Accessories play an important role in finishing your “Bridal Sari “look, particularly jewellery , which traditionally follows a very set pattern. You can effectively play with this to your advantage, according to your presentation.
Sari Jewellery can be fashioned from gold, silver or platinum tones, decorated with gemstones, enamelwork or beading, all which would work equally as well, from a formal wedding to a casual beach ceremony. This look is very exotic and beautiful enabling you to feel like royalty with its softly draping appearance and feel … Go ahead, explore your possibilities and create your own perfect finish for your bridal sari.
UNDERSTANDING SARI JEWELLERY
TIKKA
or MAANGTIKA: A long string worn from the centre of the head with a decorative piece to the forehead.
EARRINGS: To complete the look these earrings usually come with detachable attachments which are hooked in the hair. Dangling earrings are preferable to compliment the style.
NOSE RING: Indian brides are known for wearing a nose ring which hooks across to her hair or ear. Alternatively this look can be worn with no chain. See WEARING SARI JEWELLERY.
MANGALSUTRA: Worn around the neck, this necklace consists of a gold ornament strung from a cord. It is a symbol of marriage.
ARMBAND: Worn on the upper part of the arm.
BRACELETS: The style is complimented by the addition of many bracelets, with stones or colours which suit the outfit.
RING BRACELET: A very beautiful style which features a ring attached to a bracelet by a chain.
ODDIYANUM: Chain worn around the waist.
ANKLETS: Worn on the ankle. TOE RING: Worn with open toe shoe styles.
WEARING SARI JEWELLERY
TIKKI/TIKKA: Wearing a “Tikki” is the ultimate in sari bridal adornment and can be up to eight inches long. It is usually worn up to two inches below the hairline but you can vary this according to your taste, forehead height and personal choice. The “Tikki “ has a small hook which is fastened to the hair usually to fall in the middle of the forehead and can then be further secured with hairpins if you so desire.
EARRINGS: While you are accustomed to stand-alone earrings the sari style usually comes with detachable extensions which give the style a more exotic, majestic look. If you choose to wear them with the extensions and embrace the expression in its full glory, you have options where the extensions can be worn in different positions. Constructed with round hoops, they can be attached to various positions in the hair with hairpins or even to the back of the earrings via the earring posts. Play with positions to see which is most flattering for your face shape.
NOSE RING:Please note that while this style usually calls for a nose piercing you can still enjoy the look for your wedding without this commitment. Consider lightweight nose-clips which will afford you the same look while being reversible. If you are thinking of the plain nose stud without the chain you can also opt for a magnetic stud which looks identical to a real piercing but is held by the magnet underneath instead of through the nose skin.
MANGALSUTRA: The beautiful thing about these necklaces is that they are fully adjustable which makes them an excellent choice for bridal sari use. Usually constructed with smooth cord, they allow you the freedom of adjustability so they are not only suitable for any size neck but can also be varied in length and position to suit the look you are trying to create. The cord also acts as an excellent support for the extra weight which might be incurred by the additional embellishment on the piece.
ANKLETS: Consider very carefully your decision when selecting an anklet for your bridal sari as some may make noise when you walk. If you do not find this desirable consider finer styles with little or no dangle which will make little or no noise.
HAIR CONSIDERATIONS
FLOWERS: Are always a girl’s good friend for weddings and no less so for your bridal sari. In India, blooms are considered to be a representation of happiness and life. Wearing flowers in your hair is not only complimentary but also very tropical for the warm Barbadian climate. Infuse colour to enhance your outfit and match your bouquet. Alternatively, white looks very bridal and can cool down a strong sari tone. Local, Indigenous blooms work best, if you want to introduce a touch of the caribbean to your look.
PINS & COMBS: The addition of decorative pins to your hair is a great alternative which adds sparkle and opulence to the style. Consider pearl pins, diamante combs, crystal pins etc.
CROWN / TIARA: You can also still consider this feature for your bridal sari use. Select carefully as this piece can make your presentation very formal; if a casual presentation is your aim, you can choose from another direction or keep the tiara small and simple.
GARMENT CONSIDERATIONS
JEWELLERYSTRUCTURE: Sari style jewellery accessories are admired worldwide for their display of skill and craftsmanship, which can include accents of beading, diamante, rhinestones, faux jewel stones, simulated glass, crystal and other ornamentation fashioned into beautiful designs.
MATCHING: A heavily adorned sari garment can be presented with intricate embroidery and design, sequins, mirror stones, heavy stones and more. While the kind of jewellery worn with a bridal sari is like most others and basically fashioned in gold or silver tone, it is often highly embellished and ornamentally structured, enabling you to compliment and often directly match the garment (specifically bangles which are available in a variety of shades) in colour, style and even décor.
Remember that you do not have to directly match to be effective and while it is nice to look rich, a simple jewellery design can not only provide a straightforward approach to a simple sari but it can also play down a heavily embellished garment, or alternatively, a fancy approach can play up a simple sari.
Your own creativity is open to you to style your own combination of presentation due to the versatility of this kind of accessory and the fact that while real pieces are very beautiful and wonderful to own, this approach can look equally as striking with costume stones. This makes it a very cost effective option, giving you the opportunity to own more than one set in varying colour and style. For example, the attachments can be removed from the earrings and later worn with a simple kaftan or embroidered dress or top for your honeymoon.
FOOTWEAR
Generally heels work best for sari use even if it is a moderate heel and is great for flat solid surfaces, but if you are contemplating using the style for a beach wedding, a slender, high heel may not be suitable. Opt instead for a lower broader heel or flat sandals. Be mindful when setting your sari to accommodate for the shorter length needed for these shoes.
Open footwear adds a touch of authenticity to the look. Ensure that whatever your choice of footwear, it complements the flowing style of the sari and reflects the rest of your accessories. Pick up on colours of the sari, embellishments or use of neutrals like gold or silver.
Remember to take pleasure in this time, it is yours to discover your possibilities ... And have fun.
