Salaam ![]()
Just to give some context, I will give some background on the situation. I am getting married in the first week of November inshaAllah. I order my bridal lengha from Toronto, Canada. I have some family in Pakistan, but because of their busy lifestyle it would have been hard for them to get me a lengha made and I’m not sure if I could trust their taste as I have only been to Pakistan once and that was 18 years ago when I was 6 years old. There is an auntie who sells clothes from her home in Toronto. We have been going to her for our clothing needs for the past 3 years and she always has FABULOUS suits. Really unique and lovely. The fit of her suits is always spot on and everything is tasteful. I decided to order my bridal suit from her since we like her her taste and trusted her. I sent a very detailed word document of exactly what I wanted and discussed this with her. It was worded very carefully and headings were used to make it more clear, so that no miscommunication would ensue. I specifically asked for something elegant and sophisticated and NOT gaudy or kaam se barrawa. I order this back in April. Her designer in Pakistan was supposed to send her pictures and samples during the process of making my suit, but unfortunately this did not happen. I had asked for some pictures in June so that if any changes needed to be made, they could, but the designer (not the lady I ordered from) did not send any. Before you know it my suit had arrived. I just picked it up yesterday. I am really upset. They did not follow the picture they were to replicate and the details I had given. I looked at the suit and wanted to cry. Of course I didn’t while there. I thanked her politely and left. I think she knew I was a bit disappointed. When I got home I started to sob as i told my older sisters the situation, literally I was blubbering. I had envisioned a more sparkling dress, one that felt more glamorous and bridal. Because of the light pink color too, it doesn’t give as much of statement as a red bridal dress would. But, I could never envision myself in a red bridal and always wanted to wear a lighter color and look angelic and sort of “sparkle” lol. As of right now it just feels like “a lengha”.
First off, a color change was made without my knowledge or consent (the color of the nugz and jamawar border lining). I had specifically asked for a 4-5 inch kaam border on the front of the dupatta (the other 3 sides 1.5 inch to save money). They literally kept the front border 1.5 inch with spaced out thin peaks that come up 5 inches…sort of like this pattern
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The top of the shirt is completely empty from neck to thigh. There is no kaam. We had agreed that she would not do the horizontal line going across for an empire waist, because if its not done to the proportion to your body it could look weird. Too low (sagging chest look) or too high and its sitting on the chest looks like you got the wrong size. I would have even been satisfied with spray kaam at the top of the kameez. They used a plain chiffon and lining, so because there is no jamwar underneath it looks completely barren. A patterned fabric like jamawar would have made a difference. The dupatta is see through and I wear hijab. I had specified that dupatta should have fabric that is a thicker chiffon. The suit should have had bigger nugs and diamontes. There is no sitara or kamdani for sparkle. The designer said he would add these, but it was not done. Although, I must admit the actual lengha bottom is amazing. It is super pretty and there is just the right amount of kaam. I must say that the quality and fit if the suit is pretty good.
Now to the point, I’ve already spent $1400 on this suit which was the top of my budget. I have already told the auntie who I ordered my suit from all these issues. She said that because I wanted an “elegant and sophisticated” they went lighter on the kaam. She also said that my budget was very low so that is all the designer could do. If I wanted a a more fancy shirt and dupatta I would have to add on another $400-$500, which is A LOT of money that I cannot afford at this time. Weddings are already so costly and things have added up quickly.
My mum and sisters are trying to make me feel better by telling me that with my makeup, dupatta setting and jewellery, the suit will look awesome. By the way I am wearing the same set my mum wore on her wedding ( a really big circular teeka, jummars and necklace - all really beautiful!). I know part of what my mum and sister are saying is true, but I am also realistic in knowing that it still wont change the suit. I am super sad and really pissed about the whole thing!
I am looking for some options so that I can fix this. Here are some that I’ve heard from my family and friends
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Adding Swarovski Crystals (can be bought at fabric, craft and beading stores and it comes in the clear or a range of colors and different sizes) to the dupatta in between the peaks to make it look thicker and on the shirt. I’m not sure how I would add a pattern to the shirt without making it looked like I glued these crystals myself an having it not look out of place or apart of the suit. I could use them in a clear, ruby pink or purple as my suit has these diamontes/nugs already in it. The colored ones might make the suit pop more. Any suggestions?
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Get a jamawar shirt made underneath to jazz it up. Would this look okay?
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I know gora people get beaded and crystal work on their gowns and bridal dresses. Is there a place in Toronto that can do something for my lengha? Cost?
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Does anybody know of anyone in Toronto that does kaam work? What about Gerrard? And cost?
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I’ve never ordered from Catwalk or Prototype (I’m pretty new to this forum), but do you think they would be able to do anything about the shirt or dupatta?
I really only have 2 months left. Please give me you suggestion or resources
I never thought I would get like this, especially over a dress, but the crazy bride in me is starting to peak. Every since yesterday, every time I go through the Bridal Pics forum I see all these beautiful brides and their lenghas and I just want to cry. If anything this LONG post gave me a good chance to vent. Please make dua for me! ![]()
Here is a picture of what I wanted replicated ![]()
- I have spoken to the auntie again and she said she will talk to the designer. She said she will let him know my complaints and ask for him to give me a thicker border on the front of my dupatta. She would have to send the dupatta back to Pakistan. If he refuses she will ask him to give some money back ($50-$100) so that I could use that towards whatever I wanted to do with the suit. She is going to ask after Eid, because she said he is probably overwhelmed in Pakistan with Eid orders and it would be best to talk to him after to get a more favorable response. So the dupatta may or may not be fixed and as of now, no solution for the shirt.