It is very exciting, the volume of possibilities you have open to you as a tropical bride.
In a warm climate your options are very wide, due to the temperature and the surroundings; wearing a “Bridal
Sari “ is one of many considerations which you can explore, making it an excellent choice for beach brides, tropical garden etc. The “Destination Bride” is in her element with this preference because Saris are very affordable, easy to pack for travelling and can be made from cotton as well as silks which make it a light, cool choice to wear.
However let us not forget a very important reason for choosing a Sari … They are beautiful to look at, blending graceful elegance with fantasy - like sensuality, which makes every woman’s dream of loveliness come true.
ANATOMY OF A SARI
A Sari is basically a long piece of unstitched cloth of approximately six yards, with one end more ornate than the other. Its beauty and functionality lies in the draping of which there are at least seventy plus different ways which are known for wearing it. While some are more popular than others, you can choose according to the look you require; a sari is very versatile creating images from extremely demure to mysterious to wow.
Whatever look you are trying to create, you will need two accessories; an underskirt and a cropped top which would reach below the bustline or just above the waist according to your taste, both of which should be in coordinating colours to the Sari.
CHOOSING A SARI
As with any other clothing, your personality and general body type have to be taken into
consideration when choosing a Sari.
Height
Tall Brides
Can consider fabrics with borders, the taller you are the larger the border you can use, but be careful of large print for wedding use, as it can look very loud, taking away the feel of elegance from your presentation. However, Large embroidery blocks are still in keeping provided the adornment is in the same, neutral or similar colour to the garment.
Short Brides
Should preferably avoid borders as they can make your appearance look shorter; opt instead for solid colours with delicate random embroidery.
Size
Plus Size Brides
Avoid thick texturised fabrics, use fine fabrics of chiffon, crepe or georgette which tend to be slimming as they drape easily, creating a contoured effect. Avoid very large prints which will make you appear fuller than you really are and are unsuitable for wedding use.
Thin Brides
Can consider thick, grained fabrics like organza and voile, which will give a fuller look to their figure. Also enjoy using full embroidery in low toned, complimentary colours which will not look too noisy.
Skin Tone
Dusky Brides
May contemplate using bridal white, gold, ivory, vibrant shades or rich jewel tones to compliment their complexion.
Cool Skinned Brides
Can opt to add tropical warmth with peaches, lovely pinks and pastels as well as white among their bridal choice considerations
THE SARI TOP
Choosing a top for your bridal Sari would call upon the same basic principles as selecting for any other garment required for a special occasion; you want to bring forward and compliment your best assets effectively so that you look good. Necklines are a frame to your portrait, creating an illusion which can change or enhance the appearance of your natural lines so that you appear with a look which is flattering. As a result of correct choice, contours can seem to be wider or narrower, add height or balance, facial features are enhanced or minimised and the overall garment will have a finished look.
Choose according to your desired presentation with your personal attributes in mind for example.
Lengthen a short neck with a deep plunging V style which will elongate your overall appearance.
Steer clear of tight sleeves if your arms are plump; opt instead for looser fits with gentle décor detail to take the emphasis away.
Small bust with full hips? balance them with horizontal shoulder lines like bateau, off shoulder, wide square etc.
Avoid scoop necklines, V necks or Bateau styles if you have a full bust as they will make them appear larger.
Decide how modest you would like to be, the more covered you are the more demure the finished presentation. Brides who are carrying a little weight might not feel comfortable with a very high cut top finishing just under the bust. If this is the case you can consider a style that falls gently to the waist or even a little below.
Consider your underwear, choose carefully so as not to have revealing bra straps, back fastenings etc.
DRAPING A SARI
A Sari relies on a series of wraps and folds which work together to create the final image. It may take a little practice before the wedding, as a badly wrapped Sari can look very clumsy. The most popular way to drape a Sari is the Nivi which is draped over the left shoulder after carefully wrapping and pleating (up to ten, five inch deep pleats, falling straight on one side which is usually the left) , tucking smoothly into the waistband of the underskirt as you go along.
TROUBLESHOOTING
A Sari can be a little challenging if you are not used to wearing one but possibilities can be addressed early.
If you are having trouble with the pleating technique consider a readymade Sari which is pre-stitched
If you have set your skirt too long you may step on it and unravel the pleating. This can be avoided by the use of a simple safety pin at a strategic point, which will secure the fabric to the underskirt. Be vigilant when setting your Sari, the skirt should fall just gently touching floor length. Wear the shoes you will be using when setting to get the right distance.
Wear shoes with at least a slight heel to balance the look, walk slowly at first to accustom yourself to your new look. This would in fact be easier than the cautious, graceful steps you would take in a full bridal gown.
BRINGING THE LOOK TOGETHER
Lile every other garment style, the success of your presentation depends on how you fashion it as a whole, to create your overall look. This is no less so for a bridal sari where there are other considerations which you can use to your advantage to be the exotic vision you imagined.
