A Royal Re-emergence
The Indian wedding scene is witnessing a dramatic departure from years of minimalist groom attire. Celebrities like Vijay Deverakonda have championed a maximalist
approach, adorned in heavy, antique-finish temple gold, challenging the prevailing understated trends seen on platforms like Pinterest. This bold style, featuring layered gold necklaces (harams), intricate elephant-motif armbands (vanki), and elaborately carved wrist cuffs (kadas), signifies a powerful statement. These ornate pieces, worn over traditional attire like a white pancha and crimson shawl, are not mere fashion choices but a reclamation of heritage and masculinity. They signal a clear intention: grooms are no longer content playing a supporting role but are stepping into the spotlight with unapologetic grandeur, often custom-designed by heritage jewelers.
Historical Echoes in Adornment
This embrace of elaborate adornment isn't a new phenomenon; rather, it echoes the historical practices of men in Southern royal courts and affluent households, who often wore as much, if not more, embellishment than women. By choosing these vintage-inspired, heavyweight temple pieces, modern grooms are reconnecting with this rich sartorial legacy. This trend is not about fleeting social media moments but about reclaiming a historical space in wedding fashion. Fashion curators and menswear stylists are observing a marked decline in requests for subtle emerald drops or simple kundan strings. Instead, there's a surge in demand for custom, substantial temple jewelry that carries significant historical weight and a powerful sense of masculinity, empowering grooms to express their individuality without diminishing their partner's presence.
Decoding the Investment
Recreating this deeply traditional and opulent aesthetic for the upcoming wedding season requires a realistic understanding of the financial investment. For those opting for genuine, generational heirloom pieces, the budget needs to be substantial. A detailed temple jewelry haram with a matte gold finish can range anywhere from ₹4,50,000 to ₹9,00,000, with the price varying based on the gold's weight and intricate craftsmanship. Statement accessories, such as the heavy-duty vanki or carved kadas, typically fall between ₹1,50,000 and ₹3,50,000. For grooms who desire the same regal look without the monumental expense, a highly accessible alternative exists. Premium silver-based jewelry with antique gold plating offers a beautiful replication of these heritage designs, with high-quality, handcrafted pieces available in the range of ₹25,000 to ₹75,000, making this grand aesthetic achievable for a wider audience.
