THE owner of a luxury South Asian clothing brand says brides are demanding less traditional attire as weddings become more intimate.

With guests usually nearing one thousand, the South Asian culture of weddings is finally changing after two years in a pandemic have seen the once elaborate affairs swapped for modest one day events.

Along with this, 36-year-old Fatimah Lorgat, who runs House Of Mika Couture in Bolton, says the style of dresses preferred by brides has become much more elegant.

She said: “Since the pandemic started, there has been a shift in what is traditional wear. Because weddings are reduced to maybe 100 people, so brides may not wear a typical lehenga.

“The brides want elegant dresses instead.”

Therefore, the House of Mika Couture now offers bespoke pieces as well as a new collection dedicated to couples and their families.

The new Signora collection is a dedicated room to host close friends and family of the bride or groom, with clothing suited to the occasion.

The dresses can only be viewed in store with no pictures of the dresses available unless bought.

Fatimah said: “It’s a very intricate collection for the bridal party.

“Brides will come in and say the big red traditional dress is what their parent wanted but now the brides themselves are taking control since getting the guest list down.”

A new bridal area is also being made upstairs at the boutique, taking in all the traditional wear, the modern wear and bespoke pieces for brides with a different vision.

Another change according to Fatimah, is the timing of weddings, which are usually in the summer. But now, House of Mika Couture is busy like never before in colder months like November and December.

The Pret Collection is designed by Fatimah and her team and has materials to be made into dresses and suits, readymade dresses, and a limited-edition range.

Fatimah said: “We do so well because of our cheap prices. We don’t compromise on quality, but we want to be as cheap as we possibly can to look after our customers.”

The House of Mika Couture has also won an award in 2020 at the British Asian Wedding Awards for best boutique of the year.

Follow the boutique on Instagram @houseofmikacouture