Deepika Padukone, Samantha Akkineni will convince you to wear a Kanjeevaram sari for your wedding

By Nupur Sarvaiya21 April 2020

Whether you prefer traditional tones or rather personalise your six-yard staple, there's a Kanjeevaram silk sari for every bride

You can never have too many saris in your bridal trousseau. But from the myriad options available in the market, which six-yard makes for a wedding staple? “A Kanjeevaram silk sari should be a non-negotiable choice,” recommends Bharathy Harish, founder of Bengaluru-based label Madhurya Creations. “Other than its otherworldly craftsmanship, this completely handwoven weave is made using the highest quality of thick silk threads and at times cotton yarn. This ensures that the shelf life of a Kanjeevaram is far longer than any other weave, making it the perfect option to pass down for posterity.” Although known as Kanjeevaram in everyday parlance, the silk sari was originally called Kanchipuram, from the town in Tamil Nadu where it originated.

Why you need to wear a Kanjeevaram silk sari for your wedding

Kanjeevaram silk saris are most renowned for their ornate, contrasting borders. The zari threads used to create this artwork are said to contain a government-mandated amount of pure silver and gold, promising you a timeless investment for your wedding repertoire. “The traditional motifs are essentially inspired by nature, and include designs like lotus or malli moggu (jasmine buds), mangoes, elephants, parrots, mayil (peacocks), hansam (swans) and many more. The motifs used are relevant to marriages, where flowers represent blossoming, mangoes symbolise wisdom, and so on. You will also find triangular patterns, called gopuram, which take from temple domes.” To give these a modern spin for the new age bride, “we have experimented with motifs like rabbits, Dalmatians and even inscribed poems on the pallu.”

Celebrities who have aced Kanjeevaram silk saris

Many Bollywood celebrities have chosen the allure of Kanjeevaram sari for important milestones in their lives. For her wedding in November 2018, Deepika Padukone opted for not one but two Kanjeevaram saris from Advaya from the House of Angadi. She picked a burnt orange sari for the Konkani ceremony hosted in Lake Como, Italy, and went on to wear a molten gold sari for her Bengaluru reception. Another celebrity bride who worked a Kanjeevaram sari for her big day is Samantha Akkineni. When the South star tied the knot with actor Naga Chaitanya, she picked an ivory number teamed with a red blouse. Kangana Ranaut, who is no stranger to the six yards, has worn her share of Kanjeevaram drapes for public and private occasions. One of her standout looks is the white number she picked for a family wedding.

How to style a Kanjeevaram silk sari for your wedding

“Brides can wear a Kanjeevaram sari for several occasions, starting with the pre-wedding puja. For the main ceremony, it makes a scene-stealing choice. You can also consider one for your reception.” The most favoured palette for the pheras she insists is red. “You can also play with the idea of an ivory or gold creation with a red border. Other options for a day ceremony include a mango coloured Kanjeevaram sari, a rani pink or an emerald green drape.” Harish suggests a sari in metallic shades such as silver, gold, two-toned and even old rose gold for the wedding reception. “A powder blue Kanjeevaram tissue silk sari for an evening event will also look very graceful,” she goes on to add. Options in pastel hues are more in sync with the times, making them to apt to include in your bridal trousseau.

“Temple jewellery is the right ornament to team with your Kanjeevaram silk sari. I suggest wearing a choker layered with an ornate long necklace and matching jhumkas and maang tikka. A kamarbandh will further add definition and even cinch the waist. If you rather go a slightly contemporary route, consider diamond jewellery with rubies or emeralds to wear with your sari.”