Is the Maximalist Groom Trend Here to Stay?
For over a decade, Indian grooms have often taken a backseat in wedding fashion, with celebrity men typically opting for safe, understated styles. We have witnessed countless muted pastel sherwanis, subtle ivory achkans, and minimal pearl accessories, where the bride traditionally brought the drama while the groom provided a neutral backdrop. However, the recent wedding photos of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna signal a dramatic shift, declaring the end of the wallflower groom era.
Decoding the Maximalist Mandap Look
While fashion experts quickly analyzed Rashmika's elegant bridal style, it was Vijay's bold, maximalist aesthetic that truly captured attention, marking a significant change in wedding fashion trends. He entered the Udaipur mandap adorned in heavy, antique-finish temple gold, challenging the minimalist designs that have dominated wedding inspiration boards for years. Let us examine the details of this heavily accessorized ensemble. Over a traditional white pancha and a richly embroidered crimson shawl, the actor wore layered gold harams that demanded immediate focus. The standout pieces were the intricate, elephant-motif vanki and the thick, carved gold kadas he wore during the talambralu ritual. The couple's custom jewelry was sourced from Shree Jewellers in Hyderabad.
Rooted in Dravidian Heritage
This styling choice is not merely about adding extra jewelry for social media impact. Historically, men in Southern royal courts and affluent families wore substantial adornment, often matching or exceeding that of women. By embracing these bold, vintage-inspired pieces, modern grooms are reclaiming their prominence in wedding fashion. Leading menswear stylists and wedding planners have observed this trend emerging behind the scenes, noting a sharp decline in requests for simple emerald drops or minimalist kundan strings. Instead, heritage jewelers report a surge in demand for custom, heavyweight temple jewelry that embodies historical significance and masculine strength, conveying a clear message: grooms no longer need to dim their style to highlight their partners.
The Groom's Bling Budget
This fashion shift is influencing the broader bridal market, raising questions about the cost of adopting this traditional aesthetic for the upcoming wedding season. Here is a realistic breakdown of the expenses:
- The 22-Karat Heirloom Route: Investing in genuine, generational pieces requires a significant budget. A detailed temple jewelry haram with a matte gold finish typically ranges from ₹4,50,000 to ₹9,00,000, depending on weight.
- Statement Accessories: Heavy-duty armbands or carved kadas usually cost between ₹1,50,000 and ₹3,50,000.
- The Accessible Alternative: For grooms seeking the aesthetic without the high price, premium silver-based jewelry with antique gold plating offers a solution. High-quality, handcrafted replicas of these heritage pieces can be found for ₹25,000 to ₹75,000.
Bold, Regal, Unmissable
The pastel trend had its moment, but the resurgence of the grand, gold-laden groom represents a much-needed cultural reset in the wedding industry. It may be time to discard minimalist inspirations and embrace the boldness of heavy metal adornments.
