Junior Rasmussen
Sarees, also spelled saris, are beautiful garments with a rich history and cultural significance in India and other parts of South Asia. The draping style often varies across different regions, with certain styles being specific to certain areas. For instance, the Bengali drape is a traditional favourite in Bengal and is often worn by married women from the region during weddings or main festivals. If you're planning to wear a saree to a wedding, there are a few draping styles you can choose from, along with expert tips to guide you through the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Wedding |
| Region | South Asia, India, Bengal |
| Garment | Saree, choli (fitted blouse) |
| Draping styles | Bengali drape, Southern Indian drape |
| Steps | Pleat the fabric, pin the pleats, place the pallu over the left shoulder, adjust the length, pin the pallu to the choli |
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What You'll Learn
The Bengali drape
Start by creating pleats in the fabric. Pinch the fabric around the same width and create a pleat. You don't need to be too precise, but continue making pleats until you reach the other end of your saree. Remember to pin both ends of every three pleats to secure them in place. For the Bengali drape, you'll want to extend these pleats by moving down a forearm's width away from the innermost safety pin. Make about six pleats in total and pin them together.
Now, it's time to drape the pallu. Place the pallu over your left shoulder, letting it graze the floor. Remove the safety pin at the bottom of the pallu and take the innermost corner, bringing it over to your right shoulder. Check the fall of the drape and adjust the pallu length to your liking. Once you're happy with the length, pin the pallu in place. This is where you will eventually secure it to your choli (the fitted blouse).
With these steps, you will achieve the elegant and traditional Bengali drape. This style is sure to make a statement at any wedding or special occasion. Remember to choose a saree with a long pallu to truly capture the essence of this draping style.
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Pinning the fabric
Firstly, pinch the fabric around the same width and create a pleat. You don't need to be too precise with the width, but try to keep it relatively consistent. Repeat this process, creating pleats until you reach the other end of the saree. Remember to pin both ends of the pleats every time you complete three pleats. This will provide extra security and prevent the fabric from shifting or coming loose.
If you are going for the elegant Bengali drape, which is a traditional favourite often seen at weddings, you will need to extend the pleats. Move down a forearm's width away from the innermost safety pin and create about six pleats. Pin these pleats together at the end to keep them in place.
Now, drape the pallu (the end of the saree) over your left shoulder, letting it graze the floor. Remove the safety pin at the bottom of the pallu and take the innermost corner, placing it on your right shoulder. Adjust the pallu length to your liking – you can make it longer or shorter depending on your preference. Once you're happy with the length, secure the pallu in place by pinning it to your choli (the fitted blouse).
Finally, add an extra safety pin at the back of your left shoulder or the bottom of your choli to secure the pallu and choli together. This important step will ensure that your pallu stays in place and doesn't slip or fall throughout the wedding celebrations.
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The cowl neckline
To begin, create pleats in the fabric by pinching the fabric and folding it back and forth onto itself. Secure these pleats with safety pins. The number of pleats you create will depend on the style you are going for and the type of fabric you are working with. For example, the Nivi style saree wearing calls for rather broad pleats. Once you are happy with your pleats, you can start to drape the pallu.
To achieve the cowl neckline, take the pallu and place it over your left shoulder, allowing it to graze the floor. You can secure it in place with a safety pin at the back of your left shoulder or the bottom of your choli (the fitted blouse). Then, take the innermost corner of the pallu and put it on your right shoulder. You can adjust the length of the pallu to your liking and then secure it with another pin. This will create a cowl neckline that falls gracefully at the back, similar to the neckline of a dress.
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The pallu placement
The pallu is the decorative end of the saree fabric that is draped over the shoulder. It is a crucial part of the saree look and can be styled in various ways to achieve different aesthetics.
For a traditional and secure pallu placement, start by taking the fabric off your left shoulder and opening it up. Bring it around your body and wrap it over your chest like a dress, then gently place the rest of the fabric back on your left shoulder. Secure the pallu to your choli (the fitted blouse) with a safety pin at the back of your left shoulder or at the bottom of the choli to prevent the pallu from falling.
The Bengali drape is a popular style, especially for weddings, and is characterised by its long pallu. To achieve this look, extend the pleats you've made by moving down a forearm's width away from the innermost safety pin. Make about six pleats and pin them together. Then, place the pallu over your left shoulder, letting it graze the floor. Remove the safety pin at the bottom of the pallu and place the innermost corner on your right shoulder. Adjust the pallu length to your liking, then pin it to your choli. This style creates a cowl neckline effect at the back.
You can also experiment with different pallu placements by draping it over your right shoulder or bringing it across your body to rest on your left hip. These variations can add unique touches to your overall saree look.
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Choosing a saree for the occasion
Choosing a saree for a wedding involves considering various factors, from the type of wedding and cultural traditions to your body shape and personal style. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the perfect saree for the occasion:
Fabric and Texture
The fabric of your saree is an important consideration. Silk is a classic and luxurious choice, offering a rich texture and traditional appeal. Kanjivaram silk, Banarasi silk, and Patola silk are popular varieties for bridal sarees. If you're looking for something lightweight and flowy, go for fabrics like chiffon or georgette, which are ideal for contemporary brides and summer weddings. For a winter wedding, velvet sarees provide a rich and heavy option. Mangalgiri silk sarees, known for their fine texture and unique handwoven patterns, offer a sophisticated and comfortable option for wedding guests.
Colour
Colour is a crucial aspect of your saree choice. While red is a traditional favourite, modern brides are experimenting with pastels, jewel tones, and even whites. Choose a colour that complements your skin tone and enhances your natural beauty. For fair skin, deep reds, maroons, emerald greens, or pastel shades like blush pink can be flattering. Wheatish skin tones can opt for vibrant hues like royal blue, magenta, or gold. If you have dusky skin, bright yellows, copper, or darker shades like burgundy and navy are beautiful options.
Body Shape
Consider your body shape when selecting a saree to highlight your best features. If you have a pear-shaped figure, choose lighter fabrics like silk or chiffon with minimal embroidery to balance your proportions. For an hourglass figure, accentuate your curves with sarees that hug the waist, such as those with tightened waistlines or embroidered belts. Slim brides can add volume with heavier fabrics and bold prints, while apple-shaped brides should opt for darker colours and minimalistic designs.
Wedding Style and Traditions
The style of the wedding also plays a part in your saree choice. For a traditional wedding, opt for exquisite embroidery and rich fabrics. Consider regional styles and cultural traditions when making your selection. For modern or destination weddings, a lighter saree with minimalistic motifs and fabrics like chiffon or georgette creates a more contemporary look. The time of day and location are important too—lighter fabrics are more suitable for daytime weddings, while evening weddings call for more luxurious and sophisticated textiles.
Personal Style and Comfort
While tradition is important, don't forget to infuse your personal style into your saree choice. Select a design that connects with your personality and makes you feel confident. The right saree should not only add a touch of glamour but also provide comfort. Remember to choose a blouse design that complements both your saree and your body shape.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect saree for the wedding occasion, celebrating both your style and cultural heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a step-by-step guide to draping a saree for a wedding:
- Pinch the fabric around the same width to create pleats.
- Make about six pleats and pin them together.
- Put the pallu over your left shoulder, it should be grazing the floor.
- Take the innermost corner of the pallu and put it on your right shoulder.
- Adjust the pallu length to your liking and secure it to your choli (a fitted blouse that's commonly cut at the midriff area) with a safety pin.
There are many saree draping styles that are specific to different regions of India and other parts of South Asia. For example, the Bengali drape, usually seen at weddings attended by South Indians, features a long pallu and an overturn drape.
Here are some expert tips for the draping process:
- Every time you complete three pleats, pin both ends of the pleats to ensure security.
- Add a safety pin at the back of your left shoulder or the bottom of your choli to secure your pallu and choli together so that your pallu doesn't fall.
