P

lanning a wedding—no matter how small—is no small task. Planning an Indian, Pakistani or other South Asian wedding? In North America? Well, that’s downright Herculean. And not just because you’re managing multiple events and meddling family members—after all, you can’t just saunter over to David’s Bridal to find the accessories that make desi weddings desi: lenghas and saris and bangles and mehndi and on and on. And while there are now many resources for South Asian brides in North America, you’re still going to find the best selection back on the Subcontinent.

But taking a wedding shopping trip to India or Pakistan (likely for just two weeks) can be a daunting experience. That’s why we talked to the experts to make it a little bit easier for you. Read on to find out what you need to know before you go and while you’re there, and where to shop in [3] New Delhi, [4] Bombay, [5] Karachi and [6] Lahore. We’ve created a list—though not exhaustive by any means—of shops and markets specifically recommended by our experts. Don’t see your favorite shop included? Tell us in the comments. We’ll periodically update this story with new listings. (And don’t forget to check out [7] More Real Tips From Desi Brides—it features a whole section on recent brides’ best tips for shopping abroad.)

Perfect Your Plan

Make a list, and check it twice. “Don’t underestimate how much you need to get done in that trip,” says Priya Narwani of Hitch Free, an Indian wedding planning and shopping service. In addition to clothing and jewelry, there will be a host of other items your parents and in-laws will probably need to buy, such as gifts for family members or wedding accoutrements. “Your parents are going to start thinking about what they will give the in-laws at the function, whether it’s a basket of chocolates or whatever. Suddenly, they’ll get to India and say, ‘I need to buy a silver tray to present it on’.” Narwani says that in order to know what you’ll need to shop for on your trip abroad, ask your parents and in-laws to help you create a list on paper ahead of time. “It’s never going to be a complete list, but you should have something to start with,” she says. “Indian parents are a lot more on the fly. It’s amazing the amount of knowledge the elders have, but it’s all sitting in their heads. You have to push them.”

Get help from the locals. “Every family has the super aunt who knows everything about what you’re supposed to do. We always think she’s interfering,” says Narwani. “But when it comes to wedding shopping, she’s going to be your godsend. Love her and have her on your side. Contact her ahead of time to find out what you need to do. Don’t wait until you get to India.”

Don’t over-schedule your shopping days. “You have to plan your days while you’re there,” says Sandhya Jain-Patel, founder of Xari Couture. “You need an itinerary. In Delhi and Bombay, for example, the traffic is really bad. You think you’ll get three things done in a day, but you’ll really only finish one.” Jain-Patel suggests consulting with local experts or family members before undertaking an overly ambitious itinerary. “Say, these are the 10 things I want to buy while I’m here,” she says. A local will be able to tell you realistically how much time you need. It’s also helpful to get advice on where to stay and how to get around.

Bring an entourage. “When you’re shopping, it’s important to have an elder with you who knows the culture, the etiquette, the language,” says Jain-Patel. “If you go alone, you’ll get taken advantage of. You want someone who will watch out for you.”

Designing That Dream Dress

Make appointments with designers in advance. If you plan on meeting with bridal designers while you’re in India and Pakistan, don’t expect face time unless you’ve made an appointment. “Get an appointment at least two weeks before you need it,” says Saadia Zaheer, a graduate of the Pakistan School of Fashion Design who has helped plan trousseaus for dozens of weddings. “Make them from North America before you go. Sometimes you can just walk in if the designer has an outlet, but you won’t actually be able to meet with the designer without an appointment.”

Work your connections. “With many designers, you need to know someone just to get an appointment,” says Nikki Khan of Exquisite Events in Los Angeles. If you don’t have a contact who knows a designer personally, try to get a reference from someone who has worn their work in the past. Any connection helps, so mention as many names as possible.

Time your trip right. Zaheer says that most designers need five to six months to create a bridal outfit, and during busy seasons, they may just turn you away. “August to December is the high season, so try to give your orders in the winter or spring. There are fewer weddings in the summer, so they have more time then.” But know that many designers travel during the summer and get a lot of requests from Western visitors around the same time, so plan in advance as much as possible. Expect December, especially, to be a hectic month.

Set things in motion from home. Can’t make it India or Pakistan in time to start the process? Khan suggests establishing contact via telephone. “Tell them what you’re looking for, give them your budget, send a deposit and have them start working. A lot of designers now have Web sites, and you can discuss what you want based on the collections they showcase online.”

Consider ready-to-wear or off-the-rack creations. “If you don’t have a lot of time, there are good options at the established boutiques and fashion houses,” says Zaheer. Adds Narwani, “When we talk off-the-rack here, we turn up our nose. But India has an amazing range for off-the-rack bridal wear.”

Research styles and designs you like in advance. “Buy as many magazines as you can get, even if it means ordering them from London. It doesn’t matter how old they are,” suggests Jain-Patel. Use photos from those magazines and from Web sites to get an idea of what you want before you go.

Create a wedding notebook. Jain-Patel swears by an all-purpose notebook that you can take with you on your shopping excursions. Include the pictures from your research, alongside everyone’s measurements. You can even trace foot measurements right into it. “If you like a particular motif or material, cut it out and put it in there,” says Jain-Patel. “Then, when you go to India, you can specify what you definitely want on your outfit. It will also help illustrate what you mean, because in India, the same styles can have different or multiple names.”

Dress to impress. If you’re meeting with designers and shopping in fine jewelry stores, don’t plan on wearing tattered jeans and flip flops. “You should wear nice clothes and dress up when you meet with them,” says Zaheer. The designers are also auditioning you, and people are more image conscious on the Subcontinent than they may be here. And when working with designers, you may need to massage their egos a bit. If you don’t like a particular style, be tactful with your words.

Accelerate the deadline. South Asian tailors and designers are notorious for getting things done at the last minute. While you may be used to telling vendors your exact deadline, you may want to use a slightly earlier date for dressmakers to avoid last-minute panics.

Measuring Up

Wear the right bra. When getting your fittings, wear the kind of bra you’ll wear on your wedding day—”something that will give you shape,” advises Jain-Patel. “They will alter your clothes to what you’re wearing.”

Give them a sample. Recent bride Nadia Samadani advises bringing a blouse that fits you well and leaving it with the tailor, even if he has your measurements.

Make sure things don’t hurt. When you’re trying on lenghas or other fitted clothes, Jain-Patel suggests trying them on bare skin, because “a lot of times, the embellishments can pinch. Mukaish, which is an embellishment of tiny rhinestones or disks of beaten silver or gold, “feels like thousands of little ant bites.” To remedy such problems, make sure your clothes come with a good lining.

Get a cotton mock-up. Most good designers will construct a completely tailored sample according to your measurements in plain cotton, says Zaheeer. They will test this on you before starting any of the actual cutting and kaam. If they don’t, ask them about it.

Consider a second trip. Samadani says that “If you can possibly make two trips so you can do the fitting, do it. When you’re in Pakistan you can be on top of the designers and follow up with them right away.”

Bargaining for your budget

Save every receipt. Whenever you put down a payment, paste the receipt into your wedding notebook and write down exactly what you’re buying, advises Jain-Patel. You’ll save yourself from hassles later.

Get a jewelry receipt. When buying fine jewelry, “you can ask for a proper receipt that will tell you how many stones, total carat weight, cost, etc. They may charge you a bit more for it, but it’s worth it,” says Jain-Patel. “You’ll have protection if you want to exchange it later, and it can be useful for insurance appraisals here.”

Know that you can design a dress within your budget. “Every designer will ask you for your range,” says Zaheer. “Be honest. They will present you with styles that fall in that range.” And whether you’re in India or Pakistan, you can always adjust the price according to the amount of “kaam” (the embroidery, beadwork and sequining) on the outfit. “If you like an outfit that costs 400,000 rupees, you can ask whether they can tailor it to 200,000 rupees. Designers are willing to do that.”

Do your homework on prices. You may expect that you’ll be able to bargain everywhere you shop, but that’s not necessarily the case. Narwani says that many bridal stores in India offer fixed prices, which she prefers. Still, if you’re buying many outfits from one place, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a bulk discount. As for designers, Zaheer claims that “you can bargain with them, no matter how big they are.”

Of course, haggling in “earthier” markets is commonplace, but you may want to have a local with you—most shopkeepers can smell Westerners from miles away.

When it comes to jewelry, expect to be able to bargain 20 percent off the price, particularly in Pakistan, though Zaheer warns that “Coming from outside, it can be harder. Women in Pakistan, when they shop, will wear jewelry when they go to show that they know prices. So it’s especially important to take a local with you for jewelry shopping.”

Your invite itinerary

Plan your invitations in advance. “If you’re buying your invitations there, discuss with your parents and fiancé about what’s going to be on the card ahead of time,” says Narwani. If you take your wording with you, you can get a mock-up much sooner. Take proofread copy with you so you’re not trying to come up with it in a frenzy.

Keep postage in mind. “While Indian wedding cards are beautiful,” says Jain-Patel, “make sure you factor in the cost of mailing. I had a friend who had lavish cards made only to find out that they cost $2 a card to mail them in the U.S.” Have postage requirements with you, and keep in mind any inserts you’ll have to include. If you’re getting fabric invitations, says Jain-Patel, you can find plastic sleeves for postage and addresses.

[13] Bombay City Guide: Page 2
[14] New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
[15] Lahore City Guide: Page 4
[16] Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, [17] see page 2 of Vow to Wow.

Bridal Wear

For a complete listing of Indian bridal designers, see [20] page two of Vow to Wow.
Aishwarya Sarees
Mid-market finds for lenghas, saris, panetars.
Dada Saheb Phalke Road
(Jasmine Apartment) Shop # 96,
Dadar C.R., Mumbai 400014
91 22 2411 6463

Ensemble
An upmarket boutique for East-meets-West evening wear. Carries prominent designers including Shahab Durazi, Tarun Tahiliani, Rajesh Pratap, Monisha Jaisingh, Tarana Rajpal, Abhishek Gupta and Sunita Shankar.
130/132, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg
Great Western Building
Fort, Mumbai 400023
91 22 2287 2882

Friendship Sarees
Reasonable, mid-market finds.
Station Road
Santa Cruz West
Mumbai 400054
91 22 2600 7759, 91 22 2605 7801

[21] Kimaya
Carries high-end bridal wear by 110 top designers. Expect prices to match.
2 Asha Colony, Juhu Tara Road
Mumbai
91 22 2660 6154

[22] Melange
Upmarket indo-western wear.
33 Altamount Road
Mumbai 400026
91 22 385 4492

[23] Sakhi
Ready-made and tailored bridal and party wear.
Cherry Villa, Nr. Station, Santacruz (W)
Mumbai 400054
91 22 2605 6552, 91 22 2605 6552

S.V.Road, Santacruz (W)
Mumbai 400054
91.022.26499838 / 91.022.36499839

[24] Seasons
For lenghas, saris, panetars. In-house designers. Mid-market prices.
Plaza Asiad, Ground Floor, Station Road, Santacruz (West)
Mumbai 400 054
91 22 2604 2798, 91 22 2604 2546, 91 22 2649 4891

[25] Sheetal
Design team headed by renowned dressmaker Hemant Trivedi.
Sheetal Estate, Grant Road
Mumbai 400007
91 22 2385 6565, 91 22 2387 6114

256 L.T. Marg
Mumbai 400002
91 22 2206 1016, 91 22 2206 6969

Men’s Wear

[26] Millionaire
NRI favorite, but prices may match the name.
Juhu:
30/B, High Tide
Juhu Tara Road
Juhu Mumbai 400049
91 22 2660 4243

Kemps Corner:
132, Damodar Mahal
Kemps Corner
Mumbai 400026
91 22 2382 5555

Malad:
Shop no.: U-28, First Floor
Inorbit Moll, Link Road
Malad (W)
Mumbai 400064
91 22 2878 5081

[25] Sheetal
This superstore carries menswear, as well.
Sheetal Estate, Grant Road
Mumbai 400007,
91 22 2385 6565, 91 22 2387 6114

[28] Benzer
You’ll find ladieswear, but it’s better known for men’s wedding wear.
49 Bhulabhai Desai Road
Breach Candy, Mumbai 400026
91 22 2353 2266

Fine Jewelry

[29] Anmol Jewellers
The proprietor, Anmol, is known for his sincerity.
2, 3&7, Kakad Palace
Turner Road, Bandra(W), Mumbai
91 22 2640 0769

[30] Jaipur Gems
Exquisite craftsmanship.
No 2 , Dharam Palace, Huges Road
Mumbai 400 007.
9847077145.

[31] Notandas and Sons
Beautiful designer jewelry. One of the original jewelers of Bombay.
6 Mangal Darshan Waterfield Rd.,
Bandra (W)
Mumbai 400050,
91 22 2642 8616

Notandas Jewellers Lokhandwala
Same family, different designers.
19, Link Palace, Lokhandwala, Andheri W,
Mumbai - 400053
91 022 - 26345090, 26345092, 26344999

[32] Minawala Jewellers
The couture jewelers.
95, Heera Panna Arcade
Haji Ali, Mumbai 400 026
0091-22-23510069

Bangles, Bindis, Henna and Other Miscellaneous Wedding Goods

[33] Santa Cruz Market
You’ll find bindi and bangle stores and everything else you might need.

Chandralok Market
Cheap bangles, bells, favors. Only go with a local, but you’ll find dirt-cheap prices.

[34] Amarsons
Department store for just about anything. Prices may be a bit higher, but you’re paying for convenience.
269 Linking Road, Bandra,
Mumbai - 400050
91-22-26418880-6

Sajni Collection
Bridal wear. They will do matching bangle sets.
Station Road
(Santacruz Shopping Center) Shop # 9,
Santa Cruz West,
Mumbai 400054
(22) 26054408

[35] Tip Top
Large showroom of artificial jewelry.
136, V.P. Road Sikka Nagar,
Near C.P. Tank / Prarthana Samaj,
Mumbai - 400 004. India
91-22 2381 0666

[13] Bombay City Guide: Page 2
[14] New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
[15] Lahore City Guide: Page 4
[16] Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, [17] see page 2 of Vow to Wow.

Markets and Shopping Areas

Crescent Mall at Qutub Minar
The majority of Delhi’s designer shops used to be located in MG-1 and MG-2, but since their demolition, many have relocated here. You’ll find the likes of Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani and more. Be sure to stop by hotspot Olive Bar & Kitchen restaurant (011-26643914, 26642552) nearby.
[43] Mehrauli Gurgaon Road

Hauz Khas Village
Cosmopolitan shopping area home of designer boutiques.

[44] Greater Kailash (GK) Market
Another popular shopping area. You’ll find stores for every need.

[45] Karol Bagh
Huge commercial area where you can find just about anything—Indian clothes, Western suits, bindis, bangles.

[46] Khan Market
Smaller bazaar for housewares, bindis, bangles costume jewelry and other goods.

[47] Lajpat Nagar
Popular commercial market. “You can go into any store and ask them to make you anything in that store,” says Sandhya Jain-Patel.

[48] Santushti Shopping Complex
Large cluster of upscale boutiques.

Bridal Wear

For a complete listing of Indian bridal designers, see [20] page two of Vow to Wow.
Anarkali Bazar
Located on the main road in North Delhi, this shop has exclusive designs in wedding saris, lenghas and unstitched suit material. Affordable prices.
1860, (Opp Haldirams), Chandni Chowk
Delhi - 110006
(91)-(11)-55394156, 23241323

[50] CTC Plaza
Enormous showroom of designer bridal and party wear.

CTC Plaza
F-43, Kilokeri,
Near Ashram Chowk,
New Delhi-110014 (INDIA)
Tel-26344884/3885, 26343141/3825.

Square - 1 Mall
C2, District Center, Saket,
New Delhi - 110017
3216316

NORTH SQUARE MALL
G1 & G2, Ground Floor,
Netaji Subhash Place
Pitampura, Delhi - 110088.
Tel - 47020044

MGF MEGA CITY MALL,
DLF, Gurgaon.
1244529999

[51] Frontier Bazar
Large showroom with a variety of bridal wear.
5/71, WEA, Padam Singh Road,
Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110005
011-5744796, 5744797, 5744798

[52] Gyans
Formal and bridal wear from both in-house and name designers.
5/16 W.E.A. Ajmal Khan Road,
Karol Bagh New Delhi -110 005 INDIA
Tel: 011-25751240
Tel: 011-42503004
Tel: 011-42503005

B-23, N Block Market,
Greater Kailash Part - I
New Delhi -110 048 INDIA
Tel: 011-29230032
Tel: 011-41431330
Tel:011-41431053

Mega Mall, Gurgaon
Shop Number 27, Ground Floor,
DLF Mega Mall, Gurgaon.
Tel: 95124-51081880

[53] K’s Mall
Clothing for men, women, children. Includes bridal.
Karol Bagh Market
5/72 Padam Singh Road
New Delhi
91-11-25745353

[54] Meena Bazar
Large boutique with a variety of fabrics from all over India. Good service, quality and range.
A1/115, Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi-110029
011-41662227 Fax :- 26167018

[55] Ogaan
Boutique carries high-end designers. Home of designer Kavita Bhartia.
H-2 Hauz Khas Village, South Delhi
91-11-26967595, 26853849

Sahil Emporium
You’ll find both bridal and groomswear at this large, mid-market boutique, a favorite of Sandhya Jain-Patel.
5/46, Ajmal Khan Road
Karol Bagh, Delhi 110005
(11) 25747744 , 25724841 , 25737733

Men’s Wear

Many of the boutiques listed above carry men’s wedding wear, as well.

[56] Study by Janak
Pricy but reliable boutique for every style: “For the groom who wants to be not-so-Bollywood to the groom who wants to be like Abhishek,” says Jain-Patel. If you’re in a hurry, they will turn around clothes within a day or two.
N-9, South Extension-Part I,
New Delhi

T.D.I Mall,
Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.

Grand Mall,
Gurgoan.

Fine Jewelry

[57] Hazoorilal Jewellers
Greater kailash, Part 1, M-44
M block market, New delhi
0091-11-41734567

[58] Mehrasons Jewellers
G 25, south extension part one, New delhi 110 049,
011-24616222

[59] Minawala
The couture jeweller
1, maurya sheraton, New delhi 110 021
0091-11-26112344

[60] Notandas and Sons
Bombay’s oldest jewelers have a branch in Delhi.
Gold Souk Mall
Sushant Lok Phase 1, Gurgaon
0091-124-4115177/88

[61] Bhuramal Rajmal Suranas
Their jewelry is all made in Jaipur. “They love brides,” says Jain-Patel. “They let you try on everything and will talk to you about pricing. They will work you.”
B-42, Greater Kailash Part 1
Near Archana Complex,
New Delhi 110 048,
+91 11 4163 5495-98

Bangles, Bindis, Henna and Other Miscellaneous Wedding Goods

See markets and shopping areas above.

Babu Churiwala ([63] See video)
He is the expert when it comes to bangles. “You may pay a little more,” says Jain-Patel, but you’re paying for an experience. “They call you beti, they wish you well. You won’t be disappointed.”
5243,Ballimaran Chandni Chowk New Delhi, -110006
11 -23958019

[64] Parantha Alley, Chandni Chowk
This foodie paradise also houses numerous shops for garlands, money envelopes, religious necessities and other bridal needs.

[13] Bombay City Guide: Page 2
[14] New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
[15] Lahore City Guide: Page 4
[16] Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, [17] see page 2 of Vow to Wow.

Bridal Wear>

For a complete listing of Pakistani bridal designers, see [20] page two of Vow to Wow. For mid-market finds, see below.

Barkat Ali Saree Walay
Famous for antique “poorana kaam” and beautiful stitching, you can have lenghas, ghararas and saris made here. They also do groom’s wear. This is the best place for non-designer bridal wear.

Libas-e-Khas
Try this outlet if you have time, as they are not renowned for tight turnaround. Reasonable prices, but their kaam is not as delicate as Barkat Ali’s.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Think Pink
Another Lahori zari house.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Zardozi
Zari house will do the kaam and stitching.
17 commercial zone, Liberty Market, Lahore
92-42-5879257

Men’s Wear

MM Alam Road is the home of many designers, including for all menswear.

[73] Amir Adnan
Designer synonymous with men’s wedding fashion. He is widely credited for re-introducing the sherwani into modern fashion. Famous clients include both Indian and Pakistani heads of state. Headquartered in Karachi with outlets in Lahore.
Shop G-9, Siddique Trade Centre
72 Main Boulevard, Gulberg
Tel: 9242 5781713

Shop 313, Block-Z, Commercial Area
Defense Housing Authority
Tel: 9242 5896441-42

Deepak Perwani
Men’s and women’s designer best known for stylish groomswear. Headquartered in Karachi with an outlet in Lahore.
12-C/1, Gulberg III, MM Alam Road, Lahore
92 42 571 2409

Dulha Dress House
Reasonably-priced groomswear.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Maharaja Tailors
Great at stitching sherwanis. Their kaam craftsman does excellent work. But you must buy the cloth from Saleem Fabrics (or they’ll get it for you).
Liberty Market, Lahore

Saleem Fabrics
They have both fabrics and tailors for achkans, sherwanis and other groom needs.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Fine Jewelry

[74] Aliel
Formerly known as Sayegh and Co., these high-end jewelers carry the work of numerous talented designers. Feeling extra wealthy? Check out their “Nur” collection—each piece is completely unique and will never be replicated.
Pearl Continental Lahore
Shop 51/64
92 42 636 2660, 92 42 636 7475
lahore@aliel.com

Gem Jewellers
Know for traditional polki sets. Smaller diamond pieces, such as rings.
26- Commercial Zone
Palky Center Liberty Market
Gulberg III Lahore
092-42-5878637,5878638
sultangem@hotmail.com

Karat Jewellers
Beautiful wedding sets in this often-crowded shop. Located in Empire Centre, a mini-shopping mall with shoe stores, fabric stores and more. Perfect for one-stop shopping.
G-10, Empire Centre
Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore
Ph. # (92-42) 874455-5710800

[75] Kundan Jewellers
They bring their jewelry from India, specializing in traditional sets including polki.
Shop # 2 c -G Palace Arcade
Gulberg III Lahore Pakistan
092-42-5757017

Sonica Jewellers
This ever-bustling jewelry shop carries a wide range of jewelry sets.
Shop No.2,39/C-II
Comm. Zone,Liberty Market
Gulberg, Lahore
(92-42) 6305466-576275-873716

Bangles, Bindis, Henna and Other Miscellaneous Wedding Goods

[77] Dupatta Galli, Liberty Market
Lahoris know there is one place for virtually all shopping needs: Liberty Market. Duck into Dupatta Galli in the backside of the market for everything from bangles to bindis to khussas to mehndi to decorations.

Shahalmi
If you’re feeling adventurous, venture to this wholesale market for fabrics, bangles, decorations, dhols, any anything you can imagine at deeply discounted prices. But don’t go without a local—it’s not exactly clean or easy to navigate.

[13] Bombay City Guide: Page 2
[14] New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
[15] Lahore City Guide: Page 4
[16] Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, [17] see page 2 of Vow to Wow.

Markets and Shopping Areas

Ashiana, Clifton
This market—a bridal favorite—offers a gorgeous selection of fabrics for tailoring.

Empress Market, Saddar
Karachi’s central business district is full of fabric, kaam and tailor shops.

Kahkashan Market, Clifton
This is the place to go for any kind of kaam you can imagine. Bring a close-up picture from a magazine, and the artisans here will replicate it. An economical way to get beautiful bridal clothes without the designer markup. But take a local—dealing with the shopkeepers isn’t always easy.

The Forum Mall, Clifton
A modern mall in upscale Clifton area of the city with a wide variety of shops including jewelry, handicrafts, clothing and shoes. You’ll find reasonably-priced bangles, costume jewelry and the like.

Gulf Towers, Clifton
One-stop shopping for reasonably-priced bangles, dupattas, parandas and other mish-mash.

Park Towers Shopping Mall, Clifton
Karachi’s premier shopping mall with up-market boutiques and jewelry stores.

Tariq Road
Another popular shopping in area in Karachi, you’ll find several shopping centers including Dolmen Centre, Dolmen Mall, Shalimar Centre, Rabi Centre, Dubai Mall, Tariq Centre. Some stores carry ready-made ensembles, but you’ll find kaam karigars and tailors, also.

Bridal Wear

For a complete listing of Pakistani bridal designers, see [20] page two of Vow to Wow. For mid-market finds, see below.

[86] Bargello
This gigantic store offers bridal and party wear that “borrows” from top designers. Order from anywhere in the world.
28-C, 5th Commercial Street, Khayaban-e-Badadr, Phase V, Defence, Karachi, 75500, Pakistan
9221 534 1401, 02, 03 & 04

[87] Body Focus Museum
What started as a casualwear line as involved into a boutique with denim casuals; pret a porter cottons; Knitwear; Hand block printed pure silks; Classic evening and occasional bridal wear
38-C-6 Off Main Shahrae-Faisal Karachi 75400 Pakistan
Tel: (92-21)452-5631 FAX: (92-21)4529870

The Designers
This outlet carries bridal and partywear from high-end designers such as HSY, Karma and others. If you’re in Karachi and want access to Lahore’s designers, this is the place. Perfect also for those in a rush—you’ll find ready-made ensembles, as well.
Main Zamzama Blvd.
DHA, Karachi
92 21 586 1915, 92 21 537 0126

Hilal Silk Palace
The most beautiful fabrics you can find–but they come at a price.
Zaibunissa Street, Saddar
Ph:5211617

Jabeen’s House of Wedding
Mid-market bridal wear.
Shop #1,Sasi Centre,Tariq RoadP.E.C.H.S
Ph:4389196

Men’s Wear

MM Alam Road is the home of many designers, including for all menswear.

[73] Amir Adnan
Designer synonymous with men’s wedding fashion. He is widely credited for re-introducing the sherwani into modern fashion. Famous clients include both Indian and Pakistani heads of state.
Shop A-12, Park Towers Mall, Clifton
Tel: 9221 5832661

Shop G-100, Dolmen Mall, Tariq Road
Tel: 9221 4381613

Shop 14, Plot 14-D, Sky Garden Apartments
Tipu Sultan Road, KDA
Tel: 9221 4313056

Shop 2, 14-C, Zamzama Lane 5
Defense Phase-V
Tel: 9221 5861875

Shop 313, Block-Z, Commercial Area
Defense Housing Authority
Tel: 9242 5896441-42

Deepak Perwani
Men’s and women’s designer best known for stylish groomswear.
Shop 0-1, 16-C, Zamzama Commercial Lane #4
DHA, Karachi
92 21 587 7371

Gr 8a, Ground Floor
Park Towers
Clifton, Karachi
92 21 582 4625

Junaid Jamshed
Former Vital Signs singer’s boutique known for men’s wear.
16C, 2nd Zamzama Commercial Lane, Phase V, Defence
Ph: 5834904

Fine Jewelry

[74] Aliel
Formerly known as Sayegh and Co., these high-end jewelers carry the work of numerous talented designers. Feeling extra wealthy? Check out their “Nur” collection—each piece is completely unique and will never be replicated.
Shop # 64 & 65
Regent Plaza Hotel
Shahrah-e-Faisal
Karachi.
92 21 5670752
92 21 5670763
karachi@aliel.com

Meena Jewellers
Reliable jewelers in Saddar.
Parr Zaibunnisa Street, Saddar
Ph: 522305

Chhotani Jewellers
One of Karachi’s oldest and most famous jewelers. They specialize in oriental gold ornaments, made to order.
Zaib-Un-Nisa Street, Saddar, Karachi 74400.
9221- 514-775, 567-1021

Crescent Jewellers
Very expensive but beautiful selection. Find everything you can imagine, from gaudy to elegant.
31/34, Bliss Shopping Centre, Zaibunnisa Street,Saddar
Ph: 522785, 527750

Karat Jewellers
They will copy anything you show them to a tee. They carry a line of traditional, ethnic, contemporary jewelry.
Karachi Marriott
92 21 111 22 33 44
92 21 568 0111

Private Collection
Exclusive, beautiful diamond jewelry imported from Italy.
Karachi Marriott
568 0175

Bangles, Bindis, Henna and Other Miscellaneous Wedding Goods

See Markets and Shopping Areas above.

Bori Bazar
Cave-like shops are stacked to their ceilings with excellent pieces of embroidery, hand prints and other goods.

Uzma Market
An alternative to Bori if you don’t want to venture to the center of the city.
DHA, Clifton

[13] Bombay City Guide: Page 2
[14] New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
[15] Lahore City Guide: Page 4
[16] Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, [17] see page 2 of Vow to Wow.