More than 18 years ago, the wedding of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan captivated an
entire nation on April 20, 2007. It was the marriage of two Bollywood dynasties and the level of
excitement surrounding Aishwarya’s bridal look was at such a feverish level. What she delivered
was not merely an outfit – it was an impression of timeless sophistication, and it remains the
most aspirational bridal look of all time. A magnificent golden Kanjeevaram saree, designed by
the renowned Neeta Lulla – while there are rumors on levels of price, its real cost is its legacy.
The Artistry of the Golden Threads
The saree was more than fabric, it was a work of art. The controversial price of ₹75 lakh has
circulated for years but there is no disputing the workmanship and luxuriousness of it. The gold
was real, taken from gold thread (zari) that was woven into the fabric. It was adorned with
Swarovski crystals and intricate patterns, all made, by hand, from artisans over a three-month
period. The craftsmanship, Åishwarya Rai Bachchan in a beautiful combination of Kanjeevaram
saree – of gorgeous weight and absolute elegance all contributed to this saree being remarkable
in its own right. As brides today are flocking to modern, light lehengas, Aishwarya’s decision to
wear a traditional Kanjeevaram saree was an empowering act rooted in her South Indian
heritage while also creatively exploring modernity in India’s cherished and ever-lasting textiles.
The Regal Allure of Her Jewelry
It is obvious that the saree is the foundation of her look but it was possible because of the
choice of jewelry. Aishwarya wore heavy, spectacular temple jewelry befitting the traditional
theme. Her look consisted of an incredible diamond and emerald choker, a detailed diamond
neck chain, earrings and finished off with traditional gold bangles. The pieces were all art forms
by themselves but all of her jewelry came together to create her royal appearance. The
emphasis on traditional, heirloom-quality jewelry created balance with the saree that felt real
and luxurious, which is something that is hard to pull off. This was an intentional decision to
show the magnificence of Indian bridal adornments with something that was not excessive.
The Timeless Grace of Her Styling
Aishwarya’s styling on her big day was an ultimate lesson in elegance and subtle beauty. Rather
than going for a classic heavy look like so many brides do, or a very modern heavy look, she
went with a classic dewy base that allowed her to really showcase her natural beauty. Her hair
was slicked back to a simple collection, accented with a beautifully crafted gajra of white flowers
giving a more traditional, but at the same time, refreshing look to match her ethnic attire and
jewelry. This simple look let Aishwarya’s naturally beautiful smile be the star alongside the
ornate nature of the whole ensemble and the experience she was having throughout the
wedding. Aishwarya’s elegant, calm nature has helped the styling exist. A bridal look is noted,
being serene in the heart and spirit, and full of beauty on the outside.
A Standard for Generations to Come
Even two decades later, Aishwarya’s wedding look will continue to be the reference point for
modern brides. It has inspired waves of other designers and brides (all after the same classic
look). It taught us that we could be traditional and elegant; that a bride’s statement should
honour and celebrate her heritage, not just replicate whatever trend happened to be current. It
was about more than just wearing a beautiful saree; it was about the feeling- regal, dignified,
graceful. While fashion is cyclical with new collections and trends released every season,
Aishwarya Rai’s bridal look will always be an unchanging, classic example of elegance and
remain the benchmark for heroics nobody will replicate.