Ever so often, I will stumble upon a fascinating new store online, and what do I find? It’s located in Meherchand Market. Bang next to Lodhi Colony, this market has been around for a long time, but it’s only over the last few years that designer boutiques, both big and small, have cropped up alongside cute hangout cafes. Suddenly, it’s a nice spot to shop for your wedding, minus the crowds of more popular markets such as South Ex.

But no one really knows too much about Meherchand market. Ask a Delhi-ite what are the best stores to shop at, and they are likely to wrinkle their foreheads trying to remember that one name someone told them about recently. So, of course, I knew I had to put all the brides’ questions to rest. This is an all you need to know guide to wedding shopping in Delhi’s Meherchand market. 

Note: I‘ve mentioned #TDBLoves in front of the shops I would personally love to shop at – they’re the ones you’ll want to visit if you and I share similar tastes in fashion.

Meherchand Market: A Wedding Shopping Guide

Market Structure

The market is really easy to navigate. The stores are all laid out in a straight line on one side of the road. Cafe Coffee Day lies smack in the centre of the market, dividing it into two halves. One can easily find stores depending on which side of CCD they fall on.

Store Guide

For Designer Wear

1. Tisha Saksena #TDBLoves

The most stunning anarkalis, saris, jacket style dhoti outfits and bridal lehengas – this is THE place for bridal shopping. I’m a long-time fan of designer Tisha Saksena, whose pale pink embroidered maxi dress made its way into my closet last year, and that has since been worn on every type of occasion – from youngster’s parties to morning weddings and anniversary date nights.

Shop No. 35 | Rs.15,000 & above | Shop online on Pernia’s Pop Up Shop

2. Play Clan #TDBLoves

I would never have guessed that I’d be recommending Play Clan for bridal wear, but in November this year, Play Clan’s graphic designers tied up with Ekaya’s sari weavers to create the most beautiful wedding wear line of Benarsi silk saris! Available only at Play Clan’s Meherchand market store and Ekaya’s Defence Colony shop.

Shop No. 17-18 | Saris starting at Rs.24,000 and lehengas at Rs.1 lakh

3. Masaba Gupta #TDBLoves

One of our favourite designers whose been named (over and over again) as the Queen of Quirky Prints has her standalone flagship store here in Meherchand market. Expect to find cows and cycles printed on saris and suits. What she wore to her own wedding’s Mehendi function is also available to buy from here right now 🙂

Shop No. 103 | Rs.6,000 & above | Shop online on her website, Pernia’s Pop Up Shop & Exclusively

4. Rajdeep Ranawat

For fans of digital print saris and suits. I’m not a fan myself, but feel free to explore if you are one.

Shop No. 24A | Rs.13,000 for a tunic | Shop online on Exclusively

For Saris

1. Katan – Weaves by Ruchika Modi #TDBLoves

One of the most underrated stores in Meherchand market, Katan has a silk sari collection in possibly every colour you can imagine.

Shop No. 49 | Georgette & cotton saris starting at Rs.5,000 and silk saris starting at Rs.12,000 | Shop online on IndianRoots

2. Anuradha Ramam

Silk and cotton saris with a tribal aesthetic and geometric patterns. Not my style, but if this floats your boat…

Shop No. 29 | Cotton saris starting at Rs.3,500 & silk saris starting at Rs.8,000 & above

For Festive Kurtis & Suits

1. Shades of India #TDBLoves

Get everything from semi-formal to formal suits & kurtis for your trousseau here. Their designs are lust-worthy to the minimalist in me. Also to love? The dupattas in festive shades and palazzos here.

Shop No. 127 | Starting at Rs.3,000

2. In Joy

Bright bandhej kurtis and pretty tunics.

Shop No. 119 | Kurtis starting at Rs.3,000

3. Fabindia #TDBLoves

The popular store for everything Indian has a huge store in this market. Fill up your trousseau with festive anarkalis and the most gorgeous dupattas from here.

Shop No. 21-22 | Starting at Rs.1,500 for a kurta | Shop online on their website

4. Oomph Factory

Not exactly my style, but considering the fact that their anarkalis & kurtis are reasonable AND can be customised to your taste makes it worth a try.

Shop No. 56A | Starting at Rs.1,500

5. Ruh #TDBLoves

While there’s nothing heavy & bridal here, their suits and anarkalis are simple, pretty & festive enough for those family dinners you will attend as a newlywed.

Shop No. 45 | Kurtas starting at Rs.5,000

For Casual Kurtis & Work Wear

1. Manan

One of the oldest stores in the market, Manan stocks some of the best kurtis and tunics in a minimalistic style. The biggest pro of shopping here is that you are finally free from the Fabindia/Anokhi/W/BIBA look-alikes that you see walking around everywhere. Also check out the dresses (including shirt dresses) and pants. Edit: We just found out that this store has now moved to Khan Market!

Shop No. 115 | Starting at Rs.2,500 | Shop online on their website

2. The Shop

Known for its range of hand-printed textiles created out of natural fabrics (according to The Hindu), The Shop has casual blockprint kurtis (similar to the ones you’d find at a Cottons or Anokhi) that are ideal for home or office wear. Biggest pro? The reasonable prices.

Shop No. 122-123 | Starting at Rs.750 for a dress, Rs.1,000 for a kurti and Rs.2,300 for a sari | Limited collection on their online store

3. Soma

Similar to The Shop, this one also stocks cotton tunic, kurtis and pants that are reminiscent of what you’d find at Anokhi (and by that I mean – blockprint!)

Shop No. 46-47 | Starting at Rs.1,500 | Shop online on their website

4. Suruchi Jaipur

Find unstitched fabric, stitched cotton suits and Anokhi-style kurtis here (read: even more blockprint!) The prices make them a good buy for wedding favours.

Shop No. 50 | Starting at Rs.1,500 for a cotton kurti

5. Ekmatra

Owned by Sarvodaya Ashram, Ekmatra specializes in handloom clothing. The kurtas and suits are plain and simple, and reasonably priced. Ideal for daily wear.

Shop No. 54-55 | Starting at Rs.1,500 for a kurti | Shop online on their website

6. Christina

Woolen tunics in floral patterns, and cashmere-lace shawls with Swarosvki crystals.

Shop No. 39 | Call on 011-24640642

For the Best Gifts For the Bride & Groom

Nappa Dori #TDBLoves

With stores all over the world, Nappa Dori is my favourite place to shop for wedding presents. If you’re close to the couple, they’ll appreciate one of the pretty trunks for the bride’s trousseau and the groom would love one of those overnighters for travel.

Shop No. 25 | Starting at Rs.9,000 for a trunk | Shop online on their website

For Footwear & Jewellery

1. January Rose

Interesting and colourful footwear for your honeymoon and daily wear. Handbags with fun prints are also available here.

Shop No. 129 | Starting at Rs.1,000 | Shop online on Jabong

2. Art Karat

Run by the people behind Katan, this place is browse-worthy for artificial jewellery of all types. Bangles, earrings and necklaces for festive occasions are in plenty.

Shop no. 40A | Starting at Rs.6,000 | Shop online on their website

For Menswear

1. Zodiac

The famous brand for formal and casual menswear has a small store here. Check out their party-wear line (Zod!) for your Bachelor’s party, and their crisp shirts for honeymoon & post-wedding work wear wardrobe.

Shop No. 56 | Rs.1,700 for a shirt | Shop online on their website

2. Bhane #TDBLoves

Fill up your groom’s casual wear wardrobe with shirts from this store.

Shop No. 135-136| Starting at Rs.1,400 for a shirt | Shop online on their website

3. Wonder Tailor 

According to Little Black Book Delhi, this is “primarily a men’s tailoring outlet” where you can go for alterations and minor fixes.

Shop No. 91-92 | Call on 011-24618703 | Rs. 300 to alter a shirt

For Bridal & Party Makeup

1. The Powder Room: Hair & Makeup Bar

Essentially a mobile service make-up salon that provides make-up, hairstyling and draping in the comfort of your home! Or get dressed here on your way to the party/your wedding.

Shop No. 85 | Rs.3,000 for party makeup in the salon and Rs.15,000 for bridal makeup

2. Affinity Salon

Located between Masaba and Bhane is one of Affinity salons’ many branches in the city. Hygienic and professional, this is my preferred salon for waxing. Of course, they do bridal makeup, hairstyling and draping as well.

Shop No. 125 | Rs.4,000 for party and Rs.10,000 for bridal makeup

Getting There

The closest metro stations to the market are: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (on the violet line) and Jor Bagh metro station (on the yellow line). Take an auto from the station, and if you’re coming by car then the nearest landmark is Lodhi Colony.  

Best Time to Visit

Most of these stores are shut on Sunday, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly. The best time to visit the market is after 12 pm, as most stores open by then. Keep 4 hours in hand to cover your favourite stores.

Grab A Bite At

• Sugar Blossoms | Zomato Rating 3.7 (out of 5) | A bakery to curb those dessert cravings. Their cupcakes are a must try. Bonus: They make beautiful wedding cakes so you can book yours here! Shop No. 132
• Elma’s Brasserie | Zomato Rating 3.7 | A quaint little cafe that serves great food. From pastas to tea time bites, eat here at any time of the day. Shop No. 73
• Kunafa | Zomato Rating 4.0 | A Middle-Eastern cafe with the largest variety of Baklava across Delhi. Give their Turkish Coffee a try. Shop No. 70
• Cafe by Bhane | Zomato Rating 3.5 | Situated on the first floor of Bhane, this little cafe serves ice-creams that’s to die for. Their most famous flavour is the salted caramel. Shop No. 135-136
• Vintage 31 Bistro | Zomato Rating 4.1 | With its vintage look and English tearoom-like ambience, it’s a great place to have your lunch or dinner at. Their grilled Basa and Banoffee pie are pretty popular. Shop No. 31
• Gopala | Zomato Rating 3.3 | A famous sweet shop that serves all kinds of Indian sweets and desserts. You can order your wedding mithai from here. A must try? Their rasgullas. Shop No. 96

Also: Slice of Italy (pizzas), Subway (fresh subway sandwiches if you’re on a diet) and Cafe Coffee Day

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Have you ever been to Meherchand? What are your favourite spots?

You might also like The Ultimate Wedding Shopping Guide to South Ex