The Best Banarasi Sarees for Your Wedding
When it comes to Indian weddings, few items can match the richness of culture and elegance that is represented by a Banarasi saree. A Powerful Symbol of Heritage, Banarasi saree is a piece of history, craftsmanship, luxury, and beauty combined. Banarasi sarees have been worn by brides throughout the years as part of their bridal trousseau. A Banarasi saree is woven in the holy city of Varanasi (Banaras), and it serves as a form of wedding attire, but it is much more than just a piece of clothing; it is considered an heirloom that carries the history of a family, their culture, and celebrations of love.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the reasons that Banarasi sarees are thought to be the best choice for an Indian wedding, the various types of Banarasi sarees, how to select the best Banarasi saree for your wedding day, and how to style your Banarasi saree on your wedding day.
Why Banarasi Sarees Are Perfect for Weddings
A wedding is an event that will only happen once in your lifetime, and so every bride wants to look special on this day; A Banarasi Saree would be just that. There are many reasons why a Wedding Banarasi Saree could meet every bride’s dream:
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Heritage
Banarasi sarees can be traced back to the time of the Mughal Empire. They typically feature complex designs derived from Mughal-era art. They are often elaborately decorated with floral patterns and traditional motifs like the kalga and bel that were popular during the Mughal era.
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Luxurious Fabric
The majority of Banarasi sarees are made using high quality silk, especially the traditional Banarasi silk saree, which has an inherent sheen and drapes beautifully. This makes them ideal for brides.
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Elaborate Zari Work
Real gold and/or silver zari work adorns a Banarasi saree, which increases its overall grandeur and makes it suitable for use in a wedding or other grand event.
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Timeless Style
Unlike many of the latest trends that will eventually fade away, a Bridal Banarasi Saree will not go out of style and can be passed down through subsequent generations.
Types of Banarasi Sarees for Weddings
Different Banarasi Sarees differ by the type of fabric used, the style of weaving, and the design. You are able to choose the type of Banarasi Saree that best suits your wedding from the following examples;
1. Banarasi Silk Sarees:
These were originally made from Katan Silk, which consists of pure silk threads, making this type of saree incredibly popular with brides due to the durability of Katan Silk, the lustrous nature of this type of saree, the softness and the elaborate use of Zari Work. So they are ideal for the main wedding ceremony.
2. Organza (Kora) Banarasi Saree:
These sarees are exceptionally lightweight but also luxurious with the combination of very fine sewn Zari and silk embroideries. These sarees are recommended for pre-wedding events or for any bride wanting elegance without weight.
3. Georgette Banarasi Saree:
A modern interpretation of a traditional style, Georgette Banarasi sarees are easier to drape and carry than Banarasi Silk sarees. As a result, these sarees will work for both your reception and engagement ceremonies.
4. Shattir Banarasi Saree:
Shattir Banarasi sarees are recognized by the high durability of the weave and the detail in the design patterns. These sarees may not be as glossy as a pure silk saree but they are still a great option for your wedding day.
5. Jamdani Banarasi Saree:
The intricate hand weaving of Jamdani Banarasi sarees is evident in the way the motifs were woven into the fabric. These sarees are like portable pieces of art and are suitable for brides that appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Choosing the Perfect Banarasi Saree for Your Wedding
Choosing the perfect Banarasi Saree for your wedding is about much more than simply liking a particular design. In order to get the best value from your Banarasi Saree purchase, take into consideration the following criteria:
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Fabric Quality:
When buying a Banarasi Silk Saree, the first thing you should do is determine if it’s made of genuine pure silk or a silk blend. If it is a genuine Banarasi Silk Saree, it should feel soft and have a natural shimmer.
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Color:
Traditionally, brides wear the classic colors; however, many modern brides are opting for lighter pastel colors, or different colors such as royal blue, emerald green, gold, etc., instead of the classic reds, maroons, etc.
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Zari:
Banarasi sarees are made using real Zari that consists of a refined metal thread wrapped in gold. Although real Zari sarees are much more expensive than others, the elegance they can create is unparalleled.
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Motifs / Designs:
The most popular motifs for Banarasi Sarees are floral Jaal, paisleys, peacocks, and temples borders. Choose your motifs/designs based on your personality and your wedding theme.
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Comfort / Weight:
The majority of wedding ceremonies can last several hours. Therefore, it’s essential that your saree feels comfortable and easy to carry during long periods of time, while still providing you with an air of grandeur.
Styling Your Bridal Banarasi Saree
The right styling can bring a Bridal Banarasi Saree to life. Below are some suggestions for enhancing your bridal look.
Jewellery
When wearing the saree, choose gold jewelry (traditional), kundan jewelry, or temple-style pieces. Choose a statement necklace, jhumkas, bangles, and a maang tikka as finishing touches.
Blouse Design
Try out different styles of necklines and sleeve lengths / widths, e.g., deep back, full sleeves with zari work, high necks, etc. This can give a modern element to a traditional saree.
Draping Style
Although the classic Nivi saree drape is timeless and lovely, you may also wish to experiment with regional draping styles or a slightly modern draping style for a little extra flair!
Makeup / Hair
Classic bridal makeup with bright eyes and reddish lipstick is a perfect way to complete your look. A beautiful hairstyle, perhaps a bun with flowers adorning it, will enhance the beauty of the Banarasi saree.
Banarasi Saree: An Heirloom Worth Investing In
The durability of a Banarasi saree is one of its greatest features. A wedding Banarasi saree, made of fine silk and embroidery (zari), with proper storage and care, can be worn for many years as an inherited family treasure. To maintain the color and longevity of a Wedding Banarasi Saree, do not store it in the sun; instead, wrap it in a muslin cloth and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Modern Trends in Wedding Banarasi Sarees
Designers continue to innovate and create new styles of Banarasi sarees for generations of brides while staying true to their roots and culture. The following are some new styles that are currently being used for Banarasi sarees by modern-day brides:
✓ Pastel-coloured Banarasi sarees with minimal amount of zari work
✓ Minimalistic styled Banarasi sarees that are suitable for small / intimate weddings
✓ Fusion dressed with traditional Banarasi sarees
✓ Lightweight Banarasi sarees which are appropriate for destination weddings.
All these new styles of Banarasi sarees will ensure that the Banarasi saree will still be applicable for all future generations.
Conclusion
The Banarasi Saree represents more than just a piece of clothing, it is an emotional connection and a reflection of the culture and endowment of India. As it is commonly seen that brides wear either a traditional red banarasi silk saree or a modern pastel saree, wedding banarasi sarees provide brides with opulence and unforgettable look on the day of the wedding. The intricately handmade nature, the quality of the fabric, and the classic style make the Wedding Banarasi Saree a true representation of bridal grace.
Discover the royal essence, cultural vibes, and heritage with an exquisite range of banarasi sarees at Samyakk. Embody the grandeur and glamour with a wide variety of banarasi sarees based on fabrics, weave, designs, and motifs.
Also Read:
The Hidden Spiritual Meanings Behind Iconic Kanchipuram Saree Motifs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What makes Banarasi silk sarees the ideal choice for Wedding Functions?
The fabric of a Banarasi sari has been painstakingly made from the finest silk, embellished with ornamental threads, and symbolizes the rich heritage and culture of India. As such, it makes an ideal outfit for any large or traditional wedding function.
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What to Look for When Shopping For A Real Banarasi Silk Saree?
A genuine Banarasi silk sari will have an exceptionally smooth silk feel, intricate hand woven designs visible on both the front and back side, and genuine ornamental thread work. It is important to ensure that the sari has been issued a GI (Geographic Indication) tag.
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After the Wedding, Will The Banarasi Silk Saree Be Usable?
Yes, Following the wedding, Banarasi silk saris will continue to be a versatile and timeless item, and can be worn for different occasions such as Family Gatherings, Festivals and of course for special Family Celebrations.
