Source: Crescent Studios; Sunny Dhiman Photography

One needs to understand that wedding shopping is just not a bride or groom thing. It is for everyone!

While you are eagerly waiting for the wedding bells to start chiming, so are your friends and family. Furthermore, as the wedding season dawns closer, everyone's gearing up to start shopping for the season. And when it comes to wedding shopping, there is no place like New Delhi. Delhi has a great mix of iconic marketplaces and hidden gems, with many markets teeming with wedding wear and essentials. Now, we've covered various famous places like Chandni Chowk, Rajouri Garden, Shahpur Jat, Greater Kailash and many more already. But today, we're going to talk about the one market that everyone knows is 'Designerwear Central'! Yes, you guessed it- it's Defence Colony!

Defence Colony, more commonly known as Def Col, is a desi designer hub that should be on every bride's radar. And if you're heading to this destination for your wedding shopping, then we've got you covered. From bridal wear stores to jewellery showrooms, here is your #WBShoppingGuide for Defence Colony!

The Best Defence Colony Shopping Guide

Defence Colony is an affluent neighbourhood located in South Delhi. It was built in the 1960s for veterans of the Indian Armed Forces. And today, its market spaces serve as home to some of the most sought-after couture brands. Located right opposite Lajpat Nagar, this area is the hub of designerwear for brides and grooms. Commonly called Def Col, this locality is famous for numerous beautiful bakeries, cafes and restaurants as well. 

How To Reach Defence Colony

Defence Colony is accessible by various means of public transport including auto rickshaws, taxis, DTC buses as well as the Delhi Metro. The closest metro station to most of Defence Colony is Lajpat Nagar, which is an interchange station between the Violet Line and Pink Line. However, for some parts of the Defence Colony, it is closer to walking to the South Extension metro station, which is on the Pink Line.  On the South end, Defence Colony is bounded by the Ring Road. To its east and west are Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Bhishma Pitamah Marg respectively. The North of Defence Colony is bounded by the tracks of the Delhi Ring Railway. So basically, travelling and reading Def Col is an easy task!

Where to Buy What From Defence Colony

Bridal Outfits  

When it comes to bridalwear, Defence Colony is the place to go  The market is full of big, designer stores for all kinds of outfits that a bride or groom may need. Whether you're looking for a minimal pooja outfit or a heavy bright red bridal lehenga, you can find it all here. Most of the major stores are located in Block D of the locality, but you can also find a few here and there. Here are some of the stores you should check out:

🥻Shantanu And Nikhil

The designer duo has been in the market for more than five years and their store is as stylish as the collection inside. If you're looking for a heavier purchase like your bridal lehenga, then we suggest heading to this flagship store. Browse through their modern silhouettes, fabrics and handwork while shortlisting items for your trousseau!

Address: D-58 Ground floor, Moolchand Flyover, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 4168 6850

🥻Diva'ni Couture

An interesting store for brides who love royal tones and traditional vibes is Diva’ni Couture, India. You will find really beautiful outfits in luxe textures and vintage aesthetics. Diva’ni is a one-of-a-kind bridal wear store that takes inspiration from the era gone by while keeping it relevant. 

Address: D-32, Varun Marg, Shiniwas Puri, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: +011-41721010

🥻Ekaya

If you’re a saree lover, look no further than Ekaya’s flagship store here in Defence Colony. Gorgeous banarasis, chandheris, tussars, there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous space!

Address: D-7, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 095604 67124

🥻Rimple and Harpreet Narula

Rimple and Harpreet Narula's store in Def Col is one regal and royal store. Their bridal wear collection is mostly hand-woven with intricate zari work. We’ve recently spotted many brides donning their collection and we are absolutely stunned by their fabulous silhouettes.

Address: A 286, Bhishma Pitamah Marg, Block A, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 4157 2919

🥻Vvani By Vani Vats

Chic and stunning, Vvani by Vani Vats is a renowned and loved brand. The designer's gowns and lehengas are impeccable, embellished with stunning gota and zari work. If you're looking for off-bet hues and lehenga designs that are out of this world, then this is the store you need to stop at!

Address: D - 15, 2nd floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 99530 11593

Groom Outfits

🤵Jatin Malik Couture

The Jatin Malik Couture store is a brilliant addition to the Defence Colony designer scene. Located within the Defence Colony DDA complex, this space has a huge collection of sherwanis, indo-western pieces, Nehru jackets and kurtas – basically everything any Indian groom could need!

Address: Jatin Malik, D-49, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 4110 0383

🤵Nine Styles

Established in the year 1998,  Nine Styles is a couture menswear brand that offers scrupulously designed and tailored classic men's clothing, using natural fabrics of premium quality. Visit here for dapper suits, impeccable designer shirts, indo-western and men's accessories.

Address: Ground, D-31, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 4175 0159

🤵Rohit Bal

The best thing about Def Col is that it has two full-fledged Rohit Bal stores – one for brides and another dedicated groom store. Walk in to see their trademark rose motifs, flowy anarkalis, achkans and velvet lehengas, which are perfect for the royal Indian bride and groom.

Address: D-31, First Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024

Phone: +91-11-40586102/41656102

🤵ROHIT + RAHUL

The renowned designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s design store in south Delhi’s Defence Colony market is another popular destination for the fashion-conscious. Specialising in contemporary designs, their label focuses more on western wear, showcasing an impressive collection of in-vogue outfits.

Address: D-15, Ground Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 095600 01735

Jewellery

Defence Colony market has a great range of jewellery stores. All of the stores are mostly located in D Block and on the main road. So, finding them is an easy feat. Here's a highlight of a few stores we personally love!

💍Purab Paschim By Ankit Khullar

Instagram’s much-loved Purab-Paschim by Ankit Khullar is located here. The brand is known for its meenakari pieces and head accessories. We loved their unique kaliras, haathphools and kaan chains – accessories that add the extra zing to every bridal look!

Address: D-19 second floor, Shiniwas Puri, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 098733 13872

💍Sunita Shekhawat Jewellery

Founded by jewellery designer Sunita Shekhawat, this gorgeous store is every bride's delight! The designer is known for her meenakari jewellery, studded with pearls, polki and other precious stones. 

Address: D-18, First Floor, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 2433 1395

💍Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers

Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers is a brand synonymous with regal and royal jewellery. Traditional jewellery has never been done better!

Address: D-21, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 085859 71971

💍Kanjimull Jewellers

Kanjimull Jewellers is known to bring traditional designs from an age gone by alive with their four-generations old tradition. One visit to the Kanjimull Jewellers' new store at Defence Colony is enough to know that a high level of personalised attention to the customer, focus on craftsmanship and quality is well-maintained and respected.

Address: D 30, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 011 4140 3500

Footwear

Unfortunately, there aren't any great footwear stores in Defence Colony😔. However, you can find many great options like Stelatoes and Kin's in Lajpat Nagar, which is located opposite Def Col. Check out some of our pics here- Bridal Shopping In Lajpat Nagar? Your #WBShoppingGuide Is Here!

Wedding Invitations

You guessed it right! Defence Colony is also home to many amazing wedding invitation designers! Wedding invites are as important as any other item on your shopping list and you need to decide whether you want something glittery and quirky, or something more subtle and modern.

✉️Voguish Wedding Invitations

Address: D 65, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 098101 90002

✉️Puneet Gupta Invitations

Address: First Floor, A-285, Bhishma Pitamah Marg, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 099111 16749

✉️VPD Verma Packers Pvt. Ltd.

Address: D-19, Ground Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Phone: 088002 00001

✉️Art Papyrus Invites

Address: D-18, Next to Petrol Pump, Main Road, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi

Phone: 095600 52459

Food Stops

Shopping can be taxing. It's hard work even if it's therapeutic. However, every retail therapy deserves a healthy dose of sugar, spice and everything nice. Here are some cafes and restaurants you should definitely visit while in Def Col!

🍲Amici Cafe: Wood-fired pizza and a pretty extensive menu of sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and other European culinary delights.

🍲The Turkey Project: The perfect little cosy place for an afternoon date. Their top items include Jalapeno Cheeseballs, Curly Fries, Turkey, Sangria, Hot Chocolate, and Margherita Pizza!

🍲Nizam's Kathi Kabab: Easygoing restaurant dishing up wraps, curries & rice bowls, plus kebabs & omelettes.

🍲AKU’S - The Burger Co.: Compact, informal destination that offers hearty burgers & milkshakes, plus cook-your-own kits!

🍲Behrouz Biryani: For delectable biryani varieties from all over the world, visit here.

🍲Romeo Lane: An escapade filled with innovative food, culinary cocktails, immersive music, and eye-catching interiors.

🍲Defence Bakery: One of the oldest players in the game (established in 1962), the place has it all — bread, desserts, muffins, cookies, quiches, pizza, kathi rolls, foccacia, hot dogs, hummus, and more.

You can also visit Lajpat Nagar for more street food options!

Things To Keep In Mind While Shopping In Defence Colony

✅The closest metro station to most of Defence Colony is Lajpat Nagar, which is an interchange station between the Violet Line and Pink Line.

✅For some parts of the Defence Colony, it's closer to walk to the South Extension metro station, which is on the Pink Line.

✅The market is open on all days between 10 AM to 11 PM (the timings may vary from store to store).

✅If you're coming via road, then there is ample paid parking for your vehicles. 

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