A Banarasi saree is one of the most loved choices for a bride, because its richness is part of the fabric itself and it becomes a piece the family keeps for years. At House of Daisy on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, we do not make the fabric; we help brides style Banarasi-style sarees and brocades for the wedding day, with a blouse cut and tailored to their measurements and a dupatta and drape planned around them.
Style your Banarasi look with us
What makes a saree Banarasi?
The name comes from Varanasi (Banaras), where these sarees have long been made on handlooms. What sets them apart is that the pattern is created in the loom: extra threads, often zari, are worked into the fabric as it is made, so the motifs are part of the cloth rather than embroidered on top. Silk is the classic base, though Banarasi-style fabrics also come in organza, georgette and other bases.
Which motifs and styles will I see?
- Butis and butas: small scattered motifs, often flowers or paisleys, across the body.
- Jaal: an all-over net-like pattern of connected motifs, very rich for a bride.
- Kadhua work: each motif is made separately in the loom, which takes longer and looks especially fine.
- Wide zari borders and pallus: the border and pallu carry the heaviest pattern, often with paisleys, florals or architectural shapes.
- Tanchoi and cutwork styles: lighter looks where the pattern sits more flatly or the loose threads at the back are trimmed.
How can I judge a genuine handloom Banarasi by its weave?
Without lab tests, nobody can be certain from a glance, but these signs help:
- Turn it over. On a handloom piece with extra-weft motifs, the back usually shows floating threads between motifs, and the pattern is readable in reverse.
- Look for small irregularities. Handwork tends to have tiny variations; perfectly uniform rows can point to a power loom.
- Check the selvedge and border. Look for neatness and consistency along the edge.
- Ask about certification. Genuine Banaras handloom products can carry a Geographical Indication tag and handloom marks; ask the seller to show them.
- Understand the zari. Real zari uses silver; most sarees today use tested zari, a plated copper thread. Ask which yours uses.
Our own embroidery uses tested zari, never real zari.
How do I make a Banarasi saree feel bridal?
- Choose a deep, rich colour such as red, maroon, rani or gold, or any colour you love.
- Let the pallu show: a drape that brings it over the shoulder or across the front shows the pattern in photos.
- Design a blouse that echoes the border, perhaps with a little zardozi or dabka at the neck.
- Add a sheer head dupatta in net or organza edged with gota or a matching border.
What can House of Daisy make for my Banarasi look?
We tailor and drape; we do not make the fabric. If you have a family Banarasi or one you have chosen, we can cut and tailor the blouse to your measurements and design a dupatta to go with it. We can also make a saree for you on a Banarasi-style brocade base with embroidered borders, choosing fabric, colour, neckline, sleeves, embroidery and placement one by one. Pieces we make to order are made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier.
Your designer shares a sketch for your approval and shows you an embroidery sample before the whole piece is made. For ready sarees to look at first, see our saree collection, and read how our free design consultation works.
When should I start?
For made-to-order bridal pieces, start at least 8 weeks before the wedding; the timing of sketch and fittings depends on the work. Pricing depends on fabric, embroidery and hours of work, with a quote after the sketch, before any work starts.
Visit us at Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram. We are open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM. Bridal consultations are by appointment, and walk-ins are welcome to see pieces.
Questions brides ask
Do you weave Banarasi sarees?
No. We do not make the fabric. We tailor Banarasi-style sarees and brocades, design blouses and dupattas, and embroider made-to-order pieces.
Can you make a blouse for my mother's Banarasi?
Yes. We cut and tailor a new blouse to your measurements and can design a matching dupatta.
Is real zari common today?
Most sarees use tested zari. Our own embroidery uses tested zari, not real zari.
Which colour Banarasi suits a bride?
Red, maroon, rani and gold are classic, but any colour you love can work.
Banarasi saree asli hai kaise pata karein?
Ulta karke dekhiye, handloom mein peeche dhaage dikhte hain. GI tag aur handloom mark bhi maangiye.
Kya aap Banarasi saree ke saath dupatta bana sakte hain?
Haan. Saree ke border se milta hua dupatta aur naap ka blouse hum design karte hain.
Written by the House of Daisy studio · Ask us anything on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)