Bridal Fashion

Budget lehengas and bridal sarees start around £500-£1,000. Mid-range designer outfits cost £1,500-£4,000. High-end designer labels and heavily embellished pieces range from £5,000-£10,000+. Bespoke tailoring from UK-based designers typically costs £2,000-£6,000 for a fully custom outfit.

Start shopping 6-9 months before your wedding. This allows time to visit multiple boutiques, order from overseas designers if needed (which takes 8-12 weeks), and schedule 2-3 fitting appointments for alterations. Peak shopping seasons around Diwali and the New Year get busy, so book appointments early.

A lehenga is a long, flared skirt paired with a fitted blouse (choli) and dupatta — the most popular choice for Hindu brides. A sharara features wide-legged trousers that flare from the knee, common in Lucknowi tradition. A gharara has trousers that flare dramatically from just below the knee, traditional for Muslim brides.

Both options have merits. UK boutiques offer the advantage of trying outfits on, easier returns, and local alterations. Buying directly from India or Pakistan offers more variety and can be cheaper, but factor in customs duty (up to 12%), shipping time, and the risk of fit issues without trying on in person.

It is common but not mandatory. Many brides wear a different outfit for the mehndi (lighter, more colourful), the ceremony (traditional heavy bridal), and the reception (glamorous evening look). Some brides simply change their dupatta or accessories to create distinct looks from the same outfit.