Indian weddings are famed for their visual opulence, extravagant décor, vibrant rituals and, when it comes to bridalwear, traditionally flowy lehengas or sarees for brides and kurta sets for grooms. But you needn’t fly 5,000 miles to find your dream design. Millennial brides-to-be in pursuit of perfect Indian couture will find themselves well-served in the capital.

The last decade or so has seen an explosion of top South Asian designers setting up shop in London, particularly as celebrity brides like Priyanka Chopra have brought Indian wedding traditions to the global stage. And, while not every bride will be looking for something quite so glamorous as Chopra’s Sabyasachi Mukherjee gown, they have also helped highlight the craftsmanship and intricate detail that goes into these exquisite garments.

While red, maroon, navy, and gold embroidery may be classic Indian wedding hues, for modern brides anything goes. “Neons will rule the fashion trends this year,” says Anisha Vasani, a wedding planner and bridal stylist. “Think layers and layers of draped fabric with a minimalistic look [paired with] Kundan jewellery. Pastels and ivories should also be on every bride’s mood board.”

Ready to start shopping? Here are the best luxury Indian bridalwear boutiques in London.

PERNIA’S POP UP SHOP, Mayfair

With eight multi-designer retail stores across India, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop launched its first international boutique on Grosvenor Street in Mayfair in 2019. The store houses over 500 Indian fashion designers: Seema Gujral, Tarun Tahiliani, Anushree Reddy, Amit Aggarwal, Payal Singhal, the list is endless. Among its extensive range are feminine chanderi kurta sets, intricately-detailed anarkalis, lightweight dhoti jumpsuits, and lehengas featuring handcrafted appliqué work.

You’ll need to make an appointment before you go but regular designer events mean you may well be privy to a face-to-face meeting with your favourite bridal designer, especially if you’re interested in commissioning a bespoke piece. Pernia’s in-house tailors also offer detailed customisations, including having names, initials, or messages embroidered on your chosen piece. Looking for a one-stop shop? As well as the latest runway styles, the boutique also stocks traditional jewellery, poltis and scarves to finish your look.

11 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QB, perniaspopupshop.com

SEEMA M, ISLEWORTH

Seema Makhani is best known for her bespoke Indian bridalwear, specialising in custom-made looks which cater to the distinct tastes of British-Asian and non-Indian brides. She advises clients to ‘listen to your heart’ when it comes to curating an aesthetic statement for your big day. Her vivid colour palette is dominated by bold colours, pastels, neons, and reds across a variety of lehengas and gowns – perfect for brides looking to make a splash. Having been named Wedding Boutique of the Year at the British Asian Wedding Awards in 2022, Seema M has carved out its own niche and may be the perfect solution if you’ve struggled to find your ideal outfit at other bridal boutiques.

Northumberland Ave, Isleworth, TW7 5HT, seemam.com

NIKAZA ASIAN COUTURE, HARROW

Founded by Jasmine Sahni Kotecha in 2016, Nikaza is positioned in the heart of Harrow’s Asian community. While not specifically a bridal store, the boutique does stock an array of high-end bridal designers, including Astha Narang, Jade by Monica & Karishma, Mahima Mahajan and Papa Don’t Preach. Think organza gowns with cutdana embroidery, off-the-shoulder sarees, and contemporary skirt sets.

Kotecha notes that British-Asian brides tend to be more experimental when it comes to colour – with Western-influenced ivories and creams nestling alongside reds and pinks on mood boards. With a strong online presence, Nikaza also offers a made-to-measure service and counts Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor and Indian actress Disha Parmar among its regular clients.

223 Kenton Rd, Harrow, HA3 0HD, nikazasiancouture.com

BRIDAL TRUNK BY DIVYA, PINNER

Divya Seth Suri is a renowned celebrity make-up artist turned luxury bridal consultant and founder of Bridal Trunk by Divya. Her boutique is located on the outer reaches of the Metropolitan line but it’s worth the trip. The all-encompassing space boasts nearly 60 designer labels from India; Suri describes it as a ‘bridal haven’ designed to bring your vision to reality.

The studio’s collection includes ruffled sarees, lehengas with jackets, one-shoulder cape shararas and floral anarkali sets — so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Bridal Trunk promises individualised service and Bollywood-inspired looks for its brides (and grooms) from sought-after designers such as Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Anushree Reddy and Aisha Rao.

25 High St, Pinner, HA5 5PJ, bridaltrunk.co.uk

ESTIE COUTURE, STAINES-UPON-THAMES

Found next to the Thames in leafy Staines, Estie was founded on a mission to make India’s most acclaimed designers more easily accessible in the UK. Accordingly, as well as bridal, it offers new season ready-to-wear for both men and women, along with a full complement of jewellery and accessories. Its roster contains nearly 25 Indian designers, including Seema Gujral, Masaba, Adaara Couture and Ridhi Mehra, with lehengas, gowns, fusion wear, sarees and dresses all on offer. In need of further endorsement? Estie was the first port of call for Carole Bamford and family when kitting themselves out for Lord Bamford’s lavish 70th birthday party in Udaipur.

10-12 High Street, Staines, TW18 4EE, estiecouture.com

BIBI LONDON, BRENTWOOD

Making its way on to this list by virtue of being (literally) just inside the M25, Bibi London was a pioneer in introducing high-end Indian fashion labels to the UK. More than just a sumptuous boutique, Bibi’s Brentwood location includes a gorgeous consultation lounge and commercial photography studio, while the Bibi team also offers a full wedding planning service alongside its bridalwear, menswear and jewellery ranges.

Gowns, lehengas, and sarees, from labels including Seema Gujral, Anushree Reddy and Dolly J, are designed with modern elements, such as fishtail silhouettes, crinkle tulle fabrics and peplum corsets, but always with a nod to Indian culture and traditions. And, with Bibi London founder, Marni Kaur, counting Bollywood superstars Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Kareena Kapoor Khan among her clientele, you know you’re in good hands.

57 Nags Head Ln, Upminster, CM14 5NL, bibilondoncouture.com

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