Keep Warm with your Glam On with these Sarees for Winter Weddings

Winter weddings bring a unique charm with their cosy atmosphere and festive glow, but they also present the challenge of staying warm while maintaining your glamorous look. Imagine stepping into a winter wonderland with the crisp air and sparkling lights, and you are wrapped in the elegance of a saree. The question is – how do you pull off this timeless look while keeping the chill at bay? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered! 

Local Samosa talked to Devangi Nishar Parekh, Founder & Managing Director of Aza Fashions and Gautam Gupta, Co-Owner of Label Asha Gautam. Join us as we explore how to style sarees for winter weddings with clever layering, luxurious fabrics, and fashion-forward tips that ensure you stay warm and fabulous. Let’s embark on this stylish journey and make every winter wedding a moment of both warmth and glamour!

Choosing the Right Fabric

When it comes to winter wedding sarees, fabric makes a big difference. Devangi asks us to “Opt for rich, warm materials like velvet, silk, and heavy brocades. Velvet adds a regal touch and natural insulation, while silk offers both sheen and warmth, making it an evergreen choice. Brocades with intricate zari work not only look opulent but also trap warmth. These fabrics ensure you stay cosy while looking glamorous.”

Gautam shares, “Silk is one of the best fabrics for sarees, especially during winter. Heirloom pieces such as Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Patola, and Tussar are mostly made of silk. Concept sarees, such as two-piece sarees, frill sarees, and multi-layered sarees, are also quite popular, especially those that combine two or more weaves.”

He further shares how fabric choice affects warmth and comfort. “Heavier fabrics like silk and satin provide natural warmth, while layers of woven textures like tissue silk or embroidered georgette add richness and comfort. Hand-embroidered borders on Kanjivaram, Banarasi, or Bandhani sarees further enhance the luxurious feel, making them perfect for winter weddings.”

Incorporating Traditional & Modern Styles with Ease

Devangi acknowledges that a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary styling is the key to standing out at a winter wedding. “Select a saree with rich zardozi work or a heritage craft such as Chikanikari or Patola, drape it in a modern way, layer with a jacket or cinch the waist with a belt to add a contemporary touch. Modern cuts, such as pre-draped sarees and ruffle sarees, are also very popular at Aza. For added coverage and flair, experiment with an unconventional blouse like a corset or turtleneck,” she explains.

Gautam readily shares tips for the same.

“1. Pair traditional sarees such as Bandhani, Paithani, or Banarasi with contemporary blouse designs like high-neck, Puff shoulders, and long jacket over saree.

2. Experiment with concept sarees, such as Pre-stitched, draped, or lehenga-style options, layered with silk capes or dupattas for a chic touch.

3. Combine traditional weaves like Kanjeevaram with fabrics like tissue silk or georgette for a fusion look.

4. Pairing embellished belts and clutches with saree also make it look stylish.”

Trendy Colours for Winter Wedding Sarees

This season, jewel tones dominate the winter wedding palette. Devangi stated, “At Aza, we have seen elevated demand for colours such as emerald greens, royal purple, and ruby red. Neutral shades like champagne gold and midnight blue are trending for their understated elegance. Metallic accents - silver and gold threadwork or sequins - add a touch of winter sparkle.”

“This season, deep jewel tones like emerald green, wine red, and royal blue are in vogue. Metallic shades such as gold, champagne, and silver bring a touch of glamour, while rich muted hues like dusty rose and burnt orange add understated elegance,” Gautam vocalised.

Styling & Accessorising Winter Wedding Sarees 

Devangi agreed that styling a winter wedding saree is different from a regular saree indeed. “Winter wedding sarees can be accessorised and styled strategically to maximise both style and functionality. An easy way to elevate a winter wedding saree is with a rich pashmina or faux fur shawl that offers warmth while enhancing the glam quotient. Alternatively, layering a brocade jacket lends a modern touch. Tie the look and layers together with a statement belt.”

Gautam mentioned elevating sarees with embroidered blouses, shawls or velvet stoles for warmth and sophistication. “One can also add an embroidered veil with a wedding saree to give that extra attention. Pair them with statement jewellery, like chokers or antique layered necklaces, to complement traditional craftsmanship. Use versatile silk dupattas like Banarasi or Paithani to replace or layer with the pallu for a unique look.”

Colder Weather Special Saree Draping Tips

Traditional draping with slight modifications can make all the difference, Devangi reflected. “Double draping allows you to layer the pallu, adding both volume and warmth. You can also opt for a Gujarati-style drape that covers the torso, ensuring a cosy yet stylish look.”

“Opt for double-pallu drapes or front-draped shawls to layer the saree for added warmth. Ensure a snug fit by securely tucking the saree, and layer with thermal undergarments for comfort and heavy underskirts for lehenga style sarees. One can try the Coorg saree drape as it wraps the saree around the body twice, and the pallu is draped over the shoulder. A Bengali drape in which the pleats are wide, and pallu is draped diagonally across the chest helps in keeping the body warm and, at the same time, looking classic. Lehenga style drape in which saree is draped like a skirt and pallu comes on the body, one can take a stole and put it on the other shoulder to not only look different but feel warm,” remarked Gautam.

Making a Traditional Saree Winter Wedding-Friendly

Devangi stated, “To make a traditional saree winter-ready, layer strategically. Pair your saree with a velvet or quilted jacket-style blouse. Add thermal leggings or tights under the saree for discreet insulation. Don’t shy away from mixing textures; a silk saree layered with a velvet dupatta creates a luxurious contrast.”

Gautam explained, “Incorporate handwoven capes, silk jackets, or long embroidered coats or long jackets over sarees for warmth without losing style. Pair sarees with luxurious handwoven dupattas for an extra layer of warmth and elegance.”

Incorporating Elegance with Comfort

Brides can achieve a balance of elegance and comfort by prioritising structure and embellishments. “Opt for sarees with heavier borders or intricate embroidery, which provide natural weight and warmth. Customise blouses with padded shoulders or detachable sleeves for versatility. Above all, focus on sarees that allow easy movement for an unforgettable day. This winter wedding season, let your saree reflect your style and the season’s spirit. Whether you’re the bride or a guest, these tips ensure you’ll shine with warmth and glam,” shared Devangi.

Gautam concluded, “Whether its a traditional saree with intricate hand-embroidered borders or a concept saree with a layered Patola skirt and tissue pallu, brides can achieve both elegance and comfort by pairing their saree with warm accessories like silk shawls or capes and choosing fabrics suited to the season.”