A few weeks ago, I had a pregnancy photoshoot in a silk saree that holds a special place in my heart and wardrobe. It’s not just any Kanchipuram silk saree—it’s the very one I wore to my brother’s wedding 12 years ago. Yes, you read that right, it’s a 12-year-old saree! Back then, I was in grad school and couldn’t visit India early for shopping, and online shopping wasn’t an option. I spotted this saree in a Pothys commercial, and my brother and sister-in-law surprised me by getting it for me, making it even more meaningful and unforgettable.
There’s something magical about wearing a saree with history. My Kanchipuram saree is a deep, vibrant shade of pink and Orange, one of my favorite combinations with intricate gold zari that catches the light most beautifully. I still remember the excitement of my brother’s wedding, and how this saree was a part of that celebration. A decade later, re-wearing it brings back those memories, but with the added joy of expecting my second child. It’s like I’ve come full circle, celebrating a new milestone with the same cherished outfit.
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Pregnancy Photoshoot In a Silk Saree
Here’s a picture of me on the left from 2012 and the right from my recent pregnancy photoshoot. I didn’t plan to recreate the look, but I ended up choosing a similar blouse and jewelry. After all, what could be more traditional for a South Indian than a Vandanam (waist belt), Buttalu (jhumkas), and a Kasulaperu necklace?
Tips On Styling a Silk Saree For Pregnancy Photoshoot
Styling a silk saree during pregnancy can be both elegant and comfortable with a few thoughtful adjustments. Whether you’re attending a traditional event or doing a maternity photoshoot, a silk saree can beautifully highlight or hide your baby bump depending on your preference while staying true to your traditions. With the right draping techniques, accessories, and blouse choices, you can effortlessly blend comfort with timeless elegance. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you look and feel your best while embracing this special phase of life in a stunning silk saree.
1.Pick a Lightweight Silk Saree: Unless you have help, avoid choosing heavy silk sarees, as they can be cumbersome and difficult to drape and move in. Instead, opt for lightweight options like lightweight Kanchipuram silk, Gadwal silk, soft silk, mulberry silk, Venkatagiri silk saree, and the most popular choice for maternity shoots- Mysore silk—or even a Mashroo Banarasi silk saree for a more comfortable yet elegant look.
2. Keep your Accessories Simple: Let your baby bump be the focal point and keep the rest minimal. A pair of gold jhumkas, a temple necklace, and a simple set of bangles will beautifully enhance the traditional look without overpowering it.
3. Add a Waist Belt (Vandanam): If you are pleating the front pallu, highly recommend adding a waist belt (vandanam) to create a more defined drape and highlight your bump. It also adds a traditional touch to the outfit.
4. Emphasize the Bump with a Flowing Front Pallu: If you’re wearing a Mysore silk or any soft silk saree, allow the front pallu to flow loosely for a graceful, effortless look. While posing, gently frame your belly with your hands to highlight your bump in the most flattering way. This adds a soft, ethereal touch to your maternity photoshoot, making you look like a living work of art.
5. Floral Gajra for a Traditional Touch– Adorn your hair with fresh flowers, like jasmine (mallepuvvu), for a classic South Indian touch. They beautifully complement the silk saree and add a delicate, feminine charm. If fresh flowers aren’t available, this artificial gajra set from Amazon looks incredibly realistic and even has a fragrance, though I’m not entirely fond of the artificial scent.
6. Opt for a box pleating service or hire a professional saree drapist– If you’re feeling unsure or intimidated about draping a silk saree, consider opting for a box pleating service. You can send your saree to a professional drapist, who will pleat and pin it for you, making it much easier to wear. This is especially helpful if you need to change sarees during a shoot or for your baby shower event. Another great option is to hire a hair and makeup artist (HMUA) who can also drape your saree.
7. You don’t have to show your bump in a maternity shoot- Many women, myself included, feel hesitant about showing the baby bump. You can choose to show just a hint of it, like I did in the pictures, or keep it fully covered and still look cute and fashionable. Opting for a Choli blouse that’s long enough to cover your midriff is a great option if you don’t want to show any belly. That’s the beauty of the saree—it’s one of the most modest and elegant outfits you can wear.
8. Different Drapes You Can Try– Don’t hesitate to experiment with different saree drapes for your shoot. My personal favorite is the traditional South Indian drape with a Vandanam (waist belt), but I also love the Marathi-style draping, which I’ll be sharing in my upcoming pictures. Another stunning option is to pair your saree with a choli blouse for a more modest look or style it with a zari lace dupatta or shawl for a regal, elegant touch.
9. Comfortable Underskirt– Invest in a stretchable saree silhouette or a traditional cotton petticoat for maximum comfort and ease of movement. Maternity underskirts are also a great option, offering extra space around the waist and hips. I wore a Tiabhuva saree silhouette, which I’m not too fond of for the baby bump, as it kept rolling down.
10. Minimal Hairdo and Makeup– The pregnancy glow is beautiful on its own—you don’t need to overdo it with heavy makeup, especially since some products may not be safe during pregnancy. Personally, I prefer a lightweight clean foundation, thin eyeliner and kajal, a simple bindi, a clean blush, and bold lipstick to enhance the natural glow. In the pictures, the makeup done by the HMUA was a bit heavier than what I typically prefer.
For your hairdo, there are several beautiful options to complement your silk saree and enhance your look. You can go for a classic bun adorned with a gajra for a timeless, traditional appeal. Alternatively, a simple braid embellished with fresh flowers can add a soft, feminine touch. For a more modern yet elegant look, try a mermaid braid, accessorized with delicate hairpins or floral accents.
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Kanchipuram Saree From Pothy’s
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