Choosing Bridal Saris

Ask any Indian bride, or her closest friend, what the hardest part of wedding planning was, and many will say: choosing the saris. In many traditions a bride receives six saris in all, each meant for a particular moment, with its own customs and meaning.

Six Saris for the Bride

The first sari is a gift from the bride’s own parents, worn for the opening rituals up to kanyadaan, because until that moment she still belongs to her family of birth. Immediately after kanyadaan, the groom’s parents welcome her into their family with a set of five saris. The finest of these she puts on at once and wears until the end of the rituals. The third is for the wedding evening, the reception hosted by the groom’s family. The remaining saris are worn on the days that follow, for temple visits and the closing ceremonies.

Colors, Borders and Zari

Most bridal saris are red or one of its many shades, crimson, maroon, vermilion, though deep yellow and rich green are lovely too. The love of red is less a rule than a celebration of its beauty. Because the first three saris are worn on the wedding day itself, they should be of the finest design and value, with the greatest care given to the second. Then come the choices of border and pallu colors and the pattern of the zari embroidery, usually in silver, or in gold if the budget allows.

There is also the rare Pitambara, a sari woven entirely of gold without silk, so heavy that it is seldom worn today. Whatever you choose, let your saris tell the story of the day, from the quiet devotion of the first ritual to the radiant celebration of the reception.

Explore more of our Indian wedding guides: Indian Wedding Themes · Bridal & Groom Dress · Choosing Saris · Wedding Customs · Pre-Wedding Ceremonies · Wedding Cards