When brides curate their trousseaux together, they invest a lot of time and effort to create that dream look. From jewellery to accessories, every detail is factored in for a cohesive wedding ensemble, and rightly so. You think the job is done? Hardly! Often times, brides forget a key component that can break or elevate the bridal lehenga. Enter, the dupatta.
Ask any stylist or sari draper, and they will assert: Two exact same lehengas can look very distinct from one another when the dupatta is draped differently. Yes, dupatta drapes can do wonders to change the look of an ensemble and flatter the body. The same can be said for repurposing the wedding outfit for another festive function in the future, its importance should not be underestimated. Just like changing up the accessories can transform a look, experimenting with a new drape has a similar impact. A bridal dupatta can become the most versatile accessory for your walk down the aisle. Fortunately, there are a plethora of ways to style it. And if there’s ever been a time to get creative with your dupatta draping, it is now!
Over the years, stylists have been playing around with different drapes, and brides have been quick to join the bandwagon. Bollywood brides, too, have embraced new styles, and fans have followed suit. Some brides have been setting trends with their unique renditions. We’ve handpicked some of the best dupatta drapes for brides-to-be to try.
Single Dupatta Drapes
Traditional Lehenga Drape
For all those of you who like to play it safe, nothing gets better than the tried and true lehenga drape. With one side on the shoulder and the other either attached to the wrist or tucked into the waist, this is a classic bridal look that’s also ideal for the cocktail or reception ceremony, besides the main pheras.
Sari Style Drape
The sari style dupatta drape has become a popular choice not only for brides but also for wedding attendees. A fuss-free option, it gets its name from resembling the look of a sari. The drape begins from the back and goes across as a pallu on one shoulder. It is the ease of this drape that makes it a go-to for many brides.
Pakistani Style Drape
Think flowy layers around your neck and face, the Pakistani drape flaunts borders and diverts the attention to your face. Finding its place in Indian weddings, the drape works best for the wedding day by adding a royal and regal touch.
The Veil
A concept borrowed from the West with an Indian touch, extravagant veils are the new It trend for brides. These aren’t just limited to lehengas, but can be worked for various silhouettes, from veils that cover the face like Katrina Kaif’s pastel wedding sari by Sabyasachi for her vow exchange to long trails with wedding gowns like Deepika Paukone’s look on the wedding reception with her red Zuhair Murad gown. If you wish to go for a grand and larger-than-life look, this elegant drape is just what you need.
Gujarati Pallu
From Tarun Tahiliani to Sabaysachi, almost every couturier has been an advocate of the classic Gujarati pallu. Hailing from Gujarati as the name suggests, it is an elegant way of draping the dupatta. It the ideal pick if you’d like to hero the work on your dupatta. So if a light blouse and a heavy dupatta is your pick, this drape will complement it perfectly.
Over The Shoulder Drape
If you wish to live out a fairy-tale wedding, it doesn’t get better than the over the shoulder drape. Dreamy, whimsical, feminine and flirty, secure your dupatta with a safety pin at the shoulder and let your hands be free all night long. It’s perfect for an event that will lead into dancing and merriment and to show off your bridal jewellery.
Cape Drape
Take the single dupatta and secure it over the shoulders to give the illusion of a cape. While you may not want to consider it for the main ceremony, it is a winning choice to slip into post the ceremony.
Jacket Drape
A dupatta in a contrasting colour is the perfect foil to the skirt of the lehenga. The drape of this dupatta shows off the embroidery as well as the colours of an outfit. This dupatta wearing style is a fantastic pick for a pre-wedding function or even wedding reception. We love how Miheeka Bajaj has used a contrasting peach dupatta as an open jacket with her pistachio Jayanti Reddy lehenga.
Double Dupatta Drapes
Classic Double Drape
Keep it simple and traditional with the classic double drape. An ideal look for the wedding day when you wish to flaunt the dupatta of your lehenga and keep the veil light. Choose to drape the heavier dupatta in a sari style or as a classic lehenga pallu based on your preference. No matter what you pick, this never fails to be a crowd pleaser. Most recently, it was favoured by the likes of Katrina Kaif with her red Sabyasachi lehenga and Kiara Advani with her blush Manish Malhotra lehenga for her big day.
Shoulder + Head Double Drape
This style sees one dupatta draped over the head and the second pinned across the shoulder. Chic and comfy in equal parts, it’s ideal if you would like to keep it modest yet throw a spotlight on your embroidered blouse. Super fresh and approved by Parineeti Chopra, who embraced it for her big day in October 2023.
Double Dupatta Drape In Different Textiles
This draping style screams royal and regal. It’s perfect for brides looking for some drama and colour. The matching dupatta can be placed over the head in a classic way, while the second contrasting one can be side draped across the arms from the back. Consider this if you’re going for a monochromatic or muted lehenga.
Drape Across The Blouse
Okay, this one’s for the bride who doesn’t mind having some fun. Where one dupatta is pinned over a bun or on the head, the other one is meticulously draped over the blouse. Go for the style if you truly want to stand out or if you’re wearing a humble blouse.
Drape With A Kamarbandh
Accentuate your waist with the kamarbandh dupatta drape. The best part about this is that it isn’t just limited to lehengas but can even be adapted to saris and anarkalis for a sophisticated look. Adding subtle glamour to the look, opt for an embellished belt to ensure it grabs attention. You can go for a single dupatta drape too, but we love the drama of a double dupatta for the big day.
Suit Style Drape
Does throwing on your dupatta with a suit come to you naturally? Then add this drape to your wedding look too. Be sure to secure it in place and opt for a Low-V drape to flaunt the blouse too. The second one can be secured over the head or bun.
Head + Gujarati Drape
Whether you want complementing dupattas or contrasting in textiles and tones, this style is as versatile as it gets. Where one dupatta is neatly pleated as a Gujarati drape, the other one sits on the head or bun. This will allow you to play with colours and materials, while giving you the option of choosing between a lighter or a heavier look. Drape a Jamewar shawl as your Gujarati drape for a winter celebration.
