Shaadi Shopping Guide

The outfit you wear on your wedding day is by far the most important piece of clothing you will ever wear. Probably the most expensive too!

Fact is, out of all the fabulous clothes in your closet, this is the one outfit you will wear only once. You, like celebrities, will be photographed till the cows come home.

Now, you won't have to worry about the paparazzi stalking you outside your house; but you will have to make sure you look damn good in those pictures.

You should be sure to pick an outfit that is not only gorgeous, but should have a cut and style that flatters your body accentuating your best assets. Most importantly, you need to be comfortable. This is your big day!

• Before setting out to go shopping with all your family and friends in tow, think about what kind of look you are going for. Be sure to factor in your wedding style and budget. Are you going all out glam a la J.Lo or are you planning a simple yet elegant affair? Knowing your clothing budget is key so you don't fall in love with a lehnga or sari wayy out of your price range!
• Once you've decided on your style and budget, it's time to get inspired!! Buy all the Indian bridal magazines you can get your hands on. Think about colors, fabric, beading etc. I suggest getting an accordion file like the See Jane Work Boon Accordion File, $24. This is a great place to store all your wedding related stuff in a neat and organized way.
• If you are traveling abroad to shop for your outfits, be sure to allow plenty of time before the wedding. If you are getting an outfit custom made, it may take a couple fittings etc. Mumbai and Delhi are loaded with couture designers however, there are other rising cities such as Chandigarh and Ahemdabad which offer a unique style at a lower cost. When traveling abroad, make sure you are with somebody fluent in the native language. The last thing you want when selecting your wedding outfit is miscommunication!
• Look for quality in fabrics, beading, etc. If your budget doesn't allow the finest silk, don't settle for synthetics that don't let your skin breathe. Skip the pricier beading and focus on fine, comfortable fabric and a good fit. You can compensate with a gorgeous (faux) kundan set and your striking beauty!
  
• Make sure you try on your outfit before you bring it home. If you are buying it from abroad, schedule the final fitting a couple days before you leave to allow for any last minute changes.
• If you happen to lose a couple pounds during the wedding planning process (and you most likely will-despite all the ladoos and gulab jamans being fed to you at the drop of a dime) look for a good tailor to take in your outfit. Ask family/friends for recommendations or look online on INDIANpages.net for one in your area.