by Raj Desai | Updated 8/14/21
Is there anything more frustrating than the vendor search and interview process? Yes! And that’s pleasing your parents.
Since I can’t help you with that (hey, it’s been 33+ years and I’m still workin’ on my own), I’m going to channel my support towards the former.
We all know about the Knot and Wedding Wire. And we also know how bloated and completely useless their directories are. Okay, maybe ‘useless’ is a little harsh.
The point is, we want targeted, culturally-specific information to help. Us. Plan. Faster. And (wo)MAN is that hard to find!
Until now. These days we have a ton of tools at our disposal to discover vendors. Google. Instagram. And, most importantly, South Asian-specific wedding vendor directories. Here’s a look at 7 of them.
DilDiya
Best for: Budgeting Brides
What is it: There’s lots to find at DilDiya—an exhaustive directory of vendors, planning tools you can purchase, and an affordable (and long overdue) concierge service for those of you who want extra help, but balk at the cost of a full-service wedding planner.
Maharani Weddings
Best for: Inspiration-seeking budget breakers
What is it: Maharani Weddings is the longest-standing, most widely recognized US wedding resource for South Asian brides. Their Platinum Vendor Guide has a mix of vendors from all over the US. You won’t find as many options as DilDiya, but it’s a great place to start.
Pyaari Weddings
Best for: Budgeting brides in major US cities
What is it: Pyaari Weddings is the newest vendor directory to hit the scene—but with a twist. They’re not only making vendors accessible, but they’re also trying to make pricing and fees transparent.
Project Marrygold
Best for: West coast brides
What is it: Project Marrygold features vendors specific to California-based brides.
South Asian Bride Magazine
Best for: Inspiration-seeking budget breakers
What is it: Another widely-recognized name, South Asian Bride Magazine has an online directory that, like Maharani Weddings, has a mix of vendors from across the US. And if you’re still planning your wedding once the pandemic dies down, check out their eponymous luxe wedding shows that span the US.
The Desi Bride
Best for: Texan brides
What is it: Another business born from a (stressful) wedding planning experience, The Desi Bride is a vendor directory for those of you hailing from the great state of Texas.
Brown Bride
Best for: Brides anywhere in the US
What is it: Brown Bride is another extensive directory featuring vendors from major cities in the US. It’s a newer platform, but you’ve got a healthy amount of options to browse and select from.
Raj Desai
Content strategist and UX writer who’s been researching and writing about weddings for 5 years. Addicted to Netflix, dirty martinis, and naps.