Alia Bhatt's gorgeous bridesmaid looks at Akanksha Ranjan’s wedding, decoded
When it comes to celebrity bridesmaids, it is easy to mistake dressing up for dressing loud. Alia Bhatt took the opposite route at her best friend Akanksha Ranjan's wedding to filmmaker Sharan Sharma, building a three-look wardrobe that celebrated Indian craftsmanship without ever competing with the bride.
Styled by Rhea Kapoor and Sanya Kapoor, with additional styling support for the sangeet, Alia Bhatt's wardrobe moved seamlessly across the celebrations, offering three distinct interpretations of festive dressing. Each look carried its own mood while remaining rooted in textiles, handwork and understated glamour.
Wedding: A contemporary Banarasi saree with couture detailing
For the wedding ceremony, Bhatt stepped away from heavily embellished bridal party dressing in favour of a custom creation by Punit Balana. The powder blue crushed tissue silk saree reimagined the Banarasi weave through a sculptural ruffle drape that added fluidity without overwhelming the silhouette.
The handcrafted marodi border, finished with contrasting dry henna detailing, brought subtle depth to the look, while delicate embroidery added texture rather than sparkle.
Instead of a conventional blouse, she paired the saree with a contemporary high neck cut-out design that gave the traditional weave a sharper, more fashion-forward finish.
She accessorised with Kundan jewellery, including statement earrings from Kalajee Jewellery, stacked bangles and a striking maang tikka. A sleek bun kept the focus on the jewellery and neckline, while a matching potli bag completed the ensemble. Before the ceremony, she added an off-duty touch with Gucci's oval frame sunglasses, proving that even bridal dressing can have personality.
Reception: Heritage craft meets effortless glamour
For the reception, Bhatt embraced artisanal textiles through an Ajrakh saree by Nidhi Tambi Kejriwal. Richly layered with resham embroidery and mirror work, the drape celebrated traditional craftsmanship while the custom blouse introduced a contemporary edge.
The styling remained celebratory but restrained. Chand Begum Jewels supplied antique gem-set enamel bracelets and classic chandbali earrings, while A Jewels by Anmol added a maang tikka and statement ring that elevated the festive mood without making the look feel overly ornate.
A vintage-inspired Pixie Dust clutch from The Pink Potli finished the ensemble, reinforcing the idea that accessories need not be extravagant to leave an impression.
Sangeet: Jewel tones, corsetry and Banarasi drama
If the wedding look leaned timeless and the reception celebrated heritage, the sangeet embraced fashion's more playful side.
Bhatt wore an unreleased collaboration from Ekaya Banaras and Ashdeen, pairing a richly woven Banarasi saree with a structured strapless corset-style blouse in a deep purple hue. The combination balanced the softness of traditional weaving with the precision of modern tailoring, making it one of her strongest fashion moments from the celebrations.
The jewellery echoed the same philosophy of quiet luxury. Earrings by Alok Lodha Jewels were paired with a statement necklace from Akoya Jewels, while rings from Amrapali Jewels and PCT & Sons completed the styling. An Indraneel bag by Meera Mahadevia and a neatly pulled-back bun allowed the craftsmanship of both the saree and jewellery to take centre stage.
The bridesmaid blueprint
Across three events, Alia Bhatt never really repeated a styling formula. Instead, she created a wardrobe that celebrated India's textile traditions through three completely different lenses. A sculptural Banarasi tissue saree for the wedding, handcrafted Ajrakh for the reception and a dramatic Banarasi corset pairing for the sangeet each reflected a different side of occasion dressing.
Together, they offered a compelling reminder that standout bridesmaid style is not about stealing the spotlight. It is about knowing how to wear craftsmanship, colour and contemporary design with confidence, allowing every look to feel memorable in its own right.