Weddings have a way of sweeping us into a lovely blend of excitement, rituals, colours, and decisions we make quickly and confidently. When I look back at my own wedding shopping in 2013, I often smile and also feel a gentle tug of “I wish I had known a bit more.”
My budget was around ₹1 lakh, and like most South Indian brides, I went straight to Kanchipuram. A few hours in a familiar store and most of my trousseau was decided. Each saree had its designated ceremony. The rest came from Hyderabad, a heavy embroidered saree and a few lighter ones for temple visits and rituals.
At that time, it felt straightforward and efficient.
But years later, as I slowly stepped deeper into the world of Indian crafts and handloom, I realised how much richness I had unknowingly missed. And that’s the thought behind this note, something I wish younger brides would consider before beginning their saree journey.
What I Would Choose Now and What I Hope Every Bride Thinks About
If I could redo my wedding shopping, I wouldn’t limit myself to one town, one loom, or one tradition. I would see it as an opportunity to curate a wedding wardrobe that reflects the extraordinary textile landscape of India.
Not just sarees… but stories.
Not just purchases… but pieces of culture.
Here’s the collection I would build today and the one I recommend every bride at least explore:
Heirloom Classics
Timeless, luxurious pieces that become family treasures.
- Kanchipuram
- Banaras
- Patola
- Paithani
- Kani Weave
- Baluchari
Mid-Range Cultural Staples
Elegant, versatile, and perfect for pre-wedding functions:
- Gadwal
- Venkatagiri
- Ikkat (Pochampally, Odisha, Gujarat)
- Kalamkari
- Ilkal Silk
- Jamdani
- Chanderi
- Maheshwari
- Kota Doria
- Sambalpuri
Everyday Heritage Weaves
Comfortable, rooted, and full of life.
- Ajrakh
- Ilkal Cotton
- Patteda Anchu
- Kantha Work
- Mangalgiri Cotton
- Pochampally Cotton
- Bagru / Dabu Prints
- Kasavu
- Kutch Embroidered Cotton
- Northeast Tribal Weaves
- Phulkari
- Khun
- Gollabhama Sarees
More Than Shopping — Make It a Journey
If you choose to explore different weaving regions, it becomes more than wedding shopping.
Travel with your mother, grandmother, cousins, or best friends. Capture photos, record small vlogs, scribble notes, collect memories. Years later, these moments will hold more value than the sarees themselves.
Where My Journey Led Me
It was only after my wedding that I slowly found myself drawn to handloom — the stories, the artistry, the people behind the loom. That curiosity eventually shaped itself into Modhaka, a space where I bring together textiles I truly believe in.
I didn’t start Modhaka because I had all the answers.
I started it because I realised how much beauty, craft, and soul exists in the handmade world — pieces I personally love and wanted to bring to people who value them.
Modhaka is my way of curating the textiles and crafts that speak to me, and sharing them with those who appreciate thoughtful, handcrafted work.
That’s why writing this first blog feels meaningful. It ties together where I began as a bride and where I stand today as a founder.
I am Keerthi Polepalle, an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, and my passion for Indian traditional handicrafts shapes the vision behind Modhaka. I am committed to supporting artisan communities by purchasing directly from them and ensuring they receive fair and sustainable prices for their craft.
A Wedding Wardrobe With Soul
Your wedding saree collection doesn’t have to be rushed or predictable. With a little intention, it can become a beautiful mix of heritage, culture, and memories — a wardrobe you’ll cherish long after the wedding is over.
If I could rewind time, that is exactly what I would do.
And that is what I hope younger brides consider today.
PS: I’ve included many of the weaves I personally love and hope to collect. Please do your own research and choose pieces that resonate with you. India is a land of stunning handcrafted traditions — and I genuinely believe this is the right time to support them, because many of these crafts may quietly fade away if we don’t.