Top wedding shopping cities to find your dream essentials
Top cities to travel to for your wedding shopping that offer a dream experience with a wide variety of choices
Every detail of your big day deserves a personal touch, from the perfect flowers to mouthwatering menus. After all, you want everything to be nothing short of magical. To make your planning a breeze, The Business Standard has handpicked a few cities that you can consider for your wedding shopping.
When it comes to wedding shopping, Bangladeshis have their familiar favourites, but now that travelling to India has become difficult due to recent political tension, a lot of people are left wondering where to go to shop for their big day.
Here are a few alternatives that are sure to fulfil all your wedding needs and desires.
Dubai
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Dubai boasts an incredible selection of wedding essentials and an abundance of options. With direct flights from Dhaka to Dubai costing around TK40,000 with Emirates, your dream shopping spree is just a flight away!
Family hotels such as Radisson Blu at Dubai Deira Creek will cost you around TK27,000- TK30,000 per day.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Gold and Diamond Park offers a bespoke experience for selecting your engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings. Here, you can handpick unique pieces with personalised service that ensures every detail is perfect.
Additionally, you can take advantage of Dubai's enticing tax-free shopping, which makes acquiring luxurious jewellery even sweeter.
For those in search of high-end bridal wear, head to Citywalk, where you'll find a stunning array of designer wedding dresses, accessories, and even custom shoes. Another hotspot is Meena Bazaar in the Dubai Design District, featuring a diverse selection to cater to all your bridal needs.
Within an approximate budget of TK15 lakh to TK50 lakh, you can have a luxurious wedding shopping experience covering all your necessities.
Istanbul
Turkey is a premier destination for brides in search of the perfect dress for your bridal shower, engagement or reception. Many Bangladeshis are starting to experiment with bridal wear, and are searching the market for beautiful gowns.
Istanbul's vibrant markets showcase a wide range of bridal gowns to suit every style and preference. From elegant, timeless designs to chic, contemporary creations, Turkey is a bridal shopping haven that fulfils every bride's vision.
Istanbul offers an impressive array of designers and boutiques, making it a hotspot for bridal shopping with options to suit various styles and budgets. The Nisantasi district is particularly renowned for its bridal shops, offering everything from opulent, custom-made gowns to more budget-friendly selections. A budget of Tk50,000 to Tk80,000 can net you some exquisite bridal wear.
For those seeking a more traditional shopping experience, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar provides not only alternative choices for wedding dresses but also for accessories. You can find just about anything you are seeking there, including veils, shoes, and jewellery. They also come in much more accessible prices.
Istanbul is also quite famous for gemstones starting from topaz to emerald. If you are planning to buy a unique wedding ring for your bride, you can get the gemstone from Istanbul and get it made here by local jewellers. If you know the size and have time in your hand, you can get it made from Istanbul as well.
A flight to Istanbul through Emirates will cost around Tk90,000 but cheaper options are available starting from Tk60,000.
For Tk15,000 to Tk20,000, you will find good hotels like Sheraton and Radisson Blu, so that you can relax and shop to your heart's content.
Bangkok
Bangkok has a top-end shopping culture, with some of the greatest malls and all types of brands in one place. With Bangladeshis now eligible for e-visas for Thailand starting 1 January, 2025, Bangkok is shaping up to be a perfect blend of convenience and choice.
Pratunam Market and malls like Siam Paragon offer a mix of affordable traditional clothing and international designer collections. The city also excels in bespoke tailoring for bridal and groom outfits. Accessories like ornate jewellery and silk fabrics, crucial for Bangladeshi weddings, are available in abundance.
Other than wedding clothing, Bangkok is also a wonderful option for gifts and accessories to curate a wedding dala. Bangkok is home to numerous shopping hubs like Siam Centre and Central World, where you can find premium international brands such as Estée Lauder, Laneige, and Dior. These products can make fantastic additions to your dala, ensuring that both brides and grooms receive a touch of luxury.
Alternatively, local Thai skincare brands, like Snail White or Oriental Princess, provide high-quality yet budget-friendly options. These products are popular across Asia for their natural ingredients and efficacy, appealing to families who want to combine thoughtfulness with practicality.
Moreover, if you are planning to buy gadgets for your dala, Bangkok is your one-stop solution. From Dyson to PlayStations, you will get everything here at a reasonable price.
A flight to Bangkok is quite affordable. Taking Biman will cost you as little as Tk30,000 for a round trip.
Hotel prices are also affordable, ranging from Tk3000 to Tk20,000 for more high-end hotels.
New York City
When it comes to wedding shopping in New York City, you are in for a treat. But a wedding shopping spree in the USA requires advance planning as visa processing can be notoriously difficult.
Round tickets can cost you around Tk162,000 to Tk170,000, but depending on which airlines you prefer and how early you book your ticket, the cost can be reduced. As for hotels, check out options near Manhattan or the Bridal District to keep your shopping convenient. If you are willing to invest less money on a hotel, you can find places around this area that will cost you around TK8,000-TK30,000 per day. However, a 5-star hotel can be TK50,000 per day or more.
Remember to check for nearby subway lines to make navigating the city smoother.
In a city that never sleeps, from exquisite bridal boutiques to a treasure trove of accessories, the options are endless. Be sure to visit Aayka Fashion at 211 East 43rd Street, where you will find high-quality South Asian custom outfits for brides, grooms, and their families. For those leaning towards contemporary styles, Harleen Kaur offers stunning modern bridal options that are sure to impress. Their prices can vary, ranging from Tk45,000 all the way up to Tk9 lakh, depending on how much you are willing to splurge.
After you have found the perfect outfit, stop by Forever Diamonds, Tiffany and Co where you can find jewelleries ranging from Tk1 lakh to Tk3 lakh. Harry Winston is another option you can consider, as they are known for their exquisite engagement ring collections.
New York City can be expensive, so keep in mind that you may have to have a budget of Tk10 lakh to Tk15 lakh to cover all your dream essentials.
Karachi
Karachi, Pakistan's bustling metropolitan hub is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse markets. Many Bangladeshis have been hesitant to travel to Pakistan in recent years, but with the political landscape shifting once more, those daring enough to visit will find Karachi a fantastic option for their wedding shopping experience.
Designer Bridal Wear Karachi is home to some of the most celebrated South Asian bridal designers, including Deepak Perwani, HSY, Asim Jofa and Maria B. These designers specialize in creating breathtaking lehengas, shararas, and saris that blend intricate handwork with contemporary styles. From classic reds and maroons to pastel palettes, the city's bridal collections cater to every taste.
The city's Zainab Market and high-end jewellery stores offer stunning gold and kundan pieces that will be perfect for the grandeur of Bangladeshi weddings. Whether it's traditional bridal sets or modern statement jewellery, Karachi provides an abundance of choices.
For those looking to customise wedding attire, Karachi's tailors are renowned for their skill and affordability. The bustling streets of Saddar and Tariq Road are lined with shops offering bespoke stitching, ensuring a perfect fit for every family member.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping in Karachi lies in the fact that Bangladeshi currency is valued higher, leading to very affordable prices. You can find good options for as low as Tk10,000. A budget of Tk50,000 will afford you high-end luxury bridal wear. Karachi's low prices can also leave room for shopping for accessories, and even for other family members, making the city an attractive choice for Bangladeshis once again.
A round-trip flight to Karachi and back with AirArabia will cost around Tk1 lakh, but hotel prices will be relatively affordable, ranging from Tk2000 to Tk20,000 per day
