The ‘offbeat’ wedding is the latest trend, in which tradition is eschewed for alternative or even subversive celebrations. The new-age urban dulhan refuses to hide under yards of zari, her head weighed down by bejewelled maang tikkas. Our cover girl Athiya Shetty questions the anxious rush to get married before 30 and speaks of her desire for an ‘imperfect wedding’, echoing the now-common opinion among many career-oriented women. With this issue, we delve into the smaller and more intimate ceremonies that have been gaining in popularity, perhaps a consequence of the increase in the average age of marrying couples. Grab a copy of our September bridal issue and use it as a rulebook for how to be the coolest bride ever.