With the onset of the wedding season, the excitement of bridal shopping has been overshadowed by an unprecedented surge in prices, leaving many brides-to-be struggling to afford their dream dresses. The escalating cost of bridal wear, especially lehengas, has turned what was once a cherished tradition into a financial challenge for many families.
According to recent reports, the price of wedding dresses has climbed sharply, with lehenga costs increasing by more than 50 percent over the past year. This sharp rise has made it increasingly difficult for middle- and lower-income families to purchase new bridal outfits. Many women who had planned to buy custom-made dresses are now opting to rent or borrow them instead.
“I came here to buy a lehenga. There are various styles available—party wear and bridal dresses. They are lovely and beautiful,” said one customer while browsing a local boutique. “But after hearing the prices, I became a little concerned. I have now decided to take one on rent.”
Shopkeepers, while acknowledging the slowdown in bridal shopping, attribute the price hikes to higher production and material costs. “The material has become expensive,” said one vendor. “Another reason is the cost of the fabric. It becomes a problem for buyers when we tell them the average price is between Rs40,000 and Rs60,000.”
Vendors also noted that embroidery work, imported fabrics, and heavy embellishments contribute to the price spike. Meanwhile, rising inflation and the depreciation of the rupee have pushed up the cost of raw materials such as silk, chiffon, and zari threads.
As a result, many families are being forced to scale down wedding expenses or look for more affordable alternatives, dampening the festive spirit traditionally associated with Pakistan’s wedding season.
