Weddings are the ideal opportunity to wear a beautiful saree and celebrate! But when you are not the bride, picking the "right" saree for your occasion can be slightly tricky. You want to look glamorous, but not too glamorous. You want comfort, but you also want to be noticed and make a statement. How do you find your sweet spot?
This guide will help you pick the best saree as a guest with advice on fabrics, colors, styles, and all that! to help you look your best without upstaging the bride.
Know Your Role in the Wedding
Your position in the wedding will play a factor in the way you should dress. Since you'll be part of the wedding party and likely a close family member, you may want a richer and more elegant saree. If you are just a cousin or colleague, it's probably best to keep it classy but simple.
- Close Family Members: Silk sarees, heavy embroidery work, handloom work.
- Friends/Cousins: Stylish prints, shimmer georgette, floral organzas.
- Colleagues or Acquaintances: Minimal pastel hues and light zari work.
Understand the Wedding Type & Timing
Weddings are not all the same — neither should your saree! Wedding attire should coordinate with the planned setting and time of day, whether it's a traditional temple wedding, or modern beachside wedding.
- Day Weddings: Light colors of sarees like pastels or floral prints.
- Night Receptions: Rich tones of sarees like maroon, navy, and emerald with sequins or zari.
- Destination Weddings: Lightweight, easy to carry fabrics like chiffon or crepe.
Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric of your saree really impacts your comfort as well as your overall aesthetic. Lighter fabrics, for example, will drape nicely and are ideal for long ceremonies, whereas heavy fabrics will look regal, but can be harder to carry all day.
- Chiffon/Georgette: Light, flowy, and elegant.
- Organza: Sheer, modern, and a great option for outdoor functions.
- Silk/Banarasi: Luxurious, made for evening wear or family functions.
- Semi-Tussar: Best of comfort and richness.
Pick the Right Color for the Occasion
Color plays an essential role in establishing the tone of your outfit. While wearing red or white may seem like a classic option for many prior to contemporary brides across many Indian cultures, these are usually reserved for the brides. Instead, wear a tone which works well with both the occasion and setting.
- Avoid red/white (unless permissible as part of the culture).
- Daytime: consider pastels such as peach, blush pink or mint
- Evening: consider bold tones such as wine, royal blue or olive green.
- Be adventurous with trendy combinations such as pastel with gold or black with metallics!
Embroidery & Prints: Less or More?
Depending on your role and the type of function, you can opt for detailed embroidery or subtle prints. Too much heavy work as a guest can come off a bridal look – it's all about balance.
- Morning Events: Light Threadwork, digital prints, handblock
- Night Functions: Mirror work, sequins, zari borders
- Destination Events: Floral or abstract prints (little or no embellishment)
Draping Style Can Make All the Difference
The way you style your saree can take even the most basic look to the next level. While the classic Nivi drape is never a bad choice, it's often worth trying other regional or modern drapes for a little added flair.
- Sea Pallu (Gujarati) or similar for a festive look.
- Belted drape for a modern spin.
- Butterfly drape for a sleek, yet modern feel.
- Bengali or Bengali half drape for a twirlsome monk.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
A saree look is never complete without accessories. But as a guest, you don't want to overdo it, either. The purpose of accessories is to enhance an outfit, not override it.
- Jewelry: Remember to choose either statement earrings or a choker, not both.
- Bag: A clutch or potli bag in a matching color is perfect.
- Footwear: Heels are a great way to elevate your look, but just remember to prioritize comfort if you are attending a function all day.
- Hair & Makeup: Keep it simple and stylish, think dewy skin, a strong lip or kohl eyes, and a bun or waves.
What to Avoid as a Wedding Guest
It's understandable to be carried away, especially when there are many options that look glamorous! But, as a guest, it's important to remember the occasion and not eclipse the bride.
- Overly sheer or revealing sarees.
- Bridal colors such as red or white unless permitted by culture.
- Too many accessories, or too many trends combined.
- Fabrics that will wrinkle easily and won't hold the drapes.
Conclusion
The right saree for a wedding guest isn't the one that you wore at the fanciest wedding ~ it's about being appropriately stylish, comfortable and confident. Consider the setting you will be in, your role at the wedding and how you want to feel. When in doubt - choose elegant and let the saree do the talking.
Looking for the right saree to wear to a wedding?
Explore Geetha Creation's unique wedding collection to find a saree that celebrates your own unique style.
