The wedding season in South Asia is more than just a celebration of love—it's a fashion spectacle, a riot of colour, and a cultural showcase rolled into one. And let's be honest, no Mehndi or Shaadi is complete without that one question lingering in everyone's mind: What should I wear? More specifically, should you opt for bold, bright hues or remain elegant in soft pastels?
At Silayi Pret, where traditional artistry meets modern expression, we've noticed a beautiful shift in how women dress up for weddings, especially for Mehndi nights and Shaadi days. Whether you're a bride, bridesmaid, or simply a fashion lover attending your fifth wedding this winter, we're breaking down the ongoing colour war—bright colours vs pastels—to help you decide what's really in for 2025.
The Classic Vibrancy of Bright Colours
Let's begin with the OGS — the loud, unapologetic, desi brights. Think fuchsia pinks, mustard yellows, emerald greens, and deep oranges. These colours have traditionally dominated the mehndi scene, evoking festivity, energy, and cultural richness. Bright shades hold a nostalgic value, reminding us of the traditional embroidered gota, bangles, and dholkis from childhood memories.
In 2025, vibrant shades are not going anywhere — they're just being reimagined. At Silayi Pret, our latest semi-formal and fusion collections have taken the essence of bold colours and softened them slightly with modern cuts and minimalist embroidery. So, while you'll still spot an electric marigold lehenga at a mehndi, it's likely paired with a contemporary off-shoulder blouse or a flowy silhouette rather than an ultra-traditional cut.
Brights work wonderfully on dusky to deep skin tones, enhancing natural beauty rather than overwhelming it. For mehndi functions, they're an easy favourite because the vibe is youthful and joyful. But it's all about balance—mixing bold shades with neutral dupattas or subtle accessories keeps the outfit rooted in 2025's minimal-maximal aesthetic.
The Rise (and Reign) of Pastels
Just five years ago, wearing a pastel outfit to a wedding might have earned you a few puzzled glances. However, that is no longer the case. Pastels have not just arrived; they've taken over the bridal and wedding fashion landscape with poise. Powder blues, muted lilacs, blush pinks, and pistachio greens are now wardrobe staples for modern-day shaadis.
The reason? Pastels are easy on the eyes and incredibly photogenic, especially for daylight weddings and destination events. Their soft appeal complements intricate embroidery and plain silhouettes. At Silayi Pret, our Luxury Embroidered Pret line features several pastel-based designs that celebrate femininity and elegance without being overly attention-seeking.
Pastels are also a favourite for brides who want a softer, romantic look, especially for daytime nikkahs or intimate gatherings. These tones are versatile and layer beautifully with traditional jewellery or pearls, making them an instant classic for 2025. Their timeless appeal adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, ensuring you look and feel classic on your special day.
Mehndi Vibes: Where Brights Still Own the Night
If there's one event where brights still dominate the mood board, it's the mehndi. From deep oranges and turmeric yellows to parrot greens and hot pinks — these colours scream celebration. The dance floor, the floral decor, the glow of fairy lights — everything syncs perfectly with bold shades.
Silayi Pret's Fusion and Semi-Formal range lean into this with pieces like "Zada-FS" and "Eve (A)-FS51," which play with quirky embroidery, traditional silhouettes, and fresh colour blocking. These outfits are perfect for twirling to dhol beats, sitting pretty under mehndi canopies, or leading the bridesmaids' flash mob.
But even here, 2025 is seeing a twist. Brides and bridesmaids are increasingly choosing hybrid looks — a bright lehenga skirt with a pastel dupatta or vice versa. And we are here for it. It's the perfect way to infuse colour without looking overdone.
Shaadi Looks: The Pastel Revolution
Let's talk about the main event: shaadi night. Traditionally, bold reds and jewel tones dominated this event. However, over the last few years, and particularly heading into 2025, we are seeing a shift toward more subdued, understated hues. Brides love pastel tones embroidered with mirror work, nashi, and pearls. And guests? They're dressing in dreamy palettes that shimmer under chandeliers and camera flashes alike.
Silayi Pret's Luxury Embroidered Pret collection embodies a refined aesthetic. Outfits like our ivory-toned "Babe-FS60" or the seafoam green "Fin-FS63" are effortless choices for formal events. These designs focus on clean cuts and delicately curated embellishments, making them ideal for creating a style statement without feeling like you're trying too hard.
It's worth noting that pastels also photograph beautifully in indoor settings—a significant advantage for capturing those social media-worthy shots.
So, What's In for 2025?
The answer isn't either-or — it's both. The most stylish weddings this year are those that blend brights with pastels in smart, creative ways. And the real trend isn't just the colour — it's the confidence to wear what expresses you best. Some days, that's a lime green gharara; other days, it's a powder-pink kurta set with silver jhumkas. Embrace your unique style and wear it with confidence, knowing that you're setting the trend for 2025.
At Silayi Pret, we encourage you to explore this beautiful contrast. Our latest collections reflect this balance, offering vibrant ensembles that capture the spirit of celebration alongside pastel dreamscapes that whisper elegance.
Style Tips from Silayi Pret
If you're confused about how to wear brights or pastels, here's a little insider scoop from our team:
For a mehndi, try our KOYO-FS48 in a rust-tone paired with minimal makeup and colourful bangles. If you're attending a daytime shaadi, consider LILY-FS47, which leans pastel but adds flair through texture and cut. Looking for something transitional? Pieces like NOVA-FS59 blend earthy tones with light fabric for a look that works from day to night.
And remember—colour blocking is your friend. To avoid colour fatigue, combine a peachy-pink kameez with mint green lowers or accessorise a mustard outfit with muted earrings.
Final Thoughts
Traditional rules no longer bind weddings. 2025 is the year of individual style, where every outfit tells a story. Brights and pastels aren't rivals; they're collaborators in the fashion symphony that is a shaadi season.
Silayi Pret's collections are designed with this modern narrative in mind. Whether you want to glow in canary yellow or float in a sea of blush tones, there's a piece waiting for you that feels like home — but makes you shine.
