The Best Saree Draping Styles for Bridal Wear

The Best Saree Draping Styles for Bridal Wear

1. Nivi Style

  • Origin: South India, most common across India.
  • Look: The pallu is draped over the left shoulder and falls freely at the back. The pleats are neatly tucked in at the waist, and the saree flows naturally, making it perfect for a classic bridal look.
  • Why it’s great for brides: This style is versatile and looks fantastic with embellished or traditional sarees.

2. Bengali Style

  • Origin: Bengal
  • Look: The pallu is draped across the front of the body, and then it is pulled over the right shoulder, letting it fall at the back. The pleats are usually tucked slightly off-center, creating a very graceful and distinctive appearance.
  • Why it’s great for brides: Perfect for brides who want a regal, traditional vibe, especially when paired with a red saree and gold jewelry.

3. Maharashtrian Nauvari (9-yard saree) Style

  • Origin: Maharashtra
  • Look: Unlike regular sarees, a 9-yard saree is draped in a way that it forms a long skirt, with pleats created at the front and the pallu wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder.
  • Why it’s great for brides: This style gives a powerful, yet elegant look, perfect for a traditional Maharashtrian wedding, often paired with a "nath" (nose ring) and a "mocha" (waist chain).

4. Gujarati Style

  • Origin: Gujarat
  • Look: The pallu is draped over the right shoulder and tucked in at the back. The pleats are made in the front, and the pallu is brought over the left shoulder and allowed to hang down with a slight flair.
  • Why it’s great for brides: This style creates a more festive and vibrant look, especially when paired with traditional patterns and mirror work.

5. Lehenga Saree Style

  • Origin: Modern fusion style
  • Look: This is a combination of a lehenga and saree. The pleats are tucked into a lehenga-style skirt, with the pallu draped elegantly over the shoulder.
  • Why it’s great for brides: It's a comfortable, contemporary fusion, offering the traditional elegance of a saree with the comfort of a lehenga.

6. Pant Style Saree

  • Origin: Modern, trendy
  • Look: The saree is draped like a traditional saree but with the addition of trousers or palazzo pants underneath. The pallu can be styled in a number of ways, typically wrapped around the shoulder and flowing to the back.
  • Why it’s great for brides: A stylish, modern twist that allows ease of movement while still looking traditional and chic.

7. Kasavu Style (Kerala Style)

  • Origin: Kerala
  • Look: The kasavu saree is draped in the classic Nivi style but with its signature gold-bordered edges. The pallu is draped over the left shoulder, and the saree is worn with minimal jewelry but with a focus on elegance.
  • Why it’s great for brides: This style is perfect for a more understated yet regal bridal look, especially for a destination wedding or a simple, traditional ceremony.

8. Rajasthani Style

  • Origin: Rajasthan
  • Look: In this style, the saree is draped in a way that resembles a lehenga. The saree is pleated and tucked at the waist, and the pallu is draped across the front of the body before being thrown over the shoulder. The pallu usually falls to the back with a slight flair.
  • Why it’s great for brides: This style is best suited for intricate bridal sarees, particularly those with heavy embroidery and mirror work.

9. Half Saree Style

  • Origin: South India
  • Look: A half saree includes a dupatta-style pallu draped over the shoulder, while the skirt (lehenga-style) is worn below the waist. It gives the illusion of a saree without the usual pleats.
  • Why it’s great for brides: It’s perfect for brides looking for a traditional yet lighter alternative to the full saree, often seen in Tamil or Telugu weddings.

10. Coorgi Style

  • Origin: Coorg (Kodagu) region in Karnataka
  • Look: The saree is draped in a similar style to the Nivi, but with a more comfortable twist, allowing for ease of movement. It includes pleats at the waist with the pallu neatly draped and secured at the shoulder.
  • Why it’s great for brides: It is simple, practical, and beautiful, often worn with less jewelry and a focus on natural beauty.
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