Wedding belles go click happy

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Shopping is an integral part of preparations for to-be brides and grooms. While Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh and Greater Kailash markets continue to get major footfalls, this season has seen a change in trend with many opting for online shopping. Portals make shopping easier and offer interesting deals.
Shopping for wedding trousseau is a time-consuming affair, as one needs to do thorough research on trends of the season. A probationary officer with a bank, Tripti, whose marriage is due in mid-December, has taken to online shopping. “For my trousseau, I had to buy 21 traditional dresses as well as matching jewellery. It became quite chaotic for me to manage everything in such less time,” says Tripti, who checked the products and offers on the online portals and ordered her sarees. “Initially, I was reluctant, as I was not sure of the quality. But once I got the delivery, I was happy with the products. I ordered six more sarees, three suits and some matching jewellery,” says Tripti.
Sruthi Kandavalli, a 22-year-old professional, prefers shopping online to avoid running from pillar to post. “I have a hectic schedule. I tried to go out and shop, but felt drained out at the end of it. That’s when I started searching the online portals and discovered that they have good stuff,” says Sruthi, who bought several dresses (pre-bridal lehangas and suits) last month from online sites. The best part, she says, is that she has the option to try out the outfit and exchange it if she is not satisfied.
The e-portals selling ethnic stuff and bridal wear are definitely not complaining! Gobind Pahwa, MD and vice-chairman, shop19.com and pehraan.com that offer fusion ethnic wear, says that the apparel segment has seen a three-fold increase in the last two years on the e-commerce sites. “Interesting, offers like easy exchange policy and payment on delivery has won the trust of customers. Great offers have even compelled people to buy ethnic wear online,” he says.
Amit Maheshwari, vice-president, fashion merchandising, snapdeal.com, is not saying that people have completely taken to online wedding shopping. “But the preference has increased,” he says and adds that targeted promotions are pulling in more customers. “Like we offer products related to wedding as well as expert guidance on how to complete the look with a certain dress,” he says.
Ganesh Subramanian, chief merchandising officer, Myntra.com, says that jewellery sale too has increased. “To meet the expected demand of the wedding shoppers, we have included an exquisite collection of gold and diamond jewellery from nine different brands,” he says.
FashionAndYou has created a separate ‘Wedding’ section that to sell apparel, accessories and other products.
For those getting hitched, try online shopping!