We Tried Lehenga Shopping At Charminar Under INR 5,000. Did We Conquer?

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Girls, hold your horses before you tap out all your dough. With the wedding season still around, there’s always a function or an event to attend. We know you’re looking for outfits that can put you at the centre stage. Are you in a dilemma where you could get an outfit without shelling megabucks? The answer…is Charminar, duh! To make it simpler for you, we’ve scouted the streets of Charminar and found lehengas under INR 5,000. And if you’re looking for something more than a lehenga, there are shararas, Banarasi silk sarees, and the elegant Hyderabadi khada dupatta — a traditional wedding dress comprising a kurta, a churidar, and an elaborate six-yard dupatta worn often as a veil.

Hamida Collection

Don’t be surprised if you’re flooded with lehengas here that resemble trends inspired by Bollywood creations by famous designers. At Hamida’s, you’ll find lehengas rich in colour — the reds, the tangerines, the maroons. Be a girl scout and hunt for the ones with extensive aari embroidery. If pink is your thing, you’re bound to discover a few with the most intricate zardosi work here.

Price: 3,000 upwards

Andaz Designer

What we really love about this store is the staff’s enthusiasm at discussing their artisanship. Known for their baroque zari work and stunning bridal wear customisation, this is where you can pick up fabric, the colours, and choose your embroidery before finalising your bridal lehenga. Andaz Designer is usually the first stop for several brides. Although their lehengas are dazzling, it’s the customised khada dupatta accompanied by matching potlis (or purses) and traditional juttis, that stole our hearts. Looking to get one done? Now you know where to go.

Price: 4,000 upwards

Rukhsar Wedding Collection

Shine bright like a diamond. But for that, you need to take a detour and head over to Rukhsar. We were overwhelmed with their collection of fish cut shararas, anarkalis, tail cut salwar kameez, where the back or the tail end of the kameez is longer than the front end. Done in alluring suedes and velvets, clothing at Rukhsar is totally meant to get your ethnic dressing game on. The other noteworthy thing about this store is that we found bridal lehengas in the most unassuming colours like lavender, teal green, aqua blue, lilac. Now, how’s that to stand out?

Price: 3,000 upwards

Shama Creations

The moment you enter the two-floored store, you’re welcomed by a mannequin enrobed in one of the most exquisite lehengas we’ve laid eyes on. The workmanship is pure magic, but it’s way off our charts, priced at INR 17,000. (Psst. if you’re not on a budget, then you, my friend, must splurge!)

Back to our budget, we think Shama houses classy lehengas made with naqshi and dabka embroidery, colour block printed lehengas, and even minimal designs at reasonable prices of INR 3,000 and a little above. The store owner offers you the bargain amount, sparing you the whole process of bargaining. While the Bandhani prints and Chikankari fabric were out of stock, their subtle printed suit yardage was a fresh welcome.

Price: 2,500 upwards

New Zainab Exclusive

Though tiny, this store is stocked with plush brocade silk shararas and velvet lehengas, and everything is classy here. We heart Zainab’s for its understated offerings. Their floor-length anarkalis and traditional gowns which are more of maxi dresses with flair, all come with beautiful embroidery and opulent golden work.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out their fabric and fish cut suits that have an enviable amount of bounce and taper as they go towards the bottom.

Price: 3,000 upwards