Bridesmaid Sharara Set: The Easy Alternative to a Lehenga

A sharara set gives you the flare and festive feel of a lehenga with the ease of a suit. For bridesmaids who'll be sitting, dancing and running around all day, it's often the most comfortable choice in the group.

Why bridesmaids love shararas

• Easy to move in: each leg flares on its own, so walking, sitting on the floor and dancing are simple.

• More coverage: a kurta over the sharara suits anyone who'd rather not wear a crop top.

• Re-wearable: the kurta and the sharara can be worn separately later.

What to customise

Kurta length

Short kurta (to the hip) for a modern look, mid-length for a classic one, or a long kurta for more coverage.

Flare

A soft sharara, or a farshi sharara that pools on the floor for a dramatic look.

Neckline and sleeves

Short or three-quarter sleeves keep wet henna safe at the mehndi.

Embroidery

Gota, mirror and thread work suit a sharara. Light work at the neck and hem keeps it easy to wear.

Dupatta

Light and pinned, or draped across one shoulder. See bridesmaid dupatta draping.

Which functions suit a sharara

• Mehndi: the classic. See bridesmaid outfits for mehndi.

• Sangeet: great for dancing. See sangeet outfits.

• Haldi: in yellow or pink cotton. See haldi outfits.

Shararas in a matching group

Shararas mix beautifully with lehengas in "same colour, different styles": everyone in one palette, some in shararas, some in lehengas. Or everyone in shararas in different colours for a bright mehndi line-up. Read the three ways to match.

Getting shararas made

Our guide to customised sharara sets has more detail. For a group, start a bridesmaid and family order about four weeks before the first function. Each person sends her own measurements through her own link, and there's no minimum group size.