A classic lehenga set is quintessential Indian bridal attire and comprises a lehenga skirt, a blouse, and a dupatta. While the three-piece lehenga is enough for simpler occasions like the engagement, sangeet ceremony and reception, the wedding day demands a look that is more elevated and complex. Enter the additional dupatta for creating a bridal double dupatta style.
The second dupatta not only enhances the beauty of the attire but also adds complexity, grace and drama. Whether you opt for the monochromatic, classic saree-style dupatta draping or the contemporary-inspired belted drape, the double dupatta look is sure to elevate your bridal look and create a picture-perfect bridal statement.
What Is a Bridal Double Dupatta Style?
This particular style is fairly popular among modern brides and involves draping two dupattas to create the ideal bridal look. One dupatta is usually draped around the torso, and the second one is placed on the head to complete the bridal look. However, there are several ways in which the two dupattas can be draped to achieve stunning bridal looks.
Trending Bridal Double Dupatta Style Draping Ideas
While there are numerous dupatta draping styles, here are some of the trending ones to inspire your bridal look.
Classic One Dupatta on Head, One on Shoulder
This elegant dupatta draping style depicts a classic arrangement that involves placing one dupatta neatly pleated and pinned on the shoulder, and the second dupatta fixed on the head with equal parts of the dupatta cascading on both sides and the back, mimicking a veil.
Gujrati-Inspired Bridal Double Dupatta Draping
The Gujrati style, front-facing drape, or the seedha pallu, is a traditional draping style worn by Gujrati women. The first dupatta, or the heavier dupatta, is draped around the torso, pleated neatly and draped from back to front. The lighter dupatta is often draped over the head to mimic a veil and create a look that is rooted in culture and tradition.
Saree-Style Draping with a Second Dupatta
This dupatta draping style combines the graceful drape of a saree with the voluminous flare of a bridal lehenga to create a balanced traditional look. The heavily embellished dupatta is draped around the body, creating a silhouette similar to a Nivi saree drape. The lightweight dupatta is placed and pinned over the head to mimic a veil in true bridal fashion.
Belted Double Dupatta Style for a Structured Look
This bridal double dupatta style infuses a contemporary, modern vibe into your wedding look. For this look, the dupattas are draped in a preferred style, followed by an embellished belt holding the dupatta in place. The belt not only adds to the beauty of the attire but also cinches in the waist, creating a flattering silhouette.
Cape-Style and Layered Draping for Contemporary Brides
As the name suggests, the cape-style dupatta draping involves styling one dupatta as a cape, secured on the shoulders. The second dupatta can be draped around the body or simply pleated and pinned on one shoulder for a contemporary twist.
How to Choose the Right Dupattas for a Double Dupatta Bridal Look
There are some key points to consider when choosing the dupattas for your double dupatta drape.
Balancing Weight
When creating a double dupatta look, the key lies in choosing dupattas that can be draped comfortably for extended hours without feeling heavy or restricting movement. Typically, one heavy dupatta and one lightweight dupatta are required to create a balanced double dupatta draping style.
For most double dupatta bridal draping styles, one dupatta is draped around the body, and the second is utilised as a veil or to cover the head. A heavier, embellished dupatta is usually draped around the body, and a lightweight dupatta is used for the head.
Best Fabrics for Head Dupatta
Lightweight fabrics like net, chiffon, organza and georgette are best suited for head dupattas as they are not bulky and are easy to carry.
Net and tulle are top picks for head dupattas, as they are not only lightweight but also add a dreamy look to the attire. Organza and georgette are also good options, especially if you don’t mind carrying a slightly heavier dupatta with detailed embroidery and embellishments.
Picking Colours That Complement the Lehenga
Typically, the dupatta or dupattas come in matching or contrasting lehenga colours.
Monochromatic
If you are aiming for a monochromatic look, opt for an exact colour match, or you can choose a dupatta in the same colour family but a different shade.
Contrasting
For a bold and striking look, choose dupattas in contrasting or complementary hues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Double Dupattas
While adding two dupattas to your bridal designer lehenga look is a great way to elevate your bridal attire, certain mistakes can be detrimental to it.
- Two heavy dupattas: With double dupattas, you must choose one heavy dupatta for draping around the torso and a lighter dupatta to carry over your head.
- Poor colour combination: If you are planning to add contrasting dupatta colours, do it in an aesthetic way. Consider different colour combinations that will look good together and complement the lehenga.
- Not securing the dupattas properly: The dupattas are meant to complete and elevate your bridal look, and should not add to your discomfort. Make sure your movement is not restricted when moving your arms or while walking.
- Choose appropriate length: The length of the dupattas should neither be too long to restrict your movement nor too short to look imbalanced.
FAQ’s
Is the bridal double dupatta style suitable for all brides?
There are several double dupatta draping styles, and, as a bride, you are bound to find your ideal style. Whether it is the classic Nivi saree-style drape and head veil or the modern belted double dupatta look, there is a suitable style available for every bride out there.
Can you reuse double dupatta looks for pre-wedding or reception events?
While the double dupatta look is more apt for the wedding day, you can wear a double dupatta look for pre-wedding and reception events as well. For these occasions, you can ditch the traditional draping styles and opt for a more contemporary draping style, like the cape or belted double dupatta drape.
How many pins and accessories do you need for secure draping?
For double dupatta draping, you typically require 5-7 pins. However, the complex draping styles may require even more.