The essential summer sari guide

It’s already here. The IMD has issued a heatwave alert in Maharashtra while forecasting rainfall in Delhi, which, as reports suggest, will bring some relief from the ‘unusually’ high temperatures in the capital. We’re talking about summer—the season of relentless heat, humidity, and the urge to shed every unnecessary layer.

But what if you have a summer wedding on the horizon—whether your own or one you’re attending—and need a sari wardrobe that’s as breezy as it is glamorous? Below, our curated guide to the season’s must-have sari trends.

Tissue saris

Delightfully sheer and effortlessly elegant, tissue saris strike the perfect balance between sultry and traditional. They’re not just a summer dream—they’re a wedding-season essential. Think Rahul Mishra’s floral-embroidered landscapes, adorned with poppies, dahlias and butterflies, perfect for daytime pheras or sundowner cocktails. Ekaya Banaras’s woven in Banarasi versions, in shades of dusty gold and pale pink, create a reception-worthy palette. Meanwhile, Oh Fab elevates the look by combining glistening tissue panels with silk, finishing their sari with a scalloped border of dabka and zardozi embroidery.

Pastel perfection

Pastel saris are the blueprint for effortless summer wedding style—soft, timeless, and exuding old-money elegance. Monisha Jaising reimagines them with tiered and frilled silhouettes in the season’s most coveted hue, sage green, infusing them with her signature shimmer. Asha Gautam and Ritu Kumar embrace pastel pink—Asha Gautam with a paithani sari bursting with oversized woven blooms, and Ritu Kumar with a pre-draped version covered in intricate embroidery.

Ombré magic

Why settle for one colour when you can revel in a mesmerising gradient? Designers like Amit Aggarwal, Monisha Jaising, and Shanti Banaras have mastered the art of ombré—imagine sunset pink melting into coral orange, lavender transitioning to pastel peach, or tangerine merging with fuchsia. Beyond the colours, Amit Aggarwal’s metallic ombrés, with their sunray pleats, feel futuristic yet festive. Shanti Banaras’ pure kota silk version is embroidered with imagery of the Eiffel Tower, while Monisha Jaising’s georgette drape is pre-stitched and paired with a corset top. For a playful spin, Tantuvi introduces striped ombré, layering pinks, blues, and greens with streaks of silver for a rainbow-like effect.

Carte blanche

Ivory, seashell, and vanilla might not be the conventional bridal choices, but they’re undeniably chic for grand receptions or intimate daytime weddings. A classic white-and-gold Kanjivaram is a no-brainer—especially Kanakavalli’s iconic silk version with gold zari checks. Nothing rivals the ethereal beauty of white-on-white chikankari, like the saris from Mekasa Fine Chikankari. For a modern twist, Payal Singhal’s 25th-anniversary collection featured silkmul and georgette saris sprinkled with metal-thread florals, while Lajjoo C’s nostalgic take included moon motifs—pure poetry in fabric.

Hybrid crafts

What happens when artisans push the boundaries of heritage weaves? They create hybrids that redefine tradition. At Ashdeen, Parsi Gara embroidery meets handcrafted bandhani in a striking fusion of technique—think vermillion red, emerald green and navy saris with signature Gara motifs like cranes and chrysanthemums, accented with bandhani waves. Meanwhile, the artisans at VRK Heritage blend Kanjivaram weaving with resham embroidery or Kalamkari painting on Kanchi silk, elevating classic saris to wearable masterpieces.

Final word

Summer weddings demand a delicate balance of ease and elegance, and this season’s sari trends deliver just that. Whether you’re drawn to ethereal pastels, contemporary ombrés, or timeless handlooms, there’s a sari for every sun-soaked celebration.