When it comes to making a statement at special occasions, many women opt for the grandeur that only a heavy saree can provide. Among these, Heavy Work sarees stand out for their intricate all-over embroidery, featuring a multitude of techniques and patterns on a single fabric. This level of craftsmanship yields a breathtakingly radiant look, perfect for making a memorable impression.
As these exquisite pieces are often weighted down by the sheer density of thread work, crystals, pearls, stones, and Zari, they’re typically reserved for special events, where their opulent glamour can truly shine.
Everything To Know Before Buying A Heavy Saree
Every woman takes pleasure in dressing up and turning heads, especially when a special occasion calls for it. Heavy worked sarees are particularly well-suited to such events, as they were originally designed for royalty. A saree is a traditional garment from the Indian subcontinent that consists of a long drape (typically ranging from five to nine yards) wrapped around the waist with one end draped over the shoulder, leaving the midriff bare.
Heavy work sarees are in high demand for occasional wear, as they effortlessly evoke a glamorous and alluring look. Unlike other dresses, heavy sarees possess an undeniable appeal that can’t be replicated. The luxurious materials used to create these sarees, such as georgette, organza, chiffon, and crepe, add an extra layer of enchantment to the overall design.
In this article, we’ll delve into various styles of heavy sarees, explore makeup options that complement such elaborate dressing, offer tips on how to wear a saree in a way that flatters your body type, and provide recommendations for top-notch brands and retailers where you can find these stunning garments.
↓ 10 – Fusion Sarees
The latest fashion trend has given rise to semi-sarees, a unique fusion of Indian and Western styles. A notable example is Katrina Kaif’s stunning appearance in a bright red sharara saree. For those looking for an innovative twist on the traditional saree, draping it over palazzo pants can be a great option. However, this style works best with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or crepe.
In fact, we’ve already explored the beautiful and trendy pant-sarees in a previous post, which you can access by clicking here.
↓ 9 – Celebrity Style Inspiration
Sarees are the epitome of elegance when it comes to occasion wear. Whether celebrating a wedding, making a statement at a formal gathering or simply wanting to feel like royalty, heavy sarees have a way of elevating an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s no surprise that celebrities often turn to these stunning garments for their most important events, as they possess a certain je ne sais quoi that can’t be replicated by any other type of clothing.
When it comes to choosing the perfect saree, many stars opt for high-end fabrics such as banarsi, silk, net or chiffon, often selecting statement designs from their favorite designers. In recent years, there’s been a notable trend towards celebrities embracing the classic Kanjeevaram saree, which boasts intricate real zari work and is wrapped in a luxurious drape that exudes sophistication and glamour.
↓ 8 – Heavy Banarsi Saree
Heavy banarsi sarees are renowned for their lavish adornments, boasting intricate brocade or zari, fine silk, and opulent embroidery. These exquisite garments are best suited for formal and high-profile events, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. Due to the finely woven silk and intricate design, these sarees can be quite heavy to carry, making them a statement piece that demands attention.
The style and glamour of banarsi sarees are characterized by their signature features, including intricately intertwined floral and foliate motifs, kalga and bel designs, as well as the distinctive jhallar motif at the outer edge of the border. Additional hallmarks include gold work, compact weaving, figures with minute details, metallic visual effects, pallus, jal patterns, and mina work, all combining to create a stunning and eye-catching ensemble that is sure to turn heads.
↓ 7 – Saree with Heavy Border
To achieve a dramatic and flowing appearance with your saree, a bold border is typically attached to the hem. This striking element adds a touch of glamour to the overall look. When it comes to heavy border sarees, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, organza, cheesecloth, lace, voile, mesh, and habutai are often chosen to balance out the weight of the border. The combination of light fabric and heavy border creates a beautiful drape that adds to the overall aesthetic.
In contrast, pairing heavy borders with thick fabrics like upholstery fabric, canvas, brocade, poplin, denim, or peau de soie can result in an unflattering, stiff appearance that detracts from the saree’s intended look. Heavy border sarees are perfect for formal events and gatherings, as they exude a sense of sophistication and elegance.
↓ 6 – How To Wear A Saree To Look Slim
When it comes to looking slim and fit in a dress, every woman’s ultimate goal is to achieve that perfect silhouette. While some of us may be naturally blessed with a slender figure, others may need a few tricks up their sleeve to create the illusion of slenderness. Here are some insider tips on how to look slim and stunning in heavy sarees.
Firstly, opt for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or georgette that drape beautifully and accentuate your curves without adding bulk.
Steer clear of heavyweight fabrics like cotton or organza that can add volume and weight to your overall appearance.
When it comes to colors, darker hues like black and maroon are often a wise choice as they work wonders in hiding body imperfections. Avoid pastel colors that can accentuate any flaws and opt for richer, more muted tones instead.
Another key consideration is the border of your saree.
Heavy borders can add visual bulk to your figure, while smaller, more subtle borders at the end can create a longer, leaner line. Aim for simplicity when it comes to borders to avoid drawing attention away from your overall silhouette.
How you drape and pin your saree is crucial in creating a slimming effect. A neatly draped saree with minimal pleats around the waist can create a stunning, svelte figure. Avoid bunching or overlapping pleats that can add volume to your midsection.
Lastly, don’t forget about the importance of a well-pleated petticoat. A tight fishtail and tube top combination can work wonders in cinching your waist and creating a more defined silhouette. And remember, it’s all about balance – avoid too much fabric around the midsection to keep your look streamlined.
Despite being known for her curvy figure, Vidya Balan is often seen effortlessly rocking heavy sarees with minimal makeup and natural accessories like gajras.
She’s a true inspiration for plus-size and curvy women looking to make a statement in their sarees.
↓ 5 – Heavy Silk Sarees
Silk sarees have earned their reputation as a go-to choice for special occasions like parties, fashion shows, and award ceremonies. Their versatility in flatteringly draping different body types only adds to their allure. When it comes to selecting the perfect color, it’s essential to consider one’s skin tone. For warm-toned women, colors like red, orange, saffron yellow, hot pink, peach, coral, or rust complement their complexion well.
On the other hand, those with cool and pale skin tones look stunning in bright colors such as bright blue, raspberry pink, lime green, wine, pomegranate, emerald green, or midnight blue. Neutral colors like beige, gold, purple, dark blues, and greens should be avoided as they can add dullness to the face. The embellishments on silk sarees are what truly set them apart, making them perfect for special occasions.
Large and ornate embellishments create a striking visual effect, while shorter women may prefer sarees with shorter or no borders. Taller women, however, look great in sarees with big borders that complement their height. One of the greatest advantages of silk sarees is their flattering drape, thanks to the luxurious fabric’s ability to be shaped and molded around the body. These sarees are also known for being extremely comfortable to wear, making them a joy to don.
The ease with which they can be dyed and printed only adds to their appeal. While there are some drawbacks to heavy silk sarees, including their high price point and need for special care, the benefits far outweigh the cons. In fact, many women have a deep emotional attachment to these sarees, often passing them down through generations as a symbol of love and tradition.
↓ 4 – Heavy Ruffled Saree For Wedding Parties
Weddings are a unique blend of joy, elegance, and self-expression. Among the many ways to make a stunning impression, heavy sarees stand out as a showstopping choice. With their intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics like silk or georgette, these sarees not only catch the eye but also simplify the process of getting ready for the festivities. When it comes to accessorizing, less is often more, allowing the saree’s beauty to shine through without being overwhelmed by too many jewelry pieces.
This year, consider taking your saree game to the next level by incorporating ruffles or frills into your design. These textured elements can be added to your blouse for a touch of whimsy or around the border of your saree for an eye-catching accent. Whichever way you choose, rest assured that you’ll be making a memorable impression at any wedding celebration.
↓ 3 – Heavy Saree In Lehenga Style
A lehenga saree represents a modern fusion of traditional saree and lehenga choli styles. This unique garment typically measures 4.5 to 5.5 meters in length, making it significantly easier to wear and carry compared to a conventional saree. The absence of pleating allows for a hassle-free drape and tuck, creating a sleek silhouette. As with traditional sarees, the lehenga-style saree is worn over a petticoat, paired with a blouse known as choli, which serves as the upper garment.
The saree often features intricate embroideries, such as Bagh, chikan, kashida, kasuti, kantha, sozni, shisha, and zardozi, adding an extra layer of sophistication. This style is particularly popular at weddings, where it effortlessly fulfills the fundamental requirement of a lehenga while presenting a stylish and modern twist.
↓ 2 – Heavy Net Saree
Heavy net sarees exude elegance and sophistication, making them an ideal choice for semi-formal gatherings and special events. The fabric’s unique texture and translucency allow it to catch the light beautifully, accentuating the wearer’s beauty. One type of net used in heavy net sarees is bobbinet, a thin and hexagonal-meshed material that creates a sense of volume when used in bridal wear.
Another popular variety is tulle net, which is made from silk or nylon yarns and has a slightly stiffer texture than bobbinet. Despite this slight difference, both nets share the same level of transparency and can be used to create stunning bridal sarees. Fillet net, with its square mesh pattern, offers a more versatile option for creating unique pallu designs. When paired with intricate embroideries, net sarees truly come alive, making them a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts.
↓ 1 – Bridal Saree Trends
In today’s world, standing out as a unique bride on her special day has become an essential requirement. Bridal sarees have gained immense popularity among women as they offer a stunning and elegant alternative to traditional wedding attire. The variety of options available can be overwhelming, but the key is to find a dress that exudes elegance and sophistication.
For many brides, opting for embroidered georgette, silk, or chiffon fabrics is a preferred choice, as these materials when intricately embroidered, create an enchanting and breathtaking effect. This desire for something extraordinary has led to the resurgence of lehnga sarees as a top choice for bridal wear this year. Specifically, coral red and golden hues are hot trends that we highly recommend for their unique charm and flair.
↓ What Makeup And Hairstyle Looks Best With Heavy Sarees?
When it comes to pulling off a stunning saree look, makeup and hairstyle are two crucial elements that must harmonize perfectly. A mismatched makeup tone can instantly ruin the overall aesthetic, which is why it’s essential to choose a look that complements your saree color. For ivory, beige, white, off-white, cream, or light peach sarees, a classic retro look with minimal makeup, defined eyes, and bold lips works beautifully.
In contrast, deep-colored sarees demand a smokey eye makeup look with blushed cheeks and subtle lip colors. A nude makeup tone is often the perfect choice for heavy sarees as it allows the dress to take center stage. If you have a dusky complexion and are wearing a bright-colored saree, a dewy makeup finish can create a stunning contrast that highlights your skin tone and saree color. For a black and white saree, a subtle and subdued makeup look is usually the best bet.
Hairstyles play an equally important role in completing the overall look. Fishtail braids are a popular choice for traditional sarees like pattu or kanjeevaram, while straight open hair can be a quick and easy option when time is of the essence. Hair buns remain one of the most flattering hairstyles to pair with sarees, offering endless possibilities to suit different face shapes.
Depending on your face cut, you can choose from various hairdos like bun-braid blends, traditional buns, messy buns, or tight partitioned styles.
↓ Best Places To Buy A Heavy Saree
Heavy sarees can be accessed through various designers and brands that showcase exquisite designs and craftsmanship. Some prominent names include Manish Malhotra, Zainab Chottani, Sabyasachi, Shikhar Sharma, Maria B, Threads and Motifs, and Kalaneeca-House Of Uppada. Manish Malhotra’s heavy sarees, for instance, range from INR 250,000 to Rs. 98,000, with pieces like the off-white net saree with tulle work priced at INR 195,000. Zainab Chottani offers stunning heavy sarees starting from Rs.
15,000 and going up to Rs. 1,00,000 and above, available on her official website. Sabyasachi’s original sarees start at INR 24,000 and go up to a staggering INR 3.5 lakh. Shikhar Sharma specializes in exclusively handcrafted sarees with contemporary designs. Maria B creates bespoke bridal and formal sarees that can be ordered online or in-store. Threads and Motifs offers beautiful sarees priced between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 40,000, available both online and offline.
Kalaneeca-House Of Uppada is a relatively new brand from India that has gained popularity for its exquisite handwoven silk sarees from Uppada in Andhra Pradesh.
