Radhika Merchant's real floral accessories for haldi ceremony makes a “luminous” statement

Radhika Merchant’s floral ornaments and a delicate dupatta crafted with real flowers for her haldi ceremony went viral online (Image: @rheakapoor/Instagram)

There’s nothing that beats the charm of real flowers for special occasions, and floral ornaments have long been a cherished element of Indian wedding ceremonies. Adding a touch of nature's beauty to the festivities, recently Radhika Merchant’s floral ornaments and a delicate dupatta crafted with real flowers for her haldi ceremony went viral online.

Radhika Merchant's haldi ceremony was a feast for the eyes, showcasing the exquisite blend of tradition and contemporary fashion. Her ensemble, featuring a floral Jaal Dupatta made of 1,000 buds and 90 marigold flowers perfectly complemented her sunshine yellow outfit by designer Anamika Khanna. Keeping makeup natural and radiating in her gorgeous Indian wear, Radhika’s ethereal look can surely serve as a blueprint for incorporating floral ornaments into wedding attire.

Her stylist Rhea Kapoor shared some interesting pictures from her photo shoot, calling her look “luminous”.

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Inspired by Radhika’s blooming tales, here’s a style guide on how to style floral ornaments to create eco-friendly fashion statements for any Indian wedding event for brides and bridesmaids.

Choosing the right flowers: Selecting seasonal flowers ensures that your floral ornaments are fresh, vibrant, and in tune with the time of year. For a haldi ceremony, yellow marigolds are an excellent choice, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Other popular options include jasmine, roses, and Tagar kalis, known for their delicate and fragrant blooms.

Create your own style: Radhika's dupatta, crafted from numerous buds and marigolds, was a standout piece. To recreate this, consider a dupatta adorned with your chosen flowers, ensuring they are securely attached to prevent wilting. The dupatta should drape elegantly over your outfit, adding a burst of colour and texture. A bright, sunshine yellow outfit creates a perfect canvas for floral adornments. Opt for traditional fabrics like silk or cotton, which allow for comfort and ease of movement.

Floral jewellery: While floral jewellery is beautiful, it should also be comfortable to wear. Ensure that the pieces are lightweight and securely fastened. Choose earrings and tops adorned with fresh Tagar kalis or small roses. The addition of tassel strings adds a playful touch, making the jewellery more dynamic. A double necklace made of fresh flowers, such as jasmine or marigold, can create a layered, opulent look. Ensure the flowers are closely strung to maintain a neat appearance. The haath phool, a traditional hand ornament, can be crafted from a combination of small buds and leaves. This piece should be delicate yet striking, enhancing the henna designs on your hands. Kaleeras made from flowers are a unique twist on the traditional bridal accessory. Use a mix of buds and fully bloomed flowers for a rich, textured effect.