06 Wedding Guest Attire Inspirations

The below outfit styles are a collaboration between Kay Deane, The Saree Library - an Online Saree Rentals service in Sri Lanka and Nethmi Muramudalige - a Designer & Professional Makeup Artist. All Sarees used to style the outfits are those currently available for rent at The Saree Library.

1. The Garden Wedding

Make like a macaroon and wear a pastel saree that compliments the colours of a tropical garden. This mint-green Georgette saree is a light and breezy choice for an afternoon outdoor wedding. An off the shoulder top, that is tied under the bust adds interest without excess detail. The effect is charmingly simple when paired with dainty pearl earrings and a metallic clutch. Did you notice how the paired down jewellery actually draws the eye to the saree border?

2. The Mehendi Ceremony

Keeping with the upbeat nature of Mehendi ceremonies, it is best to opt for brighter colours such as the black and ombré Georgette saree pictured above. You won't be lost in the crowds and will stand out if you add a few extra details like a black braided belt and a long-sleeved shirt as a saree blouse. A belt also comes in handy to keep your saree in place if you are going to join in during the dancing! Be sure to push your sleeves back if you are getting Mehendi designs done on your hands as henna does tend to stain. Keep your hairdo and makeup simple if you plan on wearing dangly earrings.

3. The Beach Wedding

There is something about the way shades of peach, lime, coral and yellow pop against the vast stretch of blue of sea and sky that make an ice cream coloured saree a visually striking choice for a beach wedding. A bikini top in complementary colours is a perfect choice for a more relaxed wedding. Strappy flat sandals are all you need to complete this fuss-free yet fancy look. 4. The Unconventional Wedding

You can't go wrong with a saree such as the royal blue raw silk one pictured above. Combine with a pair of pointy-toed flats that are a practical choice for an Unconventional wedding. Drape the saree so the bottom grazes your ankle bone while pleating so the skirt has a bit of volume that floats away from your hips. A necklace attached to the saree at hip level along with minimalist earrings and bangles will seamlessly transition this saree from a workday to a cocktail wedding. You now have a look that is effortless, elegant and easy to walk in!

5. Destination Wedding

A Kanjeevaram saree is a classic choice for a destination wedding. A traditional colour such as burgundy is far from predictable when you accessorize with your sunglasses and a bit of bling. Show off your waist without showing too much skin by combining a traditional style of drape with a glittery belt. For maximum harmony, the belt should be in a similar tone to the saree border. A tank top is an ideal contrast for such a traditional choice of saree because it prevents the outfit from looking too matronly.

6. Wedding in the Hills

Linen and leather are a chic choice for a wedding taking place in the cooler climate of Nuwara Eliya. This modern classic combination is basically the little black dress of saree outfits! This minimalist look goes with its simple jewel-toned borders and is the ideal canvas on which to unleash your creativity. You can go as heavy as you want with the accessories as the saree is pretty minimalist. The leather jacket is not only a whole vibe in itself but also a considerably practical choice for cooler nighttime weddings.

Menik Senanayake is a writer and blogger living in Toronto, Canada. She’s a polyglot who ironically prefers the company of animals over people. You can read her travel stories at lavenderlune.org and follow her on Instagram here.