When Alia Bhatt married Ranbir Kapoor on April 14, 2022, she didn’t make noise about it. No grand venue. No dramatic bridal entry. Just a quiet wedding at their Mumbai home, Vastu. And a bridal look that felt just as personal.Instead of the usual red lehenga, Alia chose an ivory organza saree by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Soft, light, and almost understated. At the time, it surprised people. But looking back, it made complete sense.
That saree went on to become one of the most talked-about celebrity bridal looks in recent memory. Not because it was loud. But because it felt honest.
Recently, almost three years later, and as a mother, Alia has opened up about what really went into that choice in a candid conversation with Vogue.And it turns out, the decision was simple.
Why a saree felt right, not a lehenga
In a video shared by Vogue on December 18 as part of its Life In Looks series, Alia looked back at her fashion journey. From her early, slightly preppy phase to that now-iconic wedding saree.When Sabyasachi asked her what she wanted to wear during their first Zoom call, she didn’t hesitate. She told him she wanted comfort. And she wanted a saree.Alia has always said she feels most herself in a saree. And on her wedding day, she didn’t want to feel weighed down by layers or expectations. She wanted to move easily, breathe easily, and feel like herself.So that became the starting point. Comfort first. Everything else later.
How ‘chai-dipped white’ was born
Once the silhouette was decided, the next question was colour. Alia told Sabyasachi she was thinking white and gold. Something soft. Nothing harsh.That’s when he suggested “chai-dipped white.”Not stark ivory. Not beige. Something warmer. Something lived-in. According to Alia, he also suggested organza because it’s light, simple, and naturally elegant. You don’t have to force drama with it. It creates its own.
And that was the whole idea. Let the fabric fall. Let the embroidery breathe. Don’t overload it.The final saree was minimal but rich. Subtle embroidery, gentle sheen, and a drape that looked effortless rather than styled within an inch of its life.
“A saree is the most comfortable thing you can wear”
Alia has said this before, and she stands by it. In an earlier interview, she explained that a saree, for her, is the most comfortable garment there is. Which is exactly why she chose one for her wedding.For Alia, bridal dressing was never about ticking boxes. It wasn’t about what a bride should wear. It was about what felt right in that moment.She’s also spoken about how women should feel free to celebrate whichever version of themselves feels strongest. Some days it’s a saree. Some days it’s a pantsuit. Some days it’s a gown. And all of it is valid.That freedom is something she genuinely believes in.
The little details that made it personal
What really set Alia’s wedding saree apart were the quiet, personal touches. Sabyasachi customised the saree with a long train that included her wedding date.There was also a detail that most people didn’t notice right away. A coat-style element with the words “Mrs Hipster” stitched onto it. An inside joke between Alia and Ranbir. Just for them.It wasn’t meant to trend. It wasn’t meant for Instagram. And that’s what made it special.Her jewellery followed the same thought process. All uncut diamonds from Sabyasachi’s collection. A statement necklace, bold earrings, and a maang tikka. Traditional, but not heavy.
Keeping the beauty look easy and real
Alia didn’t try to transform herself into a bride she didn’t recognise. Her makeup stayed soft. Fresh skin, a hint of blush, nude lips, and lightly defined eyes. Mascara, not drama.Her hair was worn loose in gentle waves. No stiff buns. No heavy accessories.Everything about the look felt relaxed. Like she could laugh, move, and actually enjoy her day.Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt performative. And maybe that’s why it still holds up.Alia Bhatt’s wedding saree wasn’t just a fashion moment. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable choices are the quiet ones. When you stop dressing for expectations and start dressing for yourself, it shows.
