The 7 Golden Rules of Bridal Shopping!

Attention Brides-to-be! Some more gyaan coming your way, but this one is super important! So you know what kind of lehenga you want and are all ready to start bridal shopping. But did you know there are super imp things to keep in mind for that? Small things that'll go a long way in ensuring you are able to pick the right lehenga and make the process a breeze! So here goes!

Photo: Roma Ganesh Photography★ 5 . Makeup: Makeup by Anurita Chandrappa★ 4.9

Rule 1: What you wear and go for outfit trials is important.

Yes, we know that you are not going to wear jeans on your wedding day, but what you wear and go to the stores is important because it can help or hamper your trials. You should keep these points in mind:

• Wear a deep front open top and a nude or off-white camisole inside. Will make it easier to try on blouses because a lot of smaller stores don't have trial rooms or their rooms are always blocked.
• For the lowers, wear something that will not hamper the shape of the lehenga when worn over- so tight jeans and leggings are a good idea. No bulky skirts which will change the shape of the lehenga!
• Wear shoes that can be removed and slipped on easily.

Rule 2: Have an approximate budget in mind and shop smart.

If money isn't an issue, ignore this point, but if you do have a budget to stick to, then here are some points which you should keep in mind:

• Don't see stores or places which you know are beyond your budget- you'll only get tempted.
• Do not try on something over your budget 'just to see', you'll keep comparing everything else to it and it'll hamper your judgment.
• If you do want to do designer budget shopping, then ask to see sangeet / Mehendi lehengas so they show you reasonably priced ones and decide whether you want to customise/accessorise them to be bridal.
• Also, go in being sure about whether you want to be a single or double dupatta bride- can really make a difference to your budget.

Rule 3: Always keep customisation as an option!

With so many ideas and a lot of inspiration available, something customising your lehenga can turn out to be way better and make it unique! 

• Mix and match bits and pieces to create your own if it's available and always keep that option open- in case you don't end up finding your 'perfect lehenga' at a store.
• This is also a great idea in case you want to include one designer item in your bridal look- either the blouse or the skirt. You can buy a designer blouse and then try matching a skirt to it!
• The dupatta is the most easily customisable of the three, and you can get really creative with it!

Rule 4: Don't choose your lehenga based on the skirt

Remember, 90% of your photos are from the waist up. So ensure your blouse is just as beautiful because really, that is what is going to be closest to your face and also be remembered more. Once the jaimala and all those things come on top of you, the skirt may get hidden.

Rule 5: Pay Attention to the volume of flare

A mark of a great lehenga store is how full and big the flare of the skirt is. This means they don't scrimp on fabric and know how a lehenga is stitched. Ensure you clarify the type of flare you want- A-line and double can-can.

Rule 6: Remember to take/match a swatch of the chosen lehenga to know the exact shade.

Red has gazillion shades, so does pink and even mint! Make sure to have a good idea on what the exact shade of your chosen lehenga- by either asking them for a tiny fabric swatch or matching it on your phone to the right colour in an online shade card. This will help when you want to get add-ons and accessories and even to show your MUA! Also, make sure to take a photo of the lehenga once finalised- it'll be a long time before you see it again!

Rule 7: Remember to ask for discounts!

We don't mean harass the poor guy about it but ask nicely if there is a margin, especially when shopping in Chandni Chowk or local markets. A great idea is to throw in accessories, they can give discounts when you pick up your lehenga and accessories at the same place. 

ALSO READ: Who to & Who NOT to bring when shopping for your bridal outfit

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