Sari, the traditional garment worn by Indian women, has been a preferred choice for the brides in India, since ages. In fact, initially, sari was the only option considered by Indian brides, in many of the regions in the country. Though the trend has changed with the passing time, many of the brides prefer to wear a sari on their wedding day, even today. The elegance and charm that a saree can bestow on a woman can hardly be provided by any other garment and this is one of the reasons why Indian brides still want to go for the attire.
What Is A Sari
Sari can be described as a rectangular piece of cloth, having more length than the width. While the width of a sari remains almost the same, its length might range from four to nine meters. The sari is draped over the waist, on top of a petticoat, with one of its end draped over the shoulder. The outfit comprises of a choli (blouse) as well, which comes a few inches below the bust line and has short sleeves and a low neck as well as back. The midriff is bared to some an extent, since there is a gap between the choli and the petticoat.
The Styles
In terms of styles, we can categorize the wedding sari according to the regions where they are most popular - eastern India, western India, northern India and western India. In eastern India, the brides are usually found opting for one of these styles, in the saree, - Baluchari (Bengal), Kantha (Bengal), Ikat Silk & Cotton (Orissa), Cuttacki Pata Silk (Orissa), Sambalpuri Pata Silk (Orissa), Bomkai Silk (Orissa), Mayurbhanj Tussar Silk (Orissa), Sonepuri/Subarnapuri Silk (Orissa), Bapta & Khandua Silk and Berhampuri Silk (Orissa).
Coming down to western India, Pathani (Maharashtra), Bandhani (Gujarat and Rajasthan), Kota Dori (Rajasthan) and Lugade (Maharashtra) are the styles that brides mostly go for. In the central India, Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh), Maheshwari (Madhya Pradesh) and Kosa silk (Chattisgarh) are the styles that are preferred by the brides. As for the south, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, Kanjivaram, Mysore Silk, Ilkal saree and Valkalam saree comprise of the most common bridal sari options.
The Fabrics
In India, one of the most preferred choices for a bridal sari will comprise of silk. In fact, traditionally also, people have opted for silk for the bridal wear. However, the trend is changing with time. Now-a-days, we find brides going for fabrics like crepe, disheen, georgette, new, tissue and shamoi-satin as well. Generally speaking, the choice of fabric depends upon the latest trend, the personal preference of the bride as well as the budget. However, one thing is for sure, the sari is adorned with heavy embroidery, stone work or other embellishments.
The Colors
Red sari has been traditional choice for bridal wear in India, since times immemorial. The color is considered to be very auspicious and is deemed to be associated specifically with marriage. However, these days, many brides have started opting for other colors in their sari as well, such as golden, pink, orange, maroon, onion-color, magenta, brown and even yellow. Even dual toned saris, as in red and yellow, green and brown, yellow and orange, pink and blue, have started wooing the brides of the present generation.
