10 Wedding Sari Trends to Know

bride and groom — Photo by Photography by Julieta

The sari is one of India’s oldest surviving garments, with its roots dating back to 2800 to 1800 B.C. This classic Indian nine-yard attire has passed the test of time, undergoing a makeover for every generation, but never losing its relevance in the process. And as more new-age Indian brides feel the affinity to go back to their roots, this time-honored drape is becoming more favorable in the wedding space. Additionally, the versatility of the sari makes it another great choice, as it can be worn on the wedding day, in addition to the pre-wedding festivities or trousseau.

“In the past, a certain degree of homogeneity had set into the Indian bridal scene. The mood is definitely one of change now,” says designer K. H. Radharaman, creative director of ADVAYA. “The sari has made a stunning comeback in the minds of the next generation of brides. They are looking to own a piece of history and a true heirloom that can be passed on to the next generation.”

Aisha Rawji, the founder of KYNAH, also adds, "Something that I think is interesting is that some religions or communities traditionally always wear saris for ceremonies. So, to me, it isn't always a toss-up or necessarily a trend, but it can be a way [for brides] to honor their own traditions. This generation is finding ways to experiment and push the boundaries with [saris]. For example, my community, Ismaili Muslims, typically wears white saris—my mom and grandmothers all did. So, I opted for a lehenga sari with a jacket and veil to honor the tradition, but in my own way."

Meet the Expert

K. H. Radharaman is the creative director of ADVAYA and founder and CEO of The House of Angadi. Both brands are steeped in innovating Indian heritage weaves.
Aisha Rawji is the founder of KYNAH, a Los Angeles-based online Indian fashion house that offers accessible designer clothing and accessories from the East to the West.

For brides also looking to honor tradition, while still embracing their own personal style, we asked Radharaman and Rawji to break down the most current and popular wedding sari styles and trends to know. Read on to learn more.

01 of 10

Heritage Weaves

red wedding sari — Courtesy of Raw Mango

From Benarasi and Bandhini to Kalamkari, every Indian state is famed for its native weave, and leaning into these textiles is a must for brides who want to pay homage to their lineage with their bridal repertoire. Benarasi weaves are a particular favorite for the ceremony—due to their rich workmanship and gilded highlights—and can be worn with a classic blouse and uncut diamond jewelry for a fitting look. Additionally, you can opt for a handloom sari with a contemporary spin. “Our new collection, ‘The Eternal Series’, is woven in a series of contemporized bridal motifs that are cross-cultural in their inspiration and appeal,” adds Radharaman.

02 of 10

Heirloom Outfits

Are you in possession of an heirloom sari that was passed down to you? If yes, then there's no time like your wedding to bring it out! Wear that gota work (an appliqué technique) sari or Patan Potala (a double Ikat weave) for the prayer meet or welcome lunch. You can also upcycle the embroidered borders and motifs from a vintage sari, and transfer the work onto a new fabric for a refreshed look.

03 of 10

Organza Fabrics

Once often cumbersome, Indian bridalwear has now shed its weight to assume a lighter, more comfortable fit. Designers are now actively innovating with fabrics, in order to offer brides lightweight variants that allow them to move around with ease during their celebrations. However, Rawji does note that these styles are not the easiest to tie, but they do create a classic statement and are worth considering.

04 of 10

Capes and Jackets

Want to add a modern twist to the sari? From capes to structured jackets, there are many ways to personalize your attire. Rawji shares that capes and jackets add a nice touch to a traditional sari wedding look, while also proving the bride with the two-in-one aesthetic (a win-win situation). We recommend throwing on a blazer or cropped jacket over your pallu with a belt to round it off.

05 of 10

Ruffled Drama

Inject flirty playfulness to your bridal wardrobe with a dance-friendly ruffled sari. This revival of the retro favorite is a winning choice for events like the Mehndi or Sangeet. Rawji also shares, "Arpita Mehta and Ridhi Mehra remain the top designers in the ruffle sari category. The ruffle adds a bit of play and drama without needing too much embroidery."

06 of 10

Pretty Pastels

Think beyond the customary red. Though considered auspicious, brides are no longer barred from venturing beyond the crimson hue for their bridal garb. While pinks are popular, what’s quickly becoming a go-to are soft pastels in tones previously considered unconventional like mint, sage green, peach, powder blue, and buttercup yellow. Nothing is off-limits!

07 of 10

Ivory Shades

Ivory, shades of white, and ecru were once a no-go for many Indian brides. However, that is far from the case now, with many opting for this ethereal hue—especially for daytime nuptials. You’ll find multiple options featured in collections by every leading bridal designer, from Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani to Anushree Reddy and Seema Gujral.

08 of 10

Hybrid Silhouettes

Hybrid saris combine the traditional drape with forward-thinking updates. And according to Rawji, this includes lehenga saris, pant saris, and gown saris. Lengha styles are "a big go-to for many of our brides, especially those who don't want the full [process] of tying a sari," she shares. Rawji also adds that many brides choose to wear pants for the Haldi ceremony and Mehndi party, while gown saris offer brides the best of both worlds—Western and Indian designs.

09 of 10

Cocktail Saris

You don’t need to relegate the sari to the more traditional functions alone. Skip the gown in favor of a red-carpet-worthy piece for your cocktail night or wedding reception. For instance, choose a sari in deep jewel or blush shades with a generous drizzle of tonal sequins or crystal embellishments. Diamond jewelry set in white gold is an apt accompaniment to this look.

10 of 10

Sequin Saris

The easiest way to dress up your look is by wearing a sari covered in sequin. "We've also seen a lot of brides opt for sequin saris for their ceremonies. Since [2020], brides have been creating their own rules (especially for the ceremony) and finding their own ways to create looks," shares Rawji.

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