This week, Delhi is about to witness a flurry of exhibitions. I know of SEVEN events (which I’ve added to the Delhi page of Events on the blog), the first of which is Celebrating Vivaha, that begins today.

While you can always Google and find out a (very) long list of exhibitors for most events, I wanted to write a quick note on the best of what you’ll find at Bridal Asia. It’s a wedding exhibition that takes place only once a year, and brings together some big names, some small names – in the luxury wedding industry. Since the list of exhibitors is so long, I thought it might be helpful to tell you what to look out for, so you can navigate the massive Bridal Asia exhibition in a more informed way.

The Biggest Names

Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Vikram Phadnis, Varun Bahl, Manish Arora, Anita Dongre and Bhairavi Jaikishan – these are the names everyone knows, the ones that display all their bridal finery at the biggest fashion shows in India.

The Ones I Always Love

Designers I know and love season after season

• Sabyasachi – To be honest, I’m a recent Sabyasachi convert. I always thought his designs were lovely, but was never in love with them. Till I went shopping with my best friend for her wedding this season, and since she is such a die hard Sabya fan, she has managed to convert me! Of course, those gorgeous vintage inspired designs at his India Couture Week show helped as well.
• Tarun Tahiliani – I usually love a few outfits from his whole collection, but I LOVE those pieces. Like, I would give an arm and a leg to wear them kind of love. No jokes. Browse pictures of drool-worthy pieces from his latest collection in this fashion week post before you go to Bridal Asia, so you know what to look for.
• Ekaya – exquisite silk saris in bright colours for the young bride. I LOVE their stuff.
• Anita Dongre – ummm, hello! YOU KNOW I LOVE HER! If you love the Jaipur aesthetic or gota patti, her stall is a must-visit. Don’t forget to have a look at my favourite outfits from her brand new DLF Emporio store, so you know what you’re about to see!
• Nidhi Tholia – speaking of gota patti, Nidhi is a designer I’ve been hearing a lot about recently. While her creations are almost as expensive as Anita Dongre’s, they’re a great pick for any bride who loves her gota!
• Madsam Tinzin – one of my favourite stores in Delhi, albeit an expensive one, I shared some images from their latest collection with you here. Don’t forget to take a peek before you head to their stall!
• Peppermint Diva – I’ve spotted their designs on Madhuri Dixit (in my post about the best outfits she wore on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa last season) and other celebrities, and seen their work first hand at AZA a few months back.
• Ridhi Mehra – I love her trendy, contemporary take on Indian wear for young women. If you can afford it, one piece of RM goodyness is a must-have for your trousseau. And of course, here’s a look at my top picks from her latest Lakme Fashion Week show.

The Ones I Like But Haven’t Seen Enough Of Yet

Designers I’ve loved from a single season’s collection

• Bhumika Grover – For some reason, a few simple and sober pieces by Bhumika always end up on my wishlist at IndianRoots
• Niki Mahajan – I first heard of her just recently, and did a whole post on her fashion show. Not seen her latest offering, but worth a visit, I’m sure!
• Swati Ubroi – every third lehenga I’ve seen recently that I’ve liked has turned out to be a Swati Ubroi creation!
• Sonali Gupta – discovered her on Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, loved the designs, and ended up with a Sonali Gupta top in my wardrobe that I’ve been asked about a million times already! I guess that means the masses love her work?
• Anjali Sharma by French Curve – Chanced upon her work through the world of the Internet! And fell in love immediately with the few pieces I saw online last year

The Ones That Have Intrigued Me

A general browsing of their work convinces me they’re interesting and probably worth a look

Trousseau wear by

• Aashmaa Sharda Bhandari
• Pooja Shroff
• Jyoti Gill

Jewellery by

• Raawat Jewels
• Anmol Jewellers

To Other Exhibitions

If you’ve seen the list of all 7 exhibitions taking place over the next few days, DON’T feel overwhelmed and confused. Here are some notes to help you figure out which ones you want to visit –

• If you’re a bride to be, the most useful ones for you will be Celebrating Vivaha, Navyata and Bridal Asia – large variety of trousseau designers and other wedding vendors
• If you go for Navyata (26 Sep – South Ex), my favourites are Amrita Thakur, Dolly J, Nikasha, Peppermint Diva and Papa Don’t Preach
• If you go for Ikha Couture Show (26-27 Sep – Saket), don’t forget to read this post on WedMeGood BEFORE you visit for all the details and a special discount offer
• If you stay near Najafgarh and like Chhabra 555, you can have a look at their Bride & Groom Festival (26-28 Sep)

• If you just want to shop for pretty clothes and are not a bride to be, visit any except Chhabra 555
• Shhh…there’s an 8th event as well. If you don’t care about Indian wear shopping this weekend, go for Little Black Book Delhi’s My Fair Delhi at Select City Walk, Saket. I’m only mentioning this totally non-wedding event here because I was very excited to visit, but won’t be able to because I’m travelling out of town! They’ve got some cool home decor stalls (The Wishing Chair and Elan), cute jootis (Needledust) and lots of yummy food! I can’t believe I’m missing it 😦

Have you ever been to a wedding or lifestyle exhibition? Do you have a favourite? Tell me in the comments!