Manifest Spotlight: Bridal Stylist Rashi M Kapur

Sometimes, having a professional by your side who can help you decipher the ins and outs of putting together an outfit for your wedding is essential. Here’s where bridal and wedding stylists come into the picture. Rashi M Kapur, a Mumbai-based bridal stylist, understands the role she plays in weddings incredibly well and works intuitively as her understanding of style comes instinctively and naturally.

From breaking down the jewellery details of Radhika Merchant’s wedding to finding unique solutions such as repurposing parental garments and creating floral veils, Rashi loves to experiment and work in sync with the brides, their sensibilities and what flatters them the most. 

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Join us as we speak to the bridal stylist and find out what motivates her in her work and how she approaches picking out the perfect outfits for her clients! Read on…

In Conversation With Bridal Stylist Rashi M Kapur 

Manifest: Tell us about how you began your styling journey. What inspired you to make this a career?

Rashi M Kapur: I remember when I got married in 2019, my wedding photos went viral. And a lot of people reached out and asked me where I picked my clothes from, etc. So, I started taking on friends’ and family weddings to style them. Then, when COVID happened, I thought of helping brides who were settled abroad and looking for guidance on how to shop for their wedding. It all just grew from there, and now I am working with brides-to-be from all over the world.

I think I’ve always been instinctive about Indian fashion, so even though I hadn’t formally studied fashion or styling, I’d always had a keen eye for style. I always felt like I understood colour, cuts, and silhouettes naturally. I also grew up with a mother who was quite fashion-forward and dressed my sister and me up all the time. But I never thought I’d make a career out of fashion styling. Before this, I was working in finance and strategy and had even worked in the same vertical with WedMeGood. And that gave me quite a bit of insight into the wedding industry. 

M: Can you also share the different aspects of bridal styling? What are the different categories of styling that a bridal stylist has to think about?

RK: I do believe that there is no rule book for bridal styling. Every individual is different, and I first take a person’s unique aesthetic into account. Secondly, I think of the budget and plan according to that. Thirdly, I consider the crowd or the guest list a client would have. Fourth, I must know the venue, and lastly, I of course need to know the themes of the ceremonies taking place. These are a few of the things I always keep in mind while styling a client for their wedding. 

M: Can you delve a little more into how you create the mood boards for your clients?

RK: I do start with a mood board for my clients. But those are for reference, and the final look can only be determined when you’re in the store, shopping for the clothes and trying them on. So, the practical aspect of picking out clothes is more important for me. 

M: How often do your clients ask you to consider the theme of the ceremonies while styling them?  

RK: Very often. The type A brides I have had as clients usually come in with their themes and moodboards and explain what they’re looking for. But some determine the themes around the outfits they love!  And, I also think it’s important to plan outfits in a way where people do not blend into the background or the decor. 

M: What are some key style rules every bride should follow while choosing a blouse neckline?

RK: I don’t believe in following set rules while choosing silhouettes. But if I were to narrow it down, I think selecting outfits is unique to the occasion and the person’s body type. But I always look for Indian outfits that have a visual break in them. So, in my opinion, the length of the sleeves versus the neckline has to contrast and complement each other, 

M: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

RK: When I see everything come together. When the jewellery, the hair, and the outfit is all done up and you can see the final product of all your labour. 

M: Why do you think people should hire wedding stylists?

RK: A bridal stylist is not for everybody; there are very few people who can work with a stylist with ease. But those that do require one are two kinds of people; One who don;t have the time to plan their outfits out, the second are people who are not interested in fashion and the third kind of clients are HNI clients, those who are interested in fashion, but want an expert opinion while picking out their attire. 

M: What advice do you have for women who are learning to be more confident in their skin for their wedding day?

RK: One piece of advice I would give to a bride is that there is no rule book on looking like a bride. There are a lot of societal expectations placed on women regarding how they should look. Now that the wedding industry has changed so much, the most impactful thing to do is to dress like yourself and for your style to be a reflection of your personality. 

I once had a client who loved ombre clothing, and we went looking for an ombre lehenga for her. Finally, we found someone who crafted an ombre lehenga for us, and the bride’s face lit up! So, I think it’s important to incorporate your taste into the wedding attire. 

M: Who are your favourite bridal designers and why?

RK:  My favourite bridal designer is Anamika Khanna. I love the intricacy of her work and how innovative her designs are. I also love Torani, I love how they present their clothes and the stories they tell concerning them. Aside from these two, Mayyur Girotra's work is so unique!

M: Are there any specific wedding styling trends you can predict taking over this year?

RK: I think fish-tail and straight-cut lehenga skirts, concept veils and adding personalized elements to your look which represent who you are are going to be big this year. 

M: Do you have a fun memory from a recent wedding you’d like to share with us?

RK: I love projects where clients trust me fully because it’s a creative playground. But most recently, I worked on my sister’s wedding. I am a traditional dresser, whereas my sister is a glamorous dresser and I enjoyed working on a project where the bride’s sensibilities differed from mine. 

M: How important do you think it is to find one’s undertone to choose your bridal attire?

RK: Not very. I think it’s more about people being able to carry off their outfit, rather than the undertone. There are always exceptions of course. But I think it’s important to choose the jewellery and embroidery based on your personality and tastes. 

M: How do you think the bridal styling industry or work has evolved in the past 5-6 years?

RK: It barely existed a few years ago; there were more celebrity stylists than bridal stylists back then. But now, it is no longer a service for luxury-oriented clients. 

Manifest Cheat Sheet

M: Who do you think should come to you to get styled for their wedding?

RK: My ideal client is a bride who trusts me entirely! 

M: How would you define your style of work?

RK: Clear, decisive and tailored to people’s authentic tastes.

M: Can you give us an insight into the pricing details of your services?

RK: Depends on the requirements of the client. 

M: How far in advance should a bride reach out to you?

RK: Five months in advance.