Indian weddings are about celebrating tradition and lehengas and sarees are the best bridal outfits to exemplify the same. These iconic pieces are very popular attires that hold a special place in brides’ hearts. Both the wedding outfits pay homage to centuries-old tradition and cultural heritage. Depending upon personal choices, regional preferences, and diverse Indian culture, brides can opt for both – bridal saree and lehenga. Heavy bridal lehengas, silk sarees, heavy Kanjivaram sarees, Nauvari sarees, and Uppada silk sarees are a few majestic choices made by the brides-to-be. However, a bride’s hunt for a royal lehenga or a traditional saree should align with the bride’s style, body shape, comfort level, skin tone, and wedding theme. Also, there can be different factors in choosing one over another. KALKI lists down a few!
Lehenga: Pros and Cons
Heritage lehengas in royal shades like maroon, red, and hot pink and intricate embroidery encapsulate richness. However, over the years, lehenga designs have seen a departure from the conventional and that makes the lehengas even more acceptable. Indo-Western designs like lightweight gown lehengas, saree lehengas, and jacket lehengas have captured the imagination of modern brides who are seeking minimalism. Trending lehengas can also offer versatility, comfort, and ease of movement as compared to sarees. Lehenga blouses, skirts, and dupattas can be mixed and matched in different styles, fabric choices, accessories, etc. The classic choli designs can be replaced with peplum blouses and the royal heavy lehenga skirts can come in lighter organza or net versions. Additionally, lehengas also look beautiful and elegant on all body types. However, if a bride is looking for a budget-friendly option, a designer lehenga might not fall under that category. Trending lehengas can be a bit pricey. Also, a very heavy lehenga can restrict movement and brides might not be able to wear it several times.
Saree: Pros and Cons
Sarees are a preferred choice as a symbol of heritage, culture, and femininity and hold sentimental values too. Silk sarees, banarasi sarees, and heavy embroidery sarees have always contributed to the wedding fashion landscape. The influence of Bollywood has also been instrumental in shaping various bridal saree trends. Elegance, the rich tradition of India, and cultural values have solidified the saree’s position as the coveted attire for brides. Sarees come in a plethora of fabrics, styles, and colours and their experimental draping styles can allow immense innovation and versatility. However, maintenance and mobility can be the two major disadvantages of a bridal saree. The complexity of draping can be the biggest reason why a bride would want to switch to a designer lehenga.
Body Type Considerations
Flared lehengas are perfect options to balance out the wider hips of the brides. Women with round body shapes must opt for kali lehengas for an A-shape illusion. Fish-tail lehengas are great choices for slim brides. Rectangle-shaped brides can also rock the ruffle-hem lehengas to enhance their features.
Sarees are incredibly versatile and universal apparel that flatters all body types. Plus-size women can pay extra attention to shades and fabric to have an illusion of height and slim body. They must choose sarees with smaller prints and lighter embellishments.
Cultural Significance
Lehenga and saree are like canvases that showcase the unique essence of various regions of India. From rich North Indian lehengas to vibrant golden lehengas of South India and the rustic Rajasthani lehengas, the bridal attire from each region is like a captivating medley of India’s cultural diversity.
Similarly, sarees in various fabrics and colours illuminate India’s diversity. Banarasi sarees- the USP of the holy city Varanasi, Kanjivaram sarees – the masterpiece down South, and Bandhani sarees – the legacy of Gujarat have always defined a bride’s beauty from each state of India.
Personalization and Comfort
Lehenga and saree, brides can discover their style and comfort with both options. ‘Mix and match’ fabrics, 3D motifs, hangings, layers, jackets, and belts are beautiful ways to infuse unique essence into bridal lehengas.
With a fusion of tradition, brides can make their sarees personalized, and meaningful. Comforting pre-pleats, frills, belts, long jackets, and designer blouses can show brides’ commitment to tradition as well as the latest trends. Personalized messages on the lehenga dupatta or the blouse of the saree can elevate both the bridal attires.
If it’s all about a lehenga vs saree, then KALKI would suggest a bride make the decision based on her personality and comfort level. Understanding that every bride has a unique vision for her wedding; KALKI boasts of a plethora of bridal sarees and modern lehenga designs. The brides who are torn between the two can choose a saree for their main ceremony and a designer lehenga for their reception.
Also Read: Wedding Stylist Tips: How To Achieve A Cohesive & Co-Ordinated Look For Your Wedding Celebrations
