As Wedding occupies the important place in the Indian Custom, the same way lehenga occupies the important place in the hearts of brides.
The craze about lehenga can be approximated by the point that every Indian girl daydreams about their wedding outfits. Indian girls are fashion houses in themselves. Not to be surprised! They ponder about their dream wedding lehenga even before they choose their Man.
The famous dialog, "Lehenga To Main Designer He Pehnungi" from the movie Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya speaks volumes of the heart of every Indian bride to be.
Many of them go for the most favorite designer of ethnic wear, Sabyasachi. Many opt for Anita Dongre, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Manish Malhotra, 'Papa Don't Preach' By Subhika, and some of the popular designers in the market.
When you think about lehenga shopping, the name of Chandani chowk in the Indian capital city Delhi comes automatically in our mind.
The favorite hub for lehenga shopping among Brides and Bridesmaid is Delhi. When you have to buy lehenga, strolling around Dilli ki Galiya is a must for you. Chandani Chowk, Shahpur Jat, Hauz Khas are some of the popular lehnga shopping areas.
At Chandani Chowk, you may get the replica of your favorite designer lehenga, while at Shahpur Jat, you may get the lehenga created by some of the budding designers & boutiques. Though at Hauz Khas, you may visit the stores of some of the famous high profile designers like Ogaan, Dolly J, Astha Narang, Rimple and Harpreet, Papa Don't Preach By Subhika, Sulakshana Monga, and many more.
At Chandani Chowk, you can get lehenga starting from 10k to up to 2 lakh.
There are regular retailors and designers boutiques too at Chandani Chowk. Due to traffic, prices don't shoot high, but if you have a better taste of design, then you can get one of the best lehengas from the Chandani Chowk area.
Hunting for the best and bargaining till last breath works a lot at Chandani chowk.
If you don't like a crowded place like Chandani Chowk and still looking for budget lehenga, then you should visit Shahpur Jat. Bit clean, but you can get good stuff at Shahpur Jat with limited options.
Hauz Khas is the prime location of the most expensive lehengas sold out in Delhi though many designers get their work done at Chandani Chowk and nearby areas. Hauz Khas has showrooms of all elite designers in India. Never feel embarrassed if they first ask you your budget and then let you enter the Showroom.
Keep one thing in mind that you are special for your special day. Never hesitate while picking up things for your best day. And never shy to ask any questions before spending a single penny.
If you still have confusion about How to start picking lehenga designs?
Then there are a few ideas for you to start organizing your ideas.
1) Pinterest a lot-
Pinterest is a place where you can get millions of visual ideas about your lehenga. You can pin the lehenga of your choice and make your design boards. Pinterest can help you a lot in deciding your wedding outfit, accessories, etc.
2) Instagram for your wedding program-
Instagram is famous for its trending ideas. Keeping an eye on Instagram will help you to get accustomed to what's trending. You can get the concept of trending color, design, silhouettes of the current wedding season.
3) Take along your Mother and your fiance as your shopping companion-
Your Mother knows you very well. She knows about your taste and the kind of couturier you are. You may be wrong about yourself but she can never be. Moreover, she will handle your mood swings most patiently, which others cannot.
Trust me! It will be awe-inspiring when you take her to a wedding shopping because she is the one who was dreaming about your wedding, since your childhood and, it will be a cherishing and lifelong emotional experience for you.
Also, take your fiance along with you. He will be a wonderful shopping friend for you and, together you will create a memory and story to tell about your shopping experiences to tell your family and friends. And why not to let him know the type of shopping person you are before tieing the knot and let you know the type of shopping companion you are getting.
Let him know what tantrum queen you are while shopping. Trust me! that would be a fun experience. You may even take anyone with whom you are most comfortable.
4) Always wear comfy shoes and dresses-
For hassle-free shopping, try to wear comfy shoes and dresses because you will have to trail along the lanes for hunting your dream lehenga. Do not forget to take a water-bottle and fruits, as the lehenga shopping-process is time-taking and tiresome.
5) Buy your wedding lehenga 3-4 months before your wedding day-
Practically, you should buy your wedding dress 3-4 months before your big day as it might need alteration, and you may not get proper time to resolve the size-fitting issue.
Buying your wedding dress before some months will give you time to plan and collect your accessories according to your final look. When you are customizing your lehenga, it will take some good 2-3 months to complete.
6) Never shy to ask questions-
Whether you are buying from a famous designer, local shop, or boutique. You should not feel shy to ask questions about the design, fabric, intricate detailing, work, silhouettes, etc. because it's your day, and you should not compromise with your look. While giving your sartorial look, keep in mind the bits of advice by your designers as they are professionals, and they have relevant experiences in this field.
7) You may customize your lehenga-
The good thing about Chandani chowk sellers, designers, and boutique owners is that they customize lehenga according to your choice. They can change the design, neckline of the blouse, and flare of the lehenga, a pattern of dupatta according to your demand. You can even show the picture of the lehenga you want and, they will design for you the same. You may even get the replica of the lehenga of famous designers in Chandani chowk.
8) Choose wisely the fabric of your dress-
Fabric plays the most crucial role in the grandeur look of your lehenga. For a chic and princess type of look, you can opt net, chiffon, georgette, organza fabric. When you want a traditional, classy, royal look, you can go for silk and velvet fabric.
Even the season also plays a dominant role in deciding the fabric of your lehenga. During the Summer season, you may go for lighter material such as net, georgette, chiffon, and for the Winter season, you may go for velvet and silk. For me, silk is always a win-win.
9) Pay attention to the intricate detailing of your lehenga-
The intricate detailing, embellishments make your lehenga desirable. They have a prime role in the overall look of the ensemble.
There are lots of options like Gota Patti work, mirror work, sequin, zardozi, Stonework, embroidery, etc.
10) Awaken your inner designer-
Every girl is a born fashionista. You may design your lehenga for the small occasions like Mehendi, Haldi, and Sangeet ceremony. Accessorize well your lehenga with the name written Latkans, floral Kaleere, and matching Choodas.
Hum Ek Baar jeete hai, Pyar bhi Ek Baar Karte hai, Shaadi bhi Ek Baar kerte hai aur lehenga bhi Ek Baar kharidte hai. That’s why we should not compromise with our wedding lehenga.