He popped the question and you answered yes.
Now it’s time to shop for all the things that make up your dream wedding!
South Asian weddings are steeped in tradition and full of life and colour. With guest lists running to the hundreds, even thousands, planning such a big celebration is no mean feat. There are a million details that make for a perfect – and unique – Indian wedding.
A trip to India in advance of your wedding will provide that truly authentic South Asian flair. “Most of my brides build in this big shopping trip to India in their wedding planning because you simply cannot get the wide selection and craftsmanship anywhere else,” says Rowena Chung, Canadian wedding stylist and makeup artist specializing in South Asian weddings.
Flying Emirates to India via Dubai is a popular option for people of South Asian heritage living in Vancouver. The airline recommends scheduling your trip at least three months in advance of your intended departure.
“Planning early ensures you can take advantage of the best fares available and means that you will have a choice of flights to fit your schedule,” said Don McWilliam, Country Manager for Emirates in Canada.
“For time-strapped brides-to-be, we recommend signing up for Emirates Skywards, our frequent flyer program, which allows you to nominate your own personal travel co-ordinator, such as your wedding planner, who can make arrangements on your behalf. You will also earn Miles which you can redeem towards your honeymoon.”
Vancouverites can connect with Emirates’ daily flights from Seattle to Dubai. From Dubai, you can catch any of the five flights a day to Delhi or Mumbai as well as daily flights to a wide range of destinations across India.
With generous baggage allowances of two bags of up to 23kg each in Economy Class and two bags of up to 32kg each in First Class and Business Class, you can shop to your heart’s content.
Here are some must-not-miss wedding shopping destinations in two of India’s biggest cities:
Delhi
India’s capital is a must visit for every South Asian bride.
Delhi is known for its enormous selection of materials as well being home to some of India’s best couturiers and designers.
Every bride wants to feel like a princess on their wedding day and for a truly show-stopping bridal outfit, check out some of Delhi’s most celebrated couturiers.
Ashima-Leena’s ultra-feminine designs, use of light fabrics, and intricate detailing are popular amongst India’s well-heeled set and overseas brides.
For a touch of Bollywood, designer to stars Manav Gangwani is known for his modern designs and sensual approach to fashion.
His sought-after bridal collection feature bold colours, modern silhouettes, and an overdose of glamour.
Both designers can be found in the chic DLF Emporio shopping mall in Delhi.
For the do-it-yourself bride, shops in the Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk are stacked floor to ceiling with trimmings that can be combined for one-of-a-kind lehengas and sarees.
The bazaar also carries wedding turbans and other garments for grooms, as well as a large variety of decorations for the ceremony.
Brides will find an impressive selection in this bazaar because the shops sell to wholesalers.
Also in Chandni Chowk is the Chawri Bazar, a brass, copper and paper wholesaler popular for wedding invitations and other stationary.
This district gets very busy so brides should leave themselves lots of time to explore.
There are also men that are paid commission to bring people in to certain shops but keep in mind you’re not obligated to go with them.
Mumbai
Every bride-to-be shopping in India’s mega-metropolis will be spoiled for choice. A hub for top designers and big name brands, Mumbai has loads to offer from top wedding couture to trendy ready-to-wear options for bride and groom.
If you’re looking for a touch of romance, look no further than one of India’s top designers, Manish Malhotra.
Malhotra has been dressing Bollywood’s crème-de la crème for decades, and his designs have been featured in countless movies. For a truly magical feel, check out his bridal collection in his flagship store in Mumbai’s busy shopping street, Linking Road.
Not quite sure what look you’re going for? Let ready-to-wear bridal house Sheetal spark your imagination as you browse through their extensive collection of wedding wear. Designer lehengas, exquisite sarees, fine-tailored sherwanis – Sheetal has a wide collection to suit your budget and design aesthetic.
Plan Ahead
Passengers from Vancouver can take advantage of Emirates’ convenient connections from Vancouver International via Alaska Airlines to Seattle. From Seattle, Emirates flies daily to its hub in Dubai, and onward to 130 destinations worldwide including 10 gateways in India.
The Dubai Stopover Program is available to all Emirates passengers, for more information check out www.emirates.com/ca
It is free to join Emirates Skywards at www.emirates.com/
skywards As well as receiving benefits every time they fly with Emirates, Emirates Skywards members can earn and redeem Miles on Alaska Airlines.
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