Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, completely. Your first consultation is complimentary, no strings attached. We just ask that you book in advance so we can set aside enough time for you and prepare the right pieces.

You can book through our website using the "Book a Bridal Consultation" button, or reach out to us directly by phone or email. We'll confirm your date, ask a few questions about your wedding, and have everything ready before you arrive.

Typically an hour and a half to two hours, depending on how many outfits you want to explore and how many ceremonies you're planning. We'd rather take our time than rush you through.

Bring whoever you trust most and who knows your style. One or two people is usually ideal. Larger groups can get noisy and pull the focus away from you, which makes decisions harder. If family opinions matter to you, a parent or close sister usually works well.

Bring any inspiration photos you've saved, a sense of your budget range, and the date of your first ceremony. If you've already chosen your venue or colours, those details help too. Comfortable undergarments and hair pulled up make trying on easier.

Yes, we do. If you're based outside of Toronto or can't come in person, we can meet over video. It works better than most brides expect, and many of our out-of-town clients start this way before visiting in person to finalize.

For ready-to-wear pieces, yes. For bridal and groom appointments, we work by appointment only so we can give you the proper attention. Walk-ins for bridal may have to wait or reschedule, so booking ahead is always the better experience.

You don't need a precise number, but having a range in mind helps us pull the right pieces for you. We never want to show you something you fall in love with that doesn't work for you practically. Being honest with us about your range lets us do our job properly.

Absolutely. Our team speaks Urdu and is comfortable working with families across languages. South Asian bridal decisions are family decisions, and we respect that fully.

Yes. Our Toronto flagship is open Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday hours are 12 to 7, and Sunday hours are 12 to 6. We're closed on Mondays. Weekends do fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

You start with a consultation where we discuss your vision, ceremonies, and timeline. From there, our design team develops concepts, you approve fabrics and embroideries, and we begin construction. There are fitting appointments along the way to refine the fit and finish before final delivery.

Custom bridal typically takes three to six months from the point of deposit. That timeline allows for sourcing the right fabrics (many come from Karachi), proper construction, embroidery, and multiple fittings. Rushing this process affects quality, and quality is the whole point.

Sometimes, depending on the complexity of the design and the current production schedule. Rush timelines may involve additional costs and some limitations on embroidery detail. Be upfront about your date at your first consultation and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.

Yes, and most clients do. We love starting with your inspiration and working with you to develop something original. We won't copy another designer's work directly, but we can take the aesthetic, the colour, the silhouette, and the feeling you're drawn to and build from there.

Our designs are made at Noori House in Karachi, where our karigar (master artisans) do the construction and hand embroidery. This is the heart of what Karigur is. The work is then brought to Toronto for final alterations and finishing.

Custom orders typically involve two to three fittings. The number depends on the complexity of the garment and how much adjustment is needed at each stage. We'll walk you through what to expect at your consultation.

Minor changes are possible in the early stages. Once embroidery has begun or fabric has been cut, significant design changes are not feasible and may incur additional costs. This is why we spend time getting the design right at the start.

Handmade pieces have natural variation, and that's part of what makes them special. We'll align on the silhouette, colour story, and embroidery style together. The exact weight of a thread or the slight shift in a colour from screen to fabric is something every bridal client should understand going in.

Ready bridal pieces are fully constructed outfits available for you to try on and take home after alterations. They're not off-the-rack in a department store sense. They're made to our standards, in our fabrics, and can be altered to fit you properly. The difference from custom is that they exist now, not in nine months.

Yes, that's exactly how it works. You come in for an appointment, we pull relevant pieces based on your vision and date, and you try them on in the studio. Nothing is sold blind.

Alterations on a ready bridal outfit typically take four to six weeks. If you need it faster, let us know and we'll see what's possible. Please don't cut it too close to your wedding date.

Not necessarily. Some pieces are available for immediate try-on; others need to be ordered. Our website reflects current inventory, but availability can change. The best way to confirm is to contact us before your visit.

In some cases, yes. Depending on the piece and what you want changed, we can discuss what's feasible. This is something to raise at your consultation so we can give you an honest answer.

We don't publish prices publicly for bridal pieces because the investment genuinely varies based on the outfit, the embroidery, the fabric, the level of customization, and the timeline. We share pricing in your consultation so we can show you what's right for your situation and have a real conversation about it.

Because a number without context misleads more than it helps. A bridal lehenga with light embroidery and one that's fully handworked aren't the same thing, and we'd rather show you the difference in person than have you form expectations from a number on a website.

Yes. Once you've finalized your design and we're ready to proceed, a deposit is required to begin. The details of the deposit structure are discussed and agreed upon during your consultation.

That's a fair question, and the honest answer is that you should compare based on craftsmanship, not just the number. Ask what's handmade versus machine-made, where the embroidery is done, and what the alteration policy is. We're confident in our work and happy to explain exactly what goes into a piece.

We can give you a general sense of the tier based on the type of piece and level of detail you're describing. Reach out before your appointment and we'll give you an honest indication so you're not walking in without any idea.

For custom bridal, nine to twelve months before your first ceremony is ideal. That gives us enough time for design, production, shipping, and fittings without stress. If you're under six months, contact us and we'll tell you what options are realistic.

Many of our clients are dressing for three to five ceremonies: Nikkah, Mehndi, Baraat, Walima, and sometimes a reception or engagement. We can plan all of it together in one consultation. Having the full picture helps us coordinate outfits so everything looks intentional as a set.

Yes. Especially for custom bridal, starting early means more creative latitude. We can begin the design process well in advance and schedule production to fit your timeline.

For ready bridal with alterations, three months is workable. For a fully custom piece, three months is very tight and may not be possible depending on complexity. Contact us right away so we can assess what's realistic.

Come in for a consultation anyway. We can explore styles, understand your vision, and have everything ready to move quickly once your date is confirmed.

For custom bridal, usually two to three. For ready bridal with alterations, usually one to two. It depends on the garment and how much adjustment is needed. We build enough fittings in to get it right.

We handle alterations primarily for pieces we've made or sold. For outside garments, it depends on the construction and what needs to change. Contact us to discuss and we'll be honest about whether it's something we can take on well.

It happens to almost everyone. That's part of why fittings are scheduled close enough to the wedding date to account for changes. If there's a significant change, reach out early so we can adjust the plan.

Standard alterations include hem, waist, and blouse fitting adjustments. More extensive reworking may be scoped separately. We'll tell you clearly what's included when you come in.

Yes. Noori House is our Karachi bridal studio and it's available by private appointment. If you're based in Pakistan, visiting family in Karachi, or traveling through, you can book directly. It's not a walk-in store, but private appointments are very much welcome.

Noori House is our home in Karachi, where Karigur began. It's the production heart of the brand, where our karigar work, and also a bookable bridal studio. It's also been used as a film and photography venue, with a connection to the production of Suno Chanda (we're careful to say only that it served as a filming location, nothing beyond that). For brides, it's a deeply personal and private place to meet us.

No. It's a private studio and atelier, not a retail space. Visits are by appointment only and are focused on bridal consultations or commissioned work.

For brides based in Pakistan, brides visiting from North America or elsewhere, and anyone who wants to experience the brand at its source. If you're doing an international trip and Karachi is on your route, it's worth building an appointment around.

Yes. Custom work from both studios is made at Noori House. The craftsmanship is the same regardless of where the consultation happens.

Yes. We work with brides across North America. Virtual consultations are available to start the process, and many U.S. brides visit Toronto at least once during the process for a fitting. We also do trunk shows from time to time.

We do plan U.S. trunk shows periodically. Follow us or sign up to hear about upcoming dates and cities. If there's enough interest in your area, it influences where we go.

Absolutely. Virtual consultations work well for the early stages. For fittings, some clients travel to Toronto, and in some cases we can coordinate fittings locally during our visits to other cities.

Yes. We ship to U.S. addresses. See the shipping section below for details on duties.

For North American orders, we ship domestically from our Toronto flagship. Canadian customers receive their orders without any customs or international fees. U.S. customers should be aware that cross-border shipments may be subject to U.S. import duties depending on the declared value. We'll walk you through what to expect.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. International shipping involves customs in the destination country and may incur duties and taxes. We'll discuss this upfront so there are no surprises.

Bridal garments are carefully packed to prevent creasing and damage in transit. We use protective materials and appropriate packaging based on the type of garment. We'll give you any special care instructions for unpacking.

Within Canada, most shipments arrive within three to seven business days. U.S. shipments typically take five to ten business days. International timelines vary. We'll provide tracking information for every shipment.

Custom pieces are non-returnable. They're made specifically for you, with your measurements and chosen design. This is standard practice in the bridal industry and we're transparent about it from the start.

Ready bridal purchases are also final sale given the nature of the alterations involved. If there's a quality concern, we absolutely want to know and will address it directly.

Contact us immediately. We stand behind our work and will make it right. Don't attempt repairs with a third party before speaking with us, as that can complicate the resolution.

Dry clean only, and ideally with a dry cleaner experienced in South Asian bridal fabrics and embroidery. Store flat or loosely folded in breathable fabric, not plastic. We'll give you specific care instructions with your garment. If you plan to preserve it long-term, proper acid-free box storage is worth the investment.

Yes. We do sherwanis, bandhgalas, and other formal menswear for grooms and the wedding party. Groom appointments work the same way as bridal, by appointment, with custom and ready options available.

Absolutely, and we recommend it. Coming in together or sharing reference images from both sides helps us make sure the overall look feels intentional. It's one of our favourite parts of the process.

Yes, in many cases. We can coordinate outfits for the mother of the bride, sisters, and family members who want to be part of the aesthetic. Reach out and we can discuss what's possible based on your timeline.

Yes. We've dressed a lot of grooms who came in with no idea and left with something they were genuinely excited about. We ask the right questions, understand the vibe, and work from there.

Yes, we carry a selection of South Asian bridal jewellery, including kundan, polki, and contemporary statement pieces. Our collection is meant to pair naturally with the kind of bridal wear we make.

Yes. If you're doing a full look with us, including the outfit, we can help you find jewellery that works with it. It's easier when we can see the piece together.

Yes. We carry traditional South Asian bridal accessories including maang tikka, nath, jhoomar, and bangles, depending on current inventory. Availability varies, so it's best to discuss this during your consultation.

Karigur comes from the Urdu word "karigar," meaning a master craftsperson or artisan. It's a tribute to the hands that make the work. Every piece we make is built by skilled karigar, and the name is a direct acknowledgment of that.

Hina Rizvi, our founder, has been designing and dressing brides since 1989. The Karigur name came in 2015, when the studio took on a more formal identity and expanded its reach. So the craft is decades old; the brand is the formal expression of it.

Hina Rizvi founded Karigur. She has been working with South Asian brides for over 35 years, and the approach she's built is personal, relationship-led, and grounded in genuine craft.

Karachi is home. Our headquarters and bridal studio are at Noori House in DHA, Karachi. Our North American flagship is in Toronto (physical address in Mississauga). We serve brides across both cities and beyond.

Noori House served as a filming location during the production of Suno Chanda, which is something the property has a quiet connection to. It's a warm part of the home's story, though we keep the details simple and don't claim anything beyond that.

Because that's where our brides are. Toronto has one of the largest South Asian communities in North America, and Karachi is where Karigur began. "Two studios you can walk into, Karachi and Toronto" is exactly what we mean.

Yes, always. We dress South Asian brides from all backgrounds. Whether you're planning a Hindu wedding, a Sikh Anand Karaj, or a blend of traditions, we've done it all and love the variety.

Absolutely. Bridal lehengas are one of our specialties. We work in reds, pinks, corals, and whatever palette speaks to you and your ceremonies. Custom and ready options are both available.

Yes, we can work with sarees for bridal and for family members. Whether you need a full bridal saree look or a coordinated saree for the mother of the bride, reach out and we can discuss what we can do.

Yes, planning across multiple functions is something we do regularly. Mehndi, Sangeet, Haldi, the ceremony, the reception, they all call for something different, and we can help you build a coherent set of looks across them all.

Yes. The karigar in Karachi who make our work are skilled in the traditions that span the subcontinent, including the heavy zardozi and gota work used across Indian bridal, the fine chikankari associated with Lucknow, and the rich silk and velvet traditions. South Asian craft doesn't stop at a border, and neither do we.

Yes. We understand that an Anand Karaj calls for specific colours (traditionally pinks, reds, and oranges, and typically not white or black), head covering requirements, and a look that lets you do the pheras with ease. We factor the practical and cultural requirements in from the start.