TIME FOR SOME SHAADI SHOPPING!

About to take the plunge and wondering where to get beautiful wedding wear without breaking the bank? Worry not, as we’ve got you covered with the best Delhi and Mumbai-based markets where you will find everything you need for your spectacular shaadi.

DELHI SHOPPING GUIDE

Mehrauli

From Manish Malhotra to Sabyasachi and Anita Dongre, brides and grooms-to-be will find all the major Indian designer houses in Mehrauli. This posh area is just steps away from the historical Qutub Minar, and is one of the most convenient, clean and calm shopping streets in Delhi. Mehrauli also hosts a vast number of multi-designer stores like Ogaan and Aza, where you will find beautifully curated clothes and costume jewellery from different designers, all under one roof. For an unparalleled shopping experience, make sure to check out designer stores like Payal Singhal X Carma and Rabani & Rakha.

Closed on Sundays

Chandni Chowk

“Chandu ke chacha ne chandu ki chachi ko chandni chowk mein chandi ke chamach se chatni chatayi!”

For most of us, Chandni Chowk is just another area seen on K3G (2001), but as Delhi’s oldest and most hectic market, you will be able to find almost everything you need for a big, fat, Indian wedding. From turbans and invitation cards to bridal chura and mehendi favours, Chandni Chowk is the best market for knick-knacks. The bazaar may be extremely crowded and congested, but nowhere in Delhi can beat the sheer variety that Chandni Chowk has to offer.

Closed on Sundays

Shahpur Jat

Visit many of Delhi’s most hip and urban boutiques at Shahpur Jat market to find creations by India’s up-and-coming designers. Intricate shararas, anarkali gowns, ethnic saris and bridal lehengas can all be found in the narrow streets of this market. Masala recommends a visit to Devnaagri for trousseau shopping and Philocaly for unique finds.

Closed on Sundays

Karol Bagh

From designer stores to budget- friendly outlets, Karol Bagh is the perfect mix of new and old Delhi. It is also a haven for jewellery shopping, as the designated lanes are filled with hundreds of boutiques. For the most exquisite and reliable stores, we recommend Khanna Jewellers and Fine Gujranwala Jewellers. While here, make sure to grab a bite from the legendary Roshan Di Kulfi for a quick pick-me-up.

Closed on Mondays

South Extension

This upscale market is the perfect place to find wedding wear. At South Extension, brides-to-be are spoilt for choice with numerous multi-level stores selling a diverse range of gowns, lehengas and saris. At one of our favourites, Frontier Raas, shoppers can comfortably sit and choose from many beautiful designs at different price points. Grooms are equally pampered at Amaare, an artisanal menswear store that many of B-town’s prominent actors visit. What’s better is that you also have the option to customise your dream wedding ensemble at both these outlets.

Closed on Mondays

MUMBAI SHOPPING GUIDE

Santacruz Market

Situated on the western side of Mumbai, shoppers will find plenty of stores at Santacruz Market. Popular outlets include Seasons, Aishwarya Design Studio, Roopkala, Kalki Fashion and Magic Mirror, all of which offer a variety of elaborate ready-made outfits. For designer menswear, visit Manyavar, Libas and Kora to find a range of jackets, kurtas, sherwanis and Indo-Western garments. Other smaller fabric shops and gali of street vendors are great for those seeking imitation jewellery and wedding ornaments, including bindis, kalires, churas, jootis and more.

Closed on Thursdays

Juhu

Looking for designer stores in Mumbai? Look no further than Juhu Tara Road, where you will find everything from Falguni Shane Peacock to Masaba, Ritu Kumar, and Satya Paul. There are also multi-designer boutiques like Aza and Kimaya that offer traditional and contemporary styles from more than 20 different designers.

Closed on Sundays

Lokhandwala Market at Andheri West

As posh and expensive as the area may seem, there are a multitude of understated and budget-friendly stores with unique ensembles and accessories. You can also find plenty of other knick-knacks, from quality apparel and footwear to wedding decorations. Additionally, the market has a large variety of menswear and an amazing selection of eateries for your shopping breaks.

Open every day

Colaba Causeway

Always bustling with a vibrant crowd, Colaba Causeway is one of the largest wholesale markets in Mumbai and is a great place to pick up wedding necessities. Strolling through the street, one can purchase intricate outfits, as well as wedding thalis, party props, prayer bells, vermillion boxes, and much more. Make sure to bag a bargain on every item, as the place is also known to be a tourist trap. Do keep in mind that the street gets very crowded on weekends, so we recommend visiting Colaba Causeway during the weekdays.

Closed on Sundays

Tips to follow when going to India to shop for your trousseau:

Rather than carrying around a lot of money, get a local Indian or international debit card to pay for all your purchases.
Go at least six months prior to your wedding, as your outfits are made from scratch and require time.
Leave at least two weeks for alterations.
When shopping, wear to be comfortable clothes, as trial rooms tend to be congested.
Take pictures of the outfits you finalise, so you can refer back to them whhen choosing your accessories.
Try not to wear too much makeup while shopping. Getting lipstick on an outfit is a no-no.