10 Wedding Dresses by Upcycling Old Sarees

Introduction

Weddings are a special occasion and brides put a lot of time and effort into finding the perfect wedding dress that reflects their style and personality. Although there are countless options in the market, many brides are now considering recycling old sarees to create unique and eco-friendly wedding dresses. Upcycling, which involves turning old or discarded materials into something new and valuable, has grown in popularity in recent years as a sustainable and creative way to regenerate textiles.

History and Importance of Sarees

Sarees in India has a rich history and cultural significance, with different regions having their distinct styles and patterns. This six-yard-long cloth can be wrapped around the body in various ways and has been worn by women for centuries as a symbol of grace, elegance, and femininity.

• Sarees are often passed down through generations, carrying sentimental value and memories of special occasions. However, as fashion trends change and new sarees are bought, old sarees often lie unused in the closet.
• Converting these old sarees into wedding dresses is not only a way of honoring their sentimental value but also a sustainable approach to fashion.

Benefits of Upcycling Old Sarees for Wedding Dresses

Upcycling old sarees to make wedding dresses offers many benefits. First, it allows brides to have a unique and one-of-a-kind wedding dress that reflects their style. Unlike mass-produced dresses, upcycled saree wedding dresses are personalized and can be tailored to the bride's body shape and preferences, making them truly special.

• Second, upcycling old sarees is an environmentally friendly choice as it reduces the need for new textiles and reduces textile waste.
• Textile production is resource intensive, requires large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, and contributes to environmental pollution and waste.
• By upcycling old sarees, brides can contribute to the circular economy by extending the life of these textiles and reducing their environmental footprint.

Upcycled Saree Wedding Dresses

There are endless possibilities when it comes to turning old sarees into wedding dresses.

Boho Chic Gown:

Use a vibrant and shiny silk saree with intricate patterns to create a boho chic gown with a relaxed and carefree vibe. Add lace or saffron details for a bohemian touch and pair it with floral accessories for a boho bridal look.

Vintage-Inspired Dress:

Upcycle a vintage silk saree with nostalgic motifs and designs to create a timeless and elegant wedding dress. Add delicate lace sleeves, a cinched waist, and a flowy skirt for a vintage-inspired silhouette that exudes old-world charm.

Mermaid Style Saree Gown:

To create a mermaid-style saree gown, use a silk saree with a rich and lustrous texture that flatters the curves and flares below. Add embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery for a touch of glam, and pair with statement jewelry for a red carpet-worthy look.

Upcycled Saree Wedding Dresses

There are endless possibilities when it comes to turning old sarees into wedding dresses. Here are 10 inspiring ideas that showcase the creativity and versatility of this trend:

Boho Chic Gown:

Use a vibrant and shiny silk saree with intricate patterns to create a boho chic gown with a relaxed and carefree vibe. Add lace or saffron details for a bohemian touch and pair it with floral accessories for a boho bridal look.

Vintage-Inspired Dress:

Upcycle a vintage silk saree with nostalgic motifs and designs to create a timeless and elegant wedding dress. Add delicate lace sleeves, a cinched waist, and a flowy skirt for a vintage-inspired silhouette that exudes old-world charm.

Mermaid Style Saree Gown:

To create a mermaid-style saree gown, use a silk saree with a rich and lustrous texture that flatters the curves and flares below. Add embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery for a touch of glam, and pair with statement jewelry for a red carpet-worthy look.

Ball gown with saree fabric:

Pair a voluminous tulle or satin skirt with a saree draped over the bodice to create a ball gown worthy of a fairy tale. A saree can be worn in various styles like classic nivi drape or Gujarati style.

Anarkali Dress:

Use a heavily embroidered saree with a wide border to create a stunning Anarkali dress, a popular Indian traditional silhouette. Add fitted blouses, flared skirts, and sheer shirts.

Wrap Dress with Saree Dupatta:

Create a modern and minimal wrap dress using a plain silk saree as the main fabric and use another saree or dupatta to create a contrasting or complementary dupatta. Add an elegant belt or statement brooch for a chic and contemporary bridal look.

High-Low Dress:

Use a silk saree with a bold and striking pattern to create a high-low dress with a front and length. Add pleats or ruffles for added dimension and pair with statement heels for a trendy and unique wedding dress.

Cape Dress:

Create a cape-style dress that drapes over the shoulders to add drama and sophistication. Pair with statement earrings and a sleek updo for a modern and glamorous look.

Crop Top and Skirt:

Use a silk saree with a contrasting blouse piece to create a trendy crop top and skirt set for a chic bridal look. Add intricate embroidery, mirror work, or other embellishments, and pair it with statement jewelry for a rich and complete bridal ensemble.

Layered Gown:

Use multiple layers of different sarees in complementary or contrasting colors to create a layered and textured gown. Add intricate draping, pleating, or knotting techniques to create a unique and spectacular wedding dress.

Conclusion

Upcycling old sarees into wedding dresses is not only a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, but it also allows brides to have truly unique and personalized bridal dresses. The possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming old sarees into stunning wedding dresses, with different styles, silhouettes, and embellishments to choose from. Be it a boho chic gown, a vintage-inspired dress, or a mermaid-style saree gown.