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Do you remember the one person everyone turns to at a family wedding to fix a sari? Today, that expert is no longer a helpful relative but a professional — and their skills are in high demand. As the wedding season begins, sari drapers or drape artists are joining the ranks of planners, caterers, and photographers, helping women perfect one of India’s most iconic garments.
“Brides now want their lehengas and saris to look perfect– neat, elegant, and tailored to their personality for their big day,” said Mayuri Biyani, 42, who has over 15 years of experience as a professional sari draper.
That demand is growing rapidly. Shruthi Chandramouli, 32, shared that she has hired sari drapers for “about four to five events in the past year”. “I’ve received nothing but compliments on how neat my sari looks on those days. It’s truly worth hiring one,” she told indianexpress.com.
Mayuri agreed, adding that her “calendar is usually fully booked in November and December for bridal draping assignments across the world”. “Most of my dates get reserved in the first half of the year, reflecting the trust clients place in my work,” she said.
Sari draping is more than just wrapping fabric; it’s a craft that requires an understanding of body types, fabrics, and aesthetics. “I’ve been draping saris professionally for 45 years now, and I take complete pride in calling myself a sari draping artist. It’s not just about folding fabric — it’s about bringing grace, confidence, and culture alive through each pleat,” said Kalpana B. Shah, 76.
Each fabric behaves differently – silk, chiffon, and organza all require unique handling. “It’s about transforming six or nine yards of fabric into a look that reflects grace, confidence, and individuality,” said Mayuri.
The goal, added Shubhangi Rajendra Chaudhari, 25, from Nashik, is always to make sure the person looks graceful but also feels comfortable enough to move, sit, and enjoy her event freely. “A perfect drape doesn’t just look good in pictures, it feels good in reality.”
Saris are incredibly versatile and timeless, allowing professionals to experiment with traditional, modern, or fusion drapes. “Clients often want looks that are creative and unique, something no one has draped before. and sometimes, I create those on the spot,” said Mayuri.
Archhana Maantri, 45, from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, claims to know “360 different ways to drape a sari, including pre-ironing, box pleating, and fluffy pleating”.
The first person that ‘expert drapepreneur’ Dolly Jain, 52, ever draped was the late actor Sridevi. Recalling how she began her journey, Dolly, told indianexpress.com that she wasn’t even a professional sari drape artist. “I would only wear saris properly. When I was draping Sridevi ji, she saw my fingers and said, ‘I have been wearing saris ever since I was a child artist, but there is something about your fingers…the way they move, the way they make pleats…and then she said, Why don’t you take it up as a profession? I was always a die-hard fan of hers, and whatever she said, I had to do it! So, I started working on it.”
For Parul Jani, a London-based draper, the journey began at home. “I was always helping family members with their saris at functions, that gave me the idea to make this a profession and keep the tradition alive,” she said.
For Shubhangi, it started with curiosity and a moment of self-reflection. “When my sister-in-law asked me to drape her sari, I realised I didn’t even know where to start. That day made me question myself — how could I, as an Indian woman, not know something that’s such an important part of our culture?”
Determined to learn, she joined an online draping course and practiced daily with her mother. “Sometimes my pleats went wrong ten times in a row, but I continued. When my drape finally looked perfect, I felt emotional satisfaction I can’t forget,” she recalled.
As she began sharing her work online, other women showed interest. “I started offering free sari draping classes for almost a year. The response was incredible,” she said.
Archhana, who initially offered draping as part of her makeup services, turned professional after discovering inspiring artists like Dolly Jain. She now holds an India Book of Records entry for draping a sari in just 22 seconds.
Mayuri added that she wants to make sari draping “more wearable, experimental, accessible, and enjoyable, not just for today’s generation but for older ones as well”. “I’ve taught women of all ages, from college students to women in their 60s. Many hadn’t worn saris in years, but now they’re learning again, even turning it into a career.”
The wedding season may be peak time, but sari draping is in demand year-round. “Soon-to-be brides often come to learn sari draping so they can confidently drape themselves after marriage. It’s a mix of professional services and teaching,” said Mayuri.
Beyond weddings, sari drapers are booked for engagements, baby showers, pre-wedding shoots, corporate events, milestone birthdays, and even farewell functions. “Any event where a woman wants to look her best,” said Mayuri.
Kalpana drapes for photoshoots, films, ad campaigns, fashion shows, and cultural festivals. “The sari never goes out of style; it’s timeless,” she said.
Among celebrities, Mayuri has draped for Lara Dutta, Tabu, and Deepti Salgaocar, the youngest sister of Mukesh and Anil Ambani. “One of my most cherished experiences was draping Lara Dutta at Lakmé Fashion Week, where she was the showstopper for designer Sanjukta Dutta. Another unforgettable moment was draping Deepti Salgaocar for Akash Ambani’s wedding; it felt like a dream come true,” she said.
Kalpana recalled draping Aishwarya Rai early in her career. “Seeing her walk gracefully in the sari I draped gave me goosebumps; that moment made me realise I had chosen the right path.”
Archhana recently draped Farah Khan for an event. “Her appreciation meant a lot; it was truly special,” she said.
These professionals travel extensively across India and abroad for assignments. “I’ve worked in Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai, and last year I travelled to Italy for a wedding,” said Mayuri.
Dolly, 52, Kolkata, expressed, “I am so glad that I chose a path where it doesn’t require a lot of investment.”
According to Shubhangi, “This art has completely changed my life; it gave me confidence, financial stability, and a deep sense of purpose.”
Mayuri added that sari draping can be a well-paying profession. “On average, I earn a few lakh rupees a month, depending on the season and number of events.”
Teaching sari draping is also a year-round activity. “With the growing appreciation for Indian wear and social media exposure, sari draping has become a respected and well-paying career,” she said.
Many of Shubhangi’s students have gone on to “restart their careers, support their families, or rediscover their self-worth”. “That’s the most fulfilling part of this journey,” she said.
The work is physically demanding: long hours, travel, and multiple clients in a day. “Another challenge is constantly innovating drape styles to stay relevant in the age of social media,” said Mayuri.
She added that teaching first-timers can also be difficult. “But the love and appreciation I receive make every bit of effort worthwhile.”
For these artists, sari draping is more than a profession; it’s a legacy. “It’s not just about fashion — it’s about preserving a piece of India’s heritage,” said Kalpana, who also has her name in the Limca Book of Records for marathon sari draping and most styles draped. “I always tell young artists: respect your craft, stay humble, and keep learning — every pleat teaches you something new.”
