Celebrity weddings often end up becoming fashion mood boards, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and filmmaker Sharan Sharma's Mumbai celebrations were no different.

While the couple kept the wedding itself intimate, photos from the cocktail evening quickly found their way online, giving fashion lovers plenty to bookmark before the next wedding season.

Rather than everyone dressing alike, each guest interpreted occasion wear differently. Some stayed rooted in tradition, while others experimented with silhouettes, drapes and textures. Here's what stood out.

Sequins took centre stage

If there was one outfit that immediately caught the eye, it was Akansha Ranjan Kapoor's blush pink Manish Malhotra lehenga.

Instead of opting for heavy bridal reds or jewel tones, she chose soft blush covered in shimmering sequins. Her strappy blouse featured pearls, thread embroidery and sequin detailing that added texture rather than just sparkle. The mermaid-cut skirt created a clean silhouette before flaring at the bottom, while a lightweight georgette dupatta softened the overall look.

Sarees continued to get a modern update

Alia Bhatt skipped predictable styling and showed how much difference draping can make.

Her purple silk saree, woven with silver floral brocade, was worn in an unconventional way. Instead of letting the pallu fall over one shoulder, she styled it almost like a shawl over her arms. The styling allowed her strapless sweetheart-neck blouse with its centre cut-out detail to remain the focal point.

Accessories stayed elegant rather than overwhelming. A zardozi potli bag, diamond choker, matching earrings, rings and peep-toe wedges completed the look, while her sleek twisted bun kept everything polished.

Janhvi Kapoor leaned into one of fashion's biggest wedding trends.

Her outfit borrowed elements of a saree but presented them differently. A statement blouse, embellished skirt and flowing cape-style pallu created a dramatic silhouette that felt closer to couture than conventional draping. Traditional jewellery prevented the outfit from looking too experimental and kept it rooted in festive dressing.

Velvet refused to stay a winter fabric

While shimmer dominated many outfits, Vaani Kapoor proved that velvet still has a place at celebrations.

She wore a black lehenga from Rohit Bal's Kash-Gul collection, where detailed embroidery elevated the rich fabric without needing bold colours. The monochrome palette stood apart in a room full of embellished pastels and jewel tones.

Not every celebrity leaned into maximalism.

Sonakshi Sinha attended with her mother, Poonam Sinha, wearing a graceful traditional salwar suit. In a room filled with dramatic couture, her understated choice showed that classic Indian wear can still hold its own.

While the fashion became a talking point online, Akansha and Sharan chose to keep the wedding itself relatively private.

The couple, who have reportedly been together since 2022 without publicly discussing their relationship, are tying the knot on July 11 with only close friends and family in attendance. Sharan Sharma is known for directing ‘Mr. & Mrs. Mahi’, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, while Akansha has built her career as an actor. A larger reception is expected to follow on July 12.

What made these celebrations interesting wasn't that everyone followed one trend. Quite the opposite. Soft sequins, unusual saree drapes, sculptural blouses, velvet craftsmanship and timeless salwar suits all found space in the same room.