Best Saree Draping Styles for Festive Seasons & Weddings

Which fabric can be more versatile than a saree? We believe none. At Dwarkadas Shaamkumar we design and craft sarees that are not just meant to be worn, they are crafted to be styled with variety of drapes. Woven with care only to enhance the grace when someone is wearing it. There are a variety of saree draping style for weddings and various occasions. We are going to talk about some of them so you can decide which one would suit you better?   

What are the best saree draping styles for weddings? 

Weddings call for an attire that breathes tradition and festivity. There couldn’t be a better outfit than a saree for such occasions. The saree you choose can give even better presentation, not just through accessories; but a unique drape can elevate the whole look. Here are few widely loved wedding saree draping styles: 

1. Nivi Drape – Originating in Andhra Pradesh, this draping style is among the most loved choices. It creates a clean, structured silhouette and pairs beautifully with heavy sarees adorned with rich zari work and statement borders. 

2. Gujarati (Seedha Pallu) Drape – This style is mainly associated with the Indian state of Gujarat, but is loved and worn pan-India.  This draping style allows pallu over the right shoulder, and the pleats fall on the frontside.  This style makes it right for multiple occasions like Haldi and Mehndi. 

3. Maharashtrian Nauvari Drape - It’s a nine-yard fabric draped in dhoti style, here the pleated fabric is tucked between the legs. You can wear this style for wedding ceremonies and puja rituals. This type of drape is traditionally worn by Maharashtrian brides. 

4. Madisar drape - Madisar drape originates from Tamil Nadu and is mostly worn by brahmin women of the region. It's a drape with 9-yard fabric like nauvari saree with slight differences.  Its unique style makes it Ideal for bridal wear and festivals. 

5. Lehenga style drape - This drape is innovative and beautiful in style. It is carefully pleated and tucked in a pattern that resembles skirt like flare and the pallu like the dupatta. This style is often chosen by young girls at weddings and festive occasions. 

6. Butterfly style drape :  Butterfly style drape is a modern and chic version of Nivi drape. This style has very thin and neat pleats which highlights the waist and blouse design. This drape is preferred for parties, cocktail events and receptions. 

Which saree draping style is best for festivals? 

Festivals bring a lot of joy, cheer, and rituals. To meet the whole festive energy, your saree needs to align with the festive spirit. The traditional Nivi drape style is best for festivals as it gives a neat drape and perfect pleats. It highlights zari and border work flawlessly on the left shoulder. It is a secure draping style which allows easy movements. 

Although the Nivi drape turns out to be the most ideal option, there are several other draping styles you can try, some of them are as follows: 

1. Nauvari saree drape – worn by maharashtrian bride, this style is quiet prominent in weddings. 

2. Bengali drape – mostly worn by bengali women during durga puja and other traditional rituals. 

3. Gujrati seedha pallu drape – worn by gujarati women during weddings and festivities, this style is also draped in multiple other regions of the country. 

4. Coorgi drape – Traditionally worn by Kodava community women, this drape not only looks unique but would make you stand out as it is a rare drape but looks as graceful as it is elegant. 

5. Madisar drape – Madisar drape looks best with the sarees with heavy border work. 

6. Lehenga style drape – Worn mainly by girls, lehenga style drape has both grace and flare in it.

How to drape a saree for festive occasions? 

Draping a saree is an art in itself. Here are a few steps for the perfect and easy drape for festive occasions: 

1. Wear a good quality shape-wear or a petticoat as per your choice, and a matching or contrasting blouse. Make sure both are well fitted, especially the petticoat, as it carries your saree's weight.
2. Now take the plain side of the saree and start tucking it from the right side. Wrap it around your waist from right to left once.
3. Gather at least 6-7 pleats of the same width on the front side, align them together and tuck them inside the petticoat.
4. Now take the remaining fabric over your left shoulder and secure it with a safety pin. 

These steps are for the most loved Nivi drape, but if you want something more than Nivi. A Gujarati drape would be a fine choice. For this style, take the remaining fabric from behind over to your right shoulder, then spread the pleats evenly in front, and your Gujarati seedha pallu drape is done.

Traditional vs modern saree draping styles – which to choose?

The choice between traditional and modern draping totally depends on the saree fabric, occasion and the look you desire. 

Traditional Draping style includes:

• Nivi Drape- classic and basic draping style
• Gujrati seedha pallu- traditional draping style from Gujrat
• Nauvari saree drape- 9 yards saree, with dhoti drape
• Madisar drape- 9-yard saree, like nauvari but a south Indian version
• Bengali drape- Easy fit, with a knot at the end of the pallu which is brought over the other shoulder. 

 These are the traditional drapes which reflect heritage and culture in each drape. You can choose any of these drapes for occasions like pooja, festivals or weddings too. 

If you want to reflect your dressing styles and give it a contemporary touch, then you can surely go for the modern draping style. These are ideal for party events, receptions and casual events. Below are a few modern draping varieties:

• Open pallu drape
• Belted saree drapes with Kamar bandhs
• Pre-stitched sarees
• Butterfly drape

How to choose the right saree draping style for a wedding?

Choosing the right saree draping style is as important as choosing the right saree. The style you choose complements your whole look. The right draping style allows good presentation of the pallu, fall, design, zari, etc. For weddings, you may choose among these drapes accordingly.

• For Brides: For your big day, you need something that stands out and yet feels comfortable. Nivi drape is one of the most ideal choices for the bride. You can even choose among Nauvari drape and Madisar drape as they have a dhoti-style draping pattern, allowing easy movements.
• For bridesmaids: Bridesmaids are the glow of the weddings. Their style should reflect glam and elegance. Regardless of the saree fabric, seedha pallu Gujarati saree, butterfly drape, lehenga style drape, soft Nivi pleated drape and Belted saree drapes can be a perfect choice.
• Wedding guests: The guest should choose something effortless yet catchy. An open pallu or Nivi drape is a thoughtful and minimal choice.

FAQs

Are different draping styles suitable for different wedding events?

Absolutely yes, different wedding events call for different styles. One can choose traditional Gujarati seedha pallu, or nauvari, for weddings and rituals and hop on to a pre-stitched or belted drape at receptions.

How do I choose the right saree draping style for a wedding function?

The right draping style can be chosen by understanding the vibe of the event or occasion, your mood, the fabric of the saree and how easily can you carry a drape. You can choose any drape that you feel comfortable in.

Can saree draping styles change the overall look of the same saree?

Yes, saree draping styles can transform the overall look as it alters its silhouette, highlights the features of the fabric and focuses on prints, motifs, zari and borders displaying them in the most artistic way possible.

Which saree draping styles are best for festive celebrations?

All types of traditional drapes are ideal for festive celebrations as they truly complement the festive energy and traditional rituals. Although the most preferred drape is the classic Nivi draping style. It is timeless and elegant, making it perfect for festivals.

Which saree draping styles work best for heavy fabrics?

Heavy fabrics often bulk up at the pleats, although they look great on the border and zari. A good drape can help in handling such heavy fabrics. Drapes like Nivi, Seedha pallu, and lehenga style drapes work best for heavy fabrics.

Are regional saree draping styles suitable for weddings? 

Yes, in fact, regional draping styles are the new trend in weddings. Classic drapes are a good option, but Nauvari drape, Madisar drape, Bengali drape or Coorgi style drapes are even better for weddings.