I went to Chandni Chowk this Saturday to pick up my wedding lehenga, finally. But the journey began many months ago, in South Extension…
When I had started off my search for the wedding lehenga, I had been sorely disappointed. Everything was so…chamki! And oddly, the lesser the bling, the more the price!
One hot summer day, I was walking around South Ex market browsing wedding lehengas. I went to Ushnaq Mal and saw a few pretty designs. Nothing wow, but still some nice lehengas. Realizing that my dream lehenga probably didn’t even exist in the real world, I decided to pick one of the sober yet prettier lehengas at that shop. Then we sat with the salesman to decide on the colors and design of my wedding lehenga. Because I was not a 100% sure, I told him that I would confirm the final order by the next day.
When we came out of the shop, my mother suggested that we look around some more. After all, South Ex has so many good shops for Indian wear, no harm in looking. When we crossed Heritage, I remembered looking at a beautiful lehenga on display at the window a few days back. I had loved the skirt part, but the blouse had been too full of bling so I had dismissed it from my mind. Today, I thought, I should go and atleast see that lehenga. The skirt was truly beautiful.
I went to the first floor of the shop and asked for that lehenga. When I laid my eyes on it, I realized my memory had not served me wrong – it was as beautiful as I remembered. And the chamki blouse from the window? Oh, that was from another lehenga. This one had a blouse with similar shades and embroidery as the skirt.
How much is it for? [insert dimaag ki batti uda dene wala price]. Oh, I’ll still try it!
Those of you who have experienced this will know what I am talking about – it felt like I was in lehenga heaven. This was perfect. Like, it was made for me! There was nothing wrong with this lehenga, well, of course – except the price! Damn. I wish I were richer. It was just exquisite. Unfortunately for me, even though it was way over budget, I fell in love with it. And……I wanted it.
But, how? To cut a long story short – we went to 3 separate people to copy the lehenga for us. We were not satisfied with either their samples, or the prices they were quoting. We got sick and tired of trying to get the exact same lehenga. So much stress, so much tension! Mother said, let’s go to Chandni Chowk and see if we can find something. Which is how I landed up at Om Prakash Jawahar Lal. They had some really, really nice designs which were very wedding-worthy. Then, something unexpected happened – almost like, it was meant to be:
I asked my mom, “Should I show that picture of the Heritage lehenga to this guy? Ask him if he has something similar?” She agreed. By this time, the salesman was in front of us about to unfold the 40th lehenga for us to see. He opened it, and voila! It was almost a replica of the one I was just about to show him from Heritage! Insane, right?
I placed the order immediately, and I kept stressing to him that it should be as close as possible to the original. I even sent him the picture I had of the Heritage lehenga. I got it for lesser than 1/3rd the price!
But it was, after all – Chandni Chowk. And the lehenga he had showed me was in a mess – the threads were falling out, I could barely make out what the original lehenga looked like. I was stressed out – would he do a good job? What if it came out looking horrendous? What would I do then? Would I have to go and buy the expensive Heritage one? Or go looking for a completely new lehenga? Argh!
And the long duration between placing the order and the lehenga arriving didn’t help one bit! Honest to God, I had a nightmare the day before I was supposed to go pick up the lehenga. Just like the one you have a day before your exams start. I dreamt that I reach the shop, and he shows me a lehenga with just the fabric put together – and he’s saying they’ll start embroidering it starting tomorrow! All that emroidery, and they hadn’t even started yet?! I was freaking out!
Fortunately for me, this story has a very happy ending. Like I was saying…
I went to Chandni Chowk this Saturday to pick up my wedding lehenga, finally. When they opened it in front of me, I could see that the most of it was just like the original. I obviously noticed some stark differences as well, but I kept my mouth shut. I just wanted to try it on, and I had tried very hard over the last many, many weeks to convince myself that I didn’t need the lehenga to look exactly like the original. What mattered was that overall, I should look good. And I did. And the lehenga did. Some of the things that were different actually made this lehenga better. Yes, better than the Heritage one. You can blame it on my determination to not feel buyer’s remorse but I’ll say it again – the lehenga from Chandni Chowk was better than the one from Heritage. They made it look more “bridal”. It’s an Indian wedding after all, who wears a toned down lehenga on their own wedding? I almost did, but Om Prakash Jawahar Lal made sure I didn’t 😉
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Update: To see pictures of my wedding lehenga, go here.
Shinjini Amitabh Chawla 
aawww….cnt wait to see it!! hope we get pictures later, post wedding??
feeling jitters?? would be nearing the 50 day mark right?!
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Closing on 60 day mark…and feeling all kinds of emotions actually! 🙂 mostly, excitement and impatience for October to get here quicker!!
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Oh my good heavens!!! it was ike i was reading a thriller story n cudnt stop thinking ab kya hoga! hey bhagwan, kya isse wohi lehnga mil paega!??? LOL….
i also dont have fat pockets to splurge on clothes which are meant to be worn just Once! Damn! i wish i had dat kind of money wid which i cud just buy 1Lakh wala lehenga.
Okay, Congossssssssssssssssssssssssssssss u found ur choice Lehenga in ur price range. im dying to knw by how much u got poor. Seriously!
Can u plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz drop me a mail to tell me for how much u got both d lehengas n if possible der pics bhi? Both lehengas means, ur sangeet one and shadiiii wala!!
God bless u
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Glad u enjoyed the post! Sending u a mail soon
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I’m definitely going to Om Prakash Jawahar Lal for my lehnga. Also, do u think renting lehnga is a bad idea? I am not sure about it. I dont wanna waste my money which I am never gonna wear it again. It will taking up space in my closet.
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Hi.. i have read the whole story of this bride.. it is too gud.. thnx fr sharing..
can u pls pls pls tell me the cost of your wedding and reception dress. I want to go there once fr chkout d same stuff.. thanks in advance!
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have sent u a mail, ravi!
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Can u plx mail mail me the pic of your lehenga as m luking for the same for my wedding since last 4 months..
ppriyabisht@gmail.com
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Hi Shinjini,
Can you please send me photos of your lehngas with the prices you paid too. I am going to be doing shopping for my wedding lehngas in Delhi, so just want to know how much should I be paying for the wedding lehnga.
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Hi Jasleen, you can find the photos in the post – Wedding Wardrobe: thedelhibride. I’m emailing you the price.
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Hi, love how you are helping everyone with all this info!! 🙂 Could you please send me an email on the price? I live in Australia and I am looking for a Sabyasachi style lehenga – heavy, but classy not cheap bling. Is Om Prakash Jawahar the best place to visit? How many days earlier should I go? am planning to go to India a month before my wedding..
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Hi G, Om Prakash does have Sabya style lehengas, as does Asiana Couture in Chandni Chowk. A month before the wedding is always tough, why don’t you ask a family member to go check out the collection in advance and maybe speak to you via FaceTime or Skype so you can choose a lehenga in advance?
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Hi plz let me the price of your outfits you wore during your marriage ceremonies
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Congrats love! I remember when I wore my Lehenga first, my parents had tears in their eyes! My sister actually did have tears! That’s when I decided-THIS IS IT! I am super thrilled for you! Hugs!
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Thanks! 🙂
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Hi, Amazing story. Would love to see your lehnga if you can mail a picture. I am just about to start my search of wedding outfits so it will help a lot. Thanks 🙂
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I so agree about not having a toned down lehenga for your own wedding!! Cant wait to see the pics!
My lehenga story is exactly opposite to this one though! Happy to know you got what you want and at the right price 🙂
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Oooohhhhh I wanna know ur lehenga story now!
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Oh wow!!! that was one thriller story.. congrats for lehanga so happy that u loved it, I am still hunting for one!!! All my google fantasies are coming to an end and I just couldnt find any of my dream lehangas.. Can you please share some pic and price of the wedding lehanga, I even visited Om prakash but couldnt finalize anything..
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Hey DelhiBride!
Glad that you found your dream lehnga that too at 1/3 price. 🙂
I have same request as Vanu:
“Can u plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz drop me a mail to tell me for how much u got both d lehengas n if possible der pics bhi? Both lehengas means, ur sangeet one and shadiiii wala!!” 🙂
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Aww I am glad you found your “perfect” lehenga! Do share a pic of it if you can 🙂
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congrats on finding that perfect lehenga every girl dreams of! pls share the pics and price on mail!!!
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hey..at 6 in the morning i am surfing websites for lehanga and to know if someone is in the same boat as mine..and gosh after searching for days altogether i found u here!!! my d day is in nov end and the one thing which is left is “Lehanga” and this is giving me sleepless nights..can you please give me some more info on this..i m confused between where to buy it from..your lehanga pic and price will really really help me..will await your reply..
sleep deprived november bride!
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i love your posts… i will be shopping for lehengas v soon in delhi.. but i am not familiar with the place.. how much should i bargain down for when buying lehenga or saree
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How much to bargain? I’m probably the last person you should be asking that to 🙂 The only thing I know is that you should always ask for a discount – some give it easily, some are harder nuts to crack. But eventually they all sell for lower than MRP…it is, after all, MAX retail price. They can afford to go lower
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plz plz plz mail me the price of your lehenga!! i dntr live in delhi so m in gr* dilemma … coz i guess customized lehengas take time to be stitched and are better too… so i need to com twice tht means to delhi ?? in hw many days your lehenga got stitched!!!
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Hey am going crazy over lahengas searching am a 2013 apr bride 😛 but i think i should start thinking.i loved how u explained your experience i will be searching for “the one”: lahenga in delhi.so if u could please drop me a mail of how much u spent?the kinda lahenga u got ?And ya how much time do they take to make the lahangas?i have no idea about delhi rates and stuff..so please if u cud attach the the pic with how much it costed u + the time taken!!:) would be of great help!!
thanks 🙂
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Oh.. Finally i am glad that you got your Dream lehenga… i am literally dying to know the price of both the lehengas.. and if possible please send me the pictures to. this will be of great help for me as well:)
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This is a wonderful post! Your crisp storytelling and the fact that I could relate to it all made is very interesting. In fact, you inspired me to start my own blog! I am getting married this December in Hyderabad and I still have to pick out my reception outfit, AND I am a long-distance bride living in the US! My mom is visiting Delhi this month and it would be great if you could send your wedding and sangeet lehenga pics and prices at sunayanareddyc at gmail dot com. You can check out my blog at thehydbride@wordpress.com. Good luck with your wedding 🙂
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OMG!! Thank you for recommending this place…I found my dream bridal lengha here! All thanks to you…and you know that means a lot coming from a girl since this is one thing that is forever!! God bless 😀
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awwww that’s great! 🙂
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hi i’m totally clueless on delhi shopping but i want to visit this place after reading this post. can you please shoot me a mail with the price of the lehenga too? and a picture if thats not too much 🙂
i love one heritage lehenga that was out in the mags but too scared to ask the price!
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My older cousin sister got her wedding suit and reception lengha from here 16 years ago, and now 16 years later, I also got mine! I can’t wait to get it. I ordered it in January and won’t be here till April 😦 I’m in the States so I won’t even be able to see it till it gets here in MAY!
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Hi,
I have following ur blog from quite some time.. Great Blog and Really Great help for all fellow brides to be :)..
Whatever I have been reading till now, I need to put that in practice now.. as I will be visiting Delhi in search of my Wedding Lengha..(Fingers Crossed)
I am planning to Visit Chandni Chowk as I am planning to buy Lengha within 40K.. These are few places I have shortlisted from my Online Research..
Guys Please let me know if I should be visiting any other shop, thats worth a dekhoo..
1, Om Prakash JawaharLAL 2. Madan 3.Lengha House 4. Surya Silks 5. CTC may be
Also let me know if theres any Good shop in Rajouri for lengha
This is what i know as of now.. 1. Bombay Selections 2. Shakuntalam
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I’ve heard Sudheer bhai and Asiana are also good places
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hey.. i love reading ur blog..
n m also getting married in jan 2014.. m frm delhi n my wedding lehnga search is abt to start n m so confused abt evrythng .. so can u pls pls pls pls tell me d price of ur lehnga and if posible mail my some pics too..
i am waitin for ur reply.. pls do rep..
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Hi Kavya! You can see pictures of my lehenga on the blog itself – in the posts “Wedding Wardrobe” (mine) and “thedelhibells: Wedding”
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hello…even i have gone through same experience during choosing my lehnga…bought it from chandani chowk only but really really expensive i have gone 30,000/- above my budget:(but lenga its really nice & since its my wedding & i want to look my best have just bought it..but the price is really too high.
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hey Neha my day is in feb 2014, my search is still
on for the lengha, still confused…n still searching can u please mail me your lengha picture along with the store name…
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hello devpriya .my lehnga is still awaited gonna get it this sunday will update photo also.. but yaa the store name is ‘SUNEHREE’ in chandani chowk lenge wali gali naya katra.
let me know if you need more information sharing the the owner’s no.jatin arora : 9650177999
regards
neha
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Does Om Prakash Jawaharlal deliver on time? We have ordered but it’s a little too close to D day so feeling nervous….
And can you email me your price? TIA
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hello..jittery its not about om prakash jawahar lal but its for everyone that u should always have time in hand,these guys they tell some sort of stiries at the end day like ” madam its festival time our karigar are on off & things like this so i suggest always be ready for end minute jolts..
Neha
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so true Neha. Never give them real date of your wedding. For only one reason – lesser stress for u.
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can u pls pls pls tell me the cost of your wedding and reception dress. I want to go there once thanks in advance!
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sent u a mail Palak!
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Hi!!!! Can u please email me the price as well !!!
Thanks
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Hi thedelhibride,
your story is so interesting… I want to see your lehenga…Plzzz…. can I?
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You can see pictures in the post “thedelhibells: Wedding”
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Hello… congratulations to you and your man!!!!! I went through all your posts, I must say they have been veryyy helpful… I have stayed in Delhi for 6 yrs but when it comes to shopping for my marriage I have no clue where to head! Your posts are very helpful and to the point… I love your wedding Lehenga!! Do you mind me asking how much you got it for? I am planning to visit Om Prakash soon, any help with the prices they have will be very useful… Thanks Alot … All the best!
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sent u a mail, Nida!
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hie…since the day my wedding date got finalised.. m a regular reader of your blog 😛 i really enjoy your posts and ur wedding lehenga is so pretty.. can u please tell me the price of this..as i’m also on the wedding lehenga hunt dese days!! 😉
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thank u priyanka! sending u price on email!
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can u plzz mail me d price n design of your lehenga….will i get a designer piece over d shop u bought n my reception dress too.
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Tried sending you a mail, but delivery failed 😦 Can u send me your correct email address?
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I love reading your blog! Love your intricate style! I was hoping you would share the price of your wedding lehenga. I am planning my wedding too and have barely anytime to shop in India! But would love some advice from you!
Thanks!
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Thanks so much 🙂 sent u a mail!
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hi .. can you please email me the price of ur lehenga..it wd be of gr8 help ..n u looked awesom 😉
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Now that piece of writing.. was something I badly needed to read… thank yo so much!! btw could i get a glimpse of the lehenga u bot from chandni chowk & the price for the same please ??
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Hi Anwesha, you can see the lehenga in this post.
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hey plz tell me the price of your lehanga osum post loved it // also please give me the address for the shop …and also would like to confimr whether its om praksh designers and om prakash jawahar lal the same shop
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Hi Parneet, it’s Om Prakash Jawahar Lal. Will email you the price.
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Hii!!! I saw a lehenga at OMPJL but I think they have quoted me too much! Can u please email me the price of your pretty lehenga, I’ll be able to compare. Asap. Please. Because I need to go there today morning and finalise.
Thanks a ton. Your blog has helped me a lot.
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Hey! Congo and thankx 4 d nice suggestion……And wud tell me dat in how much bugs u got ur lehenga finally….?????
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Hi Dear, really helpful blog posts…Can you share with me details about your wedding dresses (as in pictures and costs). I’ll be grateful :))
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Hey Abhilasha, see this post where I’ve given details and pictures about all my wedding outfits.
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Absolutely love your lehenga and your adventurous story! Please share the price 🙂
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hi…I can very well relate to some of the instances in your story and very glad that you finally found your lehenga. Can you please mail the pic and price detail of your wedding lehenga.
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Hello ladies and the beautiful delhi bride 🙂
I am pretty tall and would definitely need to get my lehenga designed. Can anyone tell me when should I book for my lehenga?? How much time does it take ?
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Hi. could you please mail me the price of your lehenga on mriganka.mehrotra@gmail.com Thanks
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Loved the blog 🙂 I am planning to come down to delhi (from hyderabad )to shop for my wedding lahenga..and out of many over here..i am also not that rich on pocket front..so need your help.please pls email me the price of your lahenga..also from what budget i can expect a good lahenga in OM Prakash shop..Pls help me 🙂
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ur wedding story is really intetstng….n i really wnt to see ur lehnga pics plzzzzzzzzzzxzzz……n wnt to knw price too…..pls rply…..m w8tng….thnks
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hi…m from punjab n i have never been to delhi for shopping…but wedding bells r about to ring at my place..n i have heard from a lot of ppl tht if u wnt smthng really opulent n royal theres no other place than delhi ..i m also thnkng of shopping from delhi for a lehenga as theres not much variety availble pumkab side..kindly suggest me some shops fr a gud lehenga my bugdet is 25000-35000..its my fav cousins marriage..i really wnt to luk gud😊😊
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Hey Shinjini,
My wedding is in December this year, can you pls send me the pics of both of your lehenga and the price too, am planning to check out my wedding lehenga in chandni chowk..
Hope I find good one..
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Hi Vaibhavi, you can see the picture of all wedding outfits here
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hii can you please send me the pic of your lehenga n the price as well at ajeeta90aoel@gmail.com
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Hi, could you please mail me the price of your wedding as well as reception outfits…please. Also, which is a better bridal exhibition for a budget bride? Celebrating Vivaha or Parineeti by Marriage Mantra?
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I loved your lehenga. Mind sharing the price?
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Hey Can you please share the price of both the lehangas on my email ID.
waiting for your reply..
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Hi, I’m kinda following your blogs before going to make any decision either makeup, shopping etc. I need an advise on the bridal lehanga from you. I’ve design with me and I need the same, Can you help me in providing the information, who can get me this lehanga, please share your email address, I’ll forward you the pics?
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Hey Jyoti! My email is there in Contact section. Send me the pics 🙂
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HiI may I know the price of lehenna and place where u bought it
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Hey.. Beautiful story.. Can you please tell me the price as well. Currently searching for mine..
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