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Choosing a bridal trousseau can be the most fun part of wedding planning. It’s an experience that will likely remain etched in your memory forever. Many brides decide to travel to India or Pakistan for bridal shopping. A trip can be cost effective, since most often there are several events involved in a South Asian wedding and you want to have an unforgettable outfit for each. At times, however, shopping abroad can be frustrating, particularly since it can be difficult to navigate the waters while there.
To help our brides, CitySaheli sat down with Payal Singhal to get exclusive tips on shopping abroad and to find out what’s in this year for bridal wear. Payal’s experience as a designer for brides around the world provided us with a very insightful perspective.
Payal’s top five tips for brides traveling abroad were the following:
1. The best time to shop in India is in October. This is when new collections are revealed for the upcoming holiday season (Navratri, Diwali, Eid, etc). December is known as NRI season and designers get bogged down by the massive crowds. If you want the first look at the new collections and an more pleasant shopping experience, October is the time to go.
2. If you are looking for a bargain and designer sales, the best time to go is during the summer. This is when designers are making room for their new collections. If you are shopping in Mumbai, it’s also monsoon season and designers use sales to attract visitors to their stores.
3. Make appointments with the designers you want to meet to ensure the designer is available. For example, Payal spends much of the year travelling all over the world. Making an appointment will allow the designer to spend time with you and focus on exactly what you are interested in.
4. If you have a limited time to shop (2-3 weeks or less) buy off the rack. This means don’t try to add too much to an outfit or change the embroidery. Brides who try to alter a look in short time are often disappointed with the final product. If you do ask for something totally different, be sure to request a swatch of the work to ensure you like what you will get.
5. If you’ve seen something you like, bring it with you for inspiration. Don’t, however, ask a designer to copy another designer’s work. It likely won’t turn out the way you like it, since each has their own style.
Payal also shared bridal trends with us. This year, she said, “think vintage.” Picture your mom’s classic lengha paired with a modern choli blouse. The silhouette of skirts flare more and are less fitted. Lace fabrics adorned with crystals are popular and net fabric has made a comeback this year. Popular bridal colors include peaches, dark corals and gem colors.
Get a glimpse of the new trends, and of Payal’s new bridal collection, below. See more of her collection at CitySaheli’s exclusive event, Cocktails with Payal Singhal, on Wednesday, 09.09.09. For more information about the event, visit http://citysaheli.com/events.
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