Vendor guide
Indian bridal wear: lehengas, sarees and outfits for each event
Plan a bridal outfit for each event, starting with the ceremony: a lehenga, saree, sharara or gown in your family’s tradition. Order custom pieces several months ahead, leave time for at least two fittings, and ask the store or designer about delivery dates, alterations, weight and how to wear the dupatta securely.
Bridal fashion stores and designers on Desi Shaadi & Co.
No bridal fashion stores and designers are listed on Desi Shaadi & Co. yet. Listings are created by the businesses themselves and reviewed by our team before they go live, so this page will only ever show real, approved bridal fashion stores and designers. Meanwhile, the questions below will help you choose one anywhere, and you can browse all listed vendors.
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How many outfits does a desi bride need?
Often one for each main event: something light for the haldi or mayun, a colourful outfit for the mehndi, a dressy one for the sangeet, the ceremony outfit and a change for the reception. Many brides re-wear or borrow pieces for the smaller events and spend most on the ceremony and reception. Traditions guide colour too: red is popular for North Indian brides, while many South Indian brides wear a silk saree such as a Kanjeevaram for the ceremony.
When should we order bridal wear?
Custom and made-to-order pieces can take several months to make, plus time for shipping and alterations, so many brides order six to nine months before the wedding. Ask each store or designer for a written delivery date and how many fittings are included. Our 12-month checklist shows where this fits.
What should we ask a bridal store or designer?
- Is the outfit made to order or ready to wear, and what is the written delivery date?
- How many fittings and alterations are included, and what do extra changes cost?
- How heavy is the lehenga, and can it be made lighter or more comfortable to dance in?
- Is a matching outfit or fabric available for the groom or family?
- What is the policy on deposits, returns and exchanges?
- Do you help with draping, or can you recommend someone? See our makeup and hair guide.
Should we shop in the US or abroad?
Both work. Shopping on a trip to India or Pakistan gives more choice, but leave time for alterations at home and check customs rules. In the US, many South Asian stores sell and alter outfits, and in New Jersey Oak Tree Road in Edison and Iselin is a well-known shopping area. Whichever you choose, keep receipts and photos of each piece.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should a bride order her lehenga?
What colour does an Indian bride wear?
Should the groom’s outfit match the bride’s?
Keep planning
See every vendor to book and when in the desi wedding vendor checklist, follow the 12-month planning checklist, or browse all our planning guides.