The Gen-Z bridesmaid is slipping into pre-draped saris

There was a time when bridesmaids would spend hours (aka watch ‘How to’ videos on YouTube on loop), perfecting the art of the drape. Pleats had to be crisp, the pallu just so, and safety pins were tucked into secret corners like booby traps. But today’s bridesmaid has other plans. She’s trading in the drama of traditional yards for something quicker, easier and convenient to pack for a destination wedding. The pre-stitched sari, once the underdog of Indian fashion, has emerged as a wedding season favourite. No, this isn’t just about laziness. The hybrid sari lets the bridesmaids do their thing and move without fear, without a tangled train. It offers all the glamour of a sari without the gravity of perfectly aligned pleats threatening to collapse mid-celebration.

Today’s brides and bridesmaids are embracing it as their first choice, not a last resort.  Shweta Kapur opted for a reimagined sari silhouette from her label 431-88, finished with a pearl-dusted cape that nailed quiet elegance without the drama. Alekha Advani, who wore a Tarun Tahiliani ensemble featuring a sculpted blouse and pre-pleated sari that draped like a dream, was structured, effortless, and celebration-ready.

Function meets fashion

The stitched sari checks all the boxes a modern bridesmaid is looking for: convenience, comfort, movement, structure, and style. With this hybrid sari, there are no pleats to perfect, no pallus to anchor with industrial-strength pins, no heavy petticoats strangling your waist, and no last-minute calls to that one cousin or BFF who’s good at draping. It has moved from functional to fashionable. You can slip it on like a gown, zip it up in minutes, and still look like you spent hours getting ready. (Spoiler: you didn’t!)

Designers are in on the shift, too

The pre-draped silhouette has also gone through a glow-up. Today’s versions come with dramatic drapes, exaggerated shoulders, floor-grazing capes, slits, feathers, sequins, fringe, and corset blouses. Designers are leaning in, creating pieces that feel less like a shortcut and more like a style statement. Gaurav Gupta Couture offers sari gowns with their gravity-defying drapes and celestial shimmer. Manish Malhotra’s sequin-stuffed creations, seen on Khushi Kapoor and Kiara Advani, deliver high drama without any of the logistical stress. Shantnu Nikhil Couture offers a bold, structured approach with belted waists and edgy cuts that give the sari a modern bite.

Others are interpreting it through a gentler lens. Rahul Mishra’s iterations carry his signature embroidery, combining craft with wearability. Gopi Vaid plays with frills and vivid colour, ideal for more casual, daytime functions. Payal Singhal leans into relaxed silhouettes with metallic accents, offering pieces that feel light but still festive. Surily G and Monisha Jaising bring in shine and playful touches, while Shanti reworks traditional weaves into silhouettes that are lighter and easier to wear.

But is it still a ‘real’ sari?

Some wonder if a stitched version even counts as a ‘real’ sari. But that depends on what you believe a sari should do. The stitched sari is not replacing the traditional one, and naturally, not everyone’s on board. There may be whispers from the aunt who raises an eyebrow and mutters, “Back in our day, we draped our own saris.” Tradition, after all, has always prized effort. A hand-draped sari is seen as a rite of passage—a symbol of patience, skill, and bonding with the matriarchs. But we do love fashion when it plays with tradition. And the pre-draped sari is having its moment, and we’re here for it!

The bottom line?

More than anything, this trend is about options. Bridesmaids today are choosing pieces that reflect their personalities, not just their Pinterest boards. If the goal is to feel beautiful, confident, and ready to be at the bride’s side, the stitched sari delivers (with interest). Want to go full Banarasi for the pheras and a stitched sari for the reception? Go for it. Prefer pleated perfection for portraits and something sassier for the after-party? Even better.