Today, weddings are not just about selecting one dress to wear for the entire day-long wedding functions and celebrations. In addition to haldi, mehendi, and sangeet night, there is also a cocktail party to attend and a reception or two as well.
Such a wedding naturally requires brides to invest in different kinds of ethnic wear depending upon the nature of the occasion, their comfort level, styling preferences, and much more.
However, with so many gorgeous ethnic outfits around us, we are confused as to which one to pick first. Here is everything brides should know about lehenga vs drape saree vs Anarkali ethnic wear at weddings.
Why Lehenga -For Showstopping and Grand Weddings
A lehenga is one of the most iconic Indian wedding outfits and rightly so since it is known to give an impressive look to every bride in just one shot.
As opposed to traditional Indian dresses like sarees and Anarkali that require hours of styling and pleating, lehengas can be simply slipped into without worrying about much else.
Traditionally, a lehenga includes a flared skirt and a blouse that goes by the name of choli, along with a dupatta.
While it is true that lehengas cannot be worn easily owing to the number of fabrics used, there is no denying the fact that they come in various styles and are incredibly versatile when it comes to styling.
Best occasions to wear a lehenga are:
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Bridal wear
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Engagements
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Sangeet functions
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Weddings and receptions
The biggest advantage of wearing lehengas is the way it looks when clicked in pictures and how elegant a person feels in such attire.
However, on the downside, it may feel heavy and tiring because of its intricate detailing and multiple fabrics.
When should you opt for a lehenga outfit? If your goal is to wear something showstopping and regal-looking, a lehenga is an excellent choice indeed.
Why Drape Saree -Chic and Stylish Ethnic Dress
If you want to wear something modern and fashionable and yet do not have to go through the pain of pleating your outfit, why not select a drape saree? It is essentially a saree that is already pleated and hence does not need any other efforts from the wearer.
A drape saree looks like a saree that has been stitched in a way that the pleats remain intact. This means that they are worn like skirts and require little or no effort on the part of the wearer.
When it comes to drape sarees, they are best suited for the following occasions:
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Cocktail functions
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Engagements
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Receptions
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Destination weddings
What we love about the drape sarees is how easy it is to wear them and dance around in them since there won't be anything that could bother the wearer.
In addition to this, they come in numerous styles that range from pairing the same with a belt or a jacket for a chic look.
When should you opt for a drape saree? If you are tired of the pain associated with wearing pleated sarees, why not try out a drape saree then?
Why Anarkali -Easy to Wear and Stylish Too
If you want something easy to wear and not necessarily extravagant, Anarkalis are just the thing that you require for your wedding functions.
In comparison to both lehengas and drape sarees, Anarkalis require very little effort in styling and wearing and yet give an elegant and beautiful look.
Anarkalis work perfectly for the following events:
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Mehendi functions
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Haldi ceremonies
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Daytime weddings
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Intimate family gathering
Why do we like Anarkalis the most? They are super comfortable to wear and offer the freedom to move as they are designed in a way that fits perfectly around the body.
Apart from this, you get a huge range of colours and designs in Anarkalis, ranging from light pastels to heavily embellished floor-length ones.
When should you opt for an Anarkali? If you are looking for something comfortable and easy to wear, a lehenga is definitely the choice to consider.
Comparison Chart Between Lehenga, Drape Saree, and Anarkali Ethnic Dresses
Comparing the above-given ethnic dresses based on several aspects can clear the confusion to a great extent.
Appearance and Effect:
Largest effect -lehenga
Most modern appearance -drape saree
Soft and elegant appearance -Anarkali
Level of Comfort:
Maximum comfort level -Anarkali
Moderate comfort level -drape saree
Minimal comfort level -lehenga
Ease of Wearing:
Easiest wear and go dress -Anarkali
Second easiest to wear outfit -drape saree
Difficult wear and go outfit -lehenga
Best Event Fit:
Best for grand wedding event -lehenga
Most suitable for evening functions -drape saree
Suitable for small functions -Anarkali
Latest Trends in Wedding Fashion
With fashion being the latest trend that every bride wants to follow, the latest styles in lehenga, drape saree, and Anarkali are given below:
LATEST LEHENGA TRENDS: pastel lehenga, cape dupatta, monotone lehenga sets, organza lehenga
LATEST DRAPE SARIE TRENDS: ruffled drape saree, pant-style drape saree, metallic finish
LATEST ANARKALI TRENDS: layer anarkali with jackets, cape-style anarkali dresses, minimal embroidery
Selecting Based on Body Shape and Type
Some outfits suit particular body types and hence, need to be picked up after understanding one's body type properly.
Lehengas are best suited for most body shapes, with A-line being the most preferred style.
Drape sarees tend to define a woman's body with style.
Anarkalis give the grace of movement and flow that most women look for.
Ethnic Fabrics to Make Your Wedding Outfit More Comfortable
You must choose an outfit based on its fabric as well, since it affects your wedding outfit significantly.
LEHENGAS: velvet lehenga, silk, organza lehenga
DRAPE SARIES: stretchable, satin drape saree, crepe drape saree
ANARKALI: chiffon, georgette, cotton anarkali
Season-Wise Outfit Recommendation
Based on the season in which the wedding is taking place, here are some suggestions based on lehenga vs drape saree vs Anarkali ethnic wear:
SUMMER TIPS: lightweight Anarkali, airy drape saree
WINTER TIPS: Lehenga with velvet and heavy materials
MONSOON TIPS: shorter outfits
Cost Comparison Between Lehenga, Drape Saree, and Anarkali Ethnic Dresses
Depending upon the fabric and embroidery work, the prices of these dresses vary greatly.
Most expensive dress -lehenga
Moderately priced dress -drape saree
Most affordable dress -Anarkali
Popular Mistakes When Choosing an Ethnic Dress
Since ethnic dresses are highly complicated outfits, there are certain things that need to be taken care of in order to avoid mistakes.
Picking heavy outfits for long daytime events
Overdoing the accessorising of modern outfits
Failing to check the comfort of shoes
Choosing an outfit irrespective of the event theme
Conclusion
Choosing a Lehenga, a Drape saree vs anarkali can be difficult if you don't understand the pros and cons of each.
A Lehenga offers you a chance to create your own statement look.
Drape saree provides convenience and modern styling options.
An Anarkali is ideal when you want something more comfortable and less glamorous.
Therefore, while it's good to follow fashion trends, it's important to think about how you are going to wear the outfit.
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