care.”

Gambhir opines, “For me, it’s all about editing and curating my kit. I focus on having a solid foundation of essential products that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. I also make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and product releases, so I can incorporate new and exciting items into my kit.”

CONCLUSION

The hair and makeup artists are one of the most important participants of a bride’s journey. Building a relationship with her, gaining her trust and delivering your best on the biggest day of her life are aspects that make you the best in the bridal game. To conclude, Marwah says, “Don’t just be a stylist, be a calming presence. Weddings can be stressful, and brides look to us not just for hair but also for reassurance. Be flexible, be patient, and always have a backup plan.”