While it’s true that there isn’t much scope to play around with wedding ensembles, given how everyone loves to stick to tradition when it comes to the most important day of their lives, there are still little tricks and tweaks one can play around with if you don’t want to be a slave to convention. PFDC L’Oreal Bridal Week in October presented a host of ideas on how to wear traditional joras with a twist and at the recently-concluded Bridal Couture Week, we saw a number of trends on the ramp that pleased the sartorial adventurer in us. Here’s our pick of the top wedding wear trends this season that will help you stand out, whether you’re a bride or the bride’s sister, mother or friend.

Jackets and waistcoats

What better way to keep snug while looking stylish at a formal do such as a wedding than sporting an embellished jacket? A lot of designers have been experimenting with this versatile form of outerwear and we saw everyone from Asifa and Nabeel to Munib Nawaz include it in their collections. This cropped version from Tena Durrani is not only trendy, it would stay relevant post wedding season as well if paired with a western outfit.

Shawls

While we love our pashminas, we can’t wait to get our hands on one of the luxe jamawar babies designers have been favouring this season. Sana Safinaz’s gorgeous creations at PLBW created quite a stir and following in their footsteps is Faraz Mannan, whose BCW collection included some stunning pieces in silks and jamawar such as this black and gold creation that would be the perfect accessory for a wedding ensemble.

Skirts

Call it a lehnga or a skirt, there’s no denying that this is one trend that’s been everywhere this season. Fashionistas love it for its versatility, for it looks good whether you choose to wear it with a crop top or a long shirt; or whether you prefer an embellished version or a graphic-printed one like what Maria B sent down the ramp at BCW.

Velvet

Velvet, in all its luxe glory, is back with a bang and everyone from Indian designer Mini Bindra to Ali Xeeshan made it a part of their collections. Teena by Hina Butt showed us how to keep the tricky fabric sleek and sexy by fashioning it into cholis and sari blouses such as the one pictured here.