Nauvari sarees, paithani heirlooms, pheta groom looks, and the iconic mundavalya - Stylist Srushtee brings Pune-born, NIFT-trained expertise to Maharashtrian wedding traditions, from virtual consultation to on-ground event support.
Maharashtra has one of India's most visually distinctive wedding traditions. The nine-yard nauvari saree draped in the kashtha style, the iconic nath (large nose ring), the pheta (groom's turban), and the mundavalya (floral or pearl forehead strings for both bride and groom) create an unmistakable visual identity that is instantly recognisable across the country. These are not ornamental choices - each element carries deep cultural meaning rooted in Marathi customs and regional pride.
Being Pune-based, Srushtee has deep personal knowledge of Maharashtrian wedding customs - the regional variations in nauvari draping, the difference between a Vidarbha wedding aesthetic and a Konkan one, and how to balance tradition with a modern bride's desire for elegance. Understanding which colors are auspicious for which function, how to pair Paithani with the right jewellery weight, and how to style the groom's pheta to complement the bride's look requires both cultural fluency and a stylist's precision.
What sets Maharashtrian bridal styling apart is the commitment to handwoven heritage textiles. The Paithani - woven in Paithan with silk and real zari, featuring the iconic peacock and lotus motifs on its pallu - is considered the most prestigious bridal saree in Maharashtra. Many families own heirloom Paithanis passed down for generations. A professional stylist helps navigate these choices: selecting, draping, and accessorising them in a way that honors the textile while making the bride look her most radiant.
From the 9-yard nauvari draped in kashtha style to the heirloom Paithani and layered gold jewelry - every element is chosen with intention and cultural knowledge.
The dhoti-kurta with pheta and mundavalya is one of the most regal groom looks in Indian wedding culture - composed, dignified, and deeply rooted in Marathi identity.
White or cream dhoti-kurta (pure cotton or silk) paired with a pheta in saffron (kesari), deep red, or white. An uparane (decorative cloth) is draped over one shoulder. The combination of white and saffron is a powerful traditional statement.
The pheta is tied in a regional style - a skill in itself. The groom also wears mundavalya strings across the forehead, mirroring the bride. Gold chain, traditional kolhapuri footwear, and a flower garland complete the ceremony look.
Contemporary bandhgala (Nehru jacket) in ivory, cream, or deep jewel tones - or an embroidered sherwani. Many modern Maharashtrian grooms opt for dhoti-kurta with pheta for the lagna, then bandhgala or achkan for the reception party.
Maharashtrian weddings span multiple functions over 2-3 days. Each function has its own dress code, color palette, and jewellery expectation.
Yellow is the natural and auspicious choice - turmeric paste is applied to both bride and groom. Simple yellow cotton or silk saree, minimal jewellery. No heavy or expensive pieces as turmeric stains. The look is joyful and casual, focused on comfort and movement.
A more casual pre-wedding gathering - comparable to a Mehendi function. Semi-formal saree or lehenga in peach, mint, or pastel tones. Moderate jewellery: jhumkas, delicate necklace, bangles. Hair and makeup are lighter and more contemporary in style.
The hero look. Full nauvari saree - ideally a Paithani - in green or red, draped in kashtha style. Complete traditional jewellery: thushi, nath, mundavalya, gold bangles. Groom in white dhoti-kurta with pheta and mundavalya. This is the most photographed and sacred moment of the entire wedding.
A second Paithani in a different color (purple, peacock blue, deep red) or a contemporary designer lehenga. Lighter diamond or polki jewellery. Modern hair and makeup - often a structured updo or a voluminous blowout. Groom: bandhgala or embroidered sherwani in complementary tones.
Srushtee is Pune-based and consults virtually for weddings across Maharashtra - and travels on-ground once booked. If you're searching for a traditional wedding stylist near me in Maharashtra, you've found her.
Start virtually from anywhere in Maharashtra. Srushtee handles everything from nauvari selection to on-the-day draping once you're booked.
30-minute virtual session - Srushtee understands your wedding date, family traditions, functions, regional customs, and personal style preferences.
Custom moodboard for each function - nauvari and Paithani curation, jewellery selection including nath and thushi, makeup direction, and full groom pheta coordination.
Srushtee travels to your venue on the wedding day for live nauvari draping, nath placement, mundavalya styling, and final look approval before the lagna.
NIFT-trained, Bollywood-experienced, 120+ weddings styled across India.
Start with a virtual consultation. Srushtee will help you choose the right nauvari or Paithani, coordinate your jewellery and mundavalya, and plan every function look - from Pune, or in person wherever you are.
Virtual consultation first. On-ground support once booked.
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