Lehenga vs sari: Stylist Tanya Vohra helps you pick a phera-perfect side

It’s one of the most photographed moments of your life. You’re walking down the aisle, entering the mandap, or seated for your nikah, in the outfit you’ll look back on for decades. No pressure, right?

For generations, the lehenga has reigned supreme as the default silhouette for brides. Voluminous, regal, often stitched in the heaviest brocade a bride will ever wear—the lehenga is still the go-to for many. “The majority of brides still lean towards lehengas for the main wedding ceremony,” says stylist Tanya Vohra of Clad, a bridal styling and consultancy service known for curating thoughtful, personalised wedding wardrobes. “It continues to be the classic bridal silhouette.”

But lately, there’s been a shift. The sari—in both traditional forms and updated with modern touches—is having a quiet resurgence, especially among younger brides seeking a more personal, culturally rooted expression of bridal style. “Brides opting for more intimate or culturally rooted weddings often gravitate towards the sari,” Vohra adds. “It feels more personal and traditional in those settings, and that authenticity really resonates with them.”

So how do you choose?

According to Vohra, it boils down to a mix of tradition, body type, practicality—and a gut-level sense of what feels right. “Comfort and mobility are key considerations now,” she says. “Saris are often seen as lighter and more fuss-free, especially for brides who want to move around freely and enjoy their day.”

There’s also longevity to think about: a wedding sari is easier to repurpose post-wedding, worn again at friends’ weddings, future family events, or reimagined as an heirloom. And from a styling perspective, the sari’s versatility has never been more evident—think dramatic veils, sculptural blouses, and bold jewellery—all of which can be added, removed, mixed and matched. “Many brides in the US, for instance, are choosing to modernise the sari, styling it with a veil or a custom blouse,” says Vohra. “It’s beautiful to see how they’re honouring tradition while adding their own twist.”

Of course, the lehenga has its own strengths. It’s statement-making. It photographs beautifully. And if you’ve dreamt of twirling in one since you were 12, now’s your chance. “A lehenga can feel grand and regal,” she says, “while a sari brings a timeless, understated elegance.”

What if you want both?

You’re not alone. “Most brides today want to explore multiple silhouettes across their wedding celebrations,” Vohra adds. “Where earlier brides often wore lehengas for all events, now we see them mixing it up—a lehenga for the sangeet or mehendi, and a sari for the wedding ceremony or reception.”

Her advice for the indecisive: “Start with what feels most authentic to you. Think about the mood of your wedding, your comfort, and most importantly, what silhouette makes you feel your best.”

Because at the end of the day, it’s not really a lehenga versus sari decision. It’s about dressing for the version of yourself you most want to remember.