The Saree is an Indian garment that has been around for centuries. Interestingly, it is draped in different styles in different parts of the country. The saree style for weddings usually depends on which community or state the bride belongs to. If you are a South Indian, a kanjeevaram silk saree is a must wear with its rich colour. You may be wondering how to drape your heavy saree in a way that’s stylish yet seats well on your body for your special day. Look no further and read on to know how you can drape your south Indian saree in the best style.
Madisari
The Madisari is a 9-yard saree draping style that is prevalent among the Iyengar and Iyer community in Tamil Nadu. It involves draping a saree like a panjakatcham(a dhoti that is tied by draping it around the legs and also in between them) for the lower half while it is pleated like a normal saree for the upper half of the body.
Belt style
Drape your saree as you would normally and add a belt around your waist to clinch the pallu to the waist. Most wedding jewellery includes a kamarbandh that would work like a dream on that dreamy silk saree.
Dhoti/Nauveri Saree
An absolutely fun way to drape your saree, this look will make heads turn for all the right reasons. Wear a legging underneath instead of a petticoat and drape the upper half as you would normally while the bottom should resemble that of a man’s dhoti. This style is popular among Maharashtrian women and is considered exceptionally comfortable.
Lehenga
No, we are not asking you to ditch your saree completely and reinvest in a lehenga. Instead, drape your beautiful saree in a lehenga style for the wedding. If you are wondering how it can be done, simply create little pleats all around with the 6-9 yards, leaving some of the saree’s length to form the pallu. Bring one end of the pallu to the front and tuck it at the waist. You can also let the pallu rest in the front like the Gujarati drape.
Seedha Pallu
Since South Indian saree’s have heavy borders, you may be forced to believe that there really isn’t any other way than just the Nivi (regular) style. Skip the monotony with back pallus, and take the pallu from behind your right shoulder onto the front of your body. Notch your style up higher by keeping it open or make broad pleats to demonstrate the saree work.
As seen above, saree draping styles for wedding differs from wedding to wedding depending on the state or community the bride comes from. Interestingly, some brides are willing to experiment a little and try draping their wedding saree in different styles to add some oomph factor to their wedding day look. Whichever style you choose, do justice to your gorgeous wedding saree and make your day truly unforgettable.