It's the ultimate excuse for a screenplay to construct a lavish set and break into a grand song. And, most importantly, it allows the heroine to slip into bridal finery in shades of red, pink or gold with rich ornaments to go. Opulence, clearly, is the key to matrimony in our movies. And a fashionably dressy bride represents just that.

Aishwarya Rai
Carrying off an extravagantly embroidered lehenga with gota embellishments, in addition to elaborate jewellery, is no picnic. For Ash, however, whether it's a larger-than-life royal bride or a high-profiled real one, she knows the art of decking up to perfection.

Rani Mukerji
It's not everyday you spot a bride in the park, but Rani Mukerji makes the experience a delightful one in that gorgeous red, zardozi-rich bridal avatar coupled with wrist-high mehendi and jingling kaleeres.

Kajol
When on the subject of brides, can Bollywood's most prized dulhanyia be left out? A radiant orange silk sari with zari work is all Kajol needs to win over U, Me Aur Hum. And the Dilwala in the picture, of course.

Bipasha Basu
The grapevine insists Bips is all set to tie the knot with longtime beau John Abraham sometime this year. For now, the dusky stunner is more than happy playing a make-believe bride in this fuchsia number with tons of bling.

Mallika Sherawat
Another hottie in pink -- Mallika Sherawat. Truth be told, we simply adored her playing the runaway dulhan with spunk and sexiness in Pyaar Ke Side Effects. Also, it's a Welcome change to see the star in a dazzling bridal ensemble with heavy kundan and crystal work instead of those ho-hum strappy dresses.

Kareena Kapoor
With flourishing career and besotted boyfriend Saif Ali Khan keeping her busy, the Jab We Met star has no intentions of settling down just yet. On-screen, however, is a different ball game. Kareena looks every bit a showstopper bride in this super-ornate orange and rust lehenga.

Madhuri Dixit
No actress could have enjoyed a wedding better than Madhuri. She got to act in one. The Hum Aapke Hain Koun superstar's popularity reached an all-time high with Sooraj Barjatya's celebration of marital union on celluloid. While she's the bride's playful sister for most part of the film, she eventually gets her own trousseau in copper 'n' gold, towards the end.

Karisma Kapoor
Ditto for big sister Karisma. The actress makes a peachy bride -- on and off screen. Her extensively-covered shaadi saw her sashaying in a baby pink Manish Malhotra creation. But for the movies, Lolo goes all out adorning a glittering brocade ghagra-choli and sparkling jewels.

Preity Zinta
The fiercely independent Preity Zinta likes to stand out in whatever she does. The Aquarian opts for a magenta-orange salwar kameez with delicate gold-thread embroidery all over. Pretty, indeed.

Amrita Rao
Working under the Sooraj Barjatya school of thought must have tremendously helped Amrita Rao to polish her blushing bride skills. The Vivah girl models some of her filmi trousseau with this elegant, pearl-hued sequined sari.

Esha Deol
Esha Deol takes a break from tank tops and skinny jeans to drape herself in a deep rose-coloured seven yards, accessorised by kundan pieces, completing her dainty dulhan act.
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