A Pakistani wedding is not one event but several, each with its own mood. The mehndi is bright and playful, the baraat is the grandest night, and the walima is elegant and calm. Dressing for each one is part of the fun, and for family members it can mean three or four outfits, so planning ahead helps.
The mehndi: colour and movement
The mehndi (or mayun and dholki before it) is the most relaxed and joyful event, full of dancing and music.
- Colours: yellow, mustard, green, orange, hot pink and bright multicolour.
- Fabrics: cotton silk, lawn with gota work, light chiffon.
- Silhouettes: gharara and sharara sets, flared frocks, short shirts with lehengas, anything that moves when you dance.
- Details: mirror work, gota and tassels suit the mood perfectly.
- Tip: you will be sitting on the floor, dancing and handling mehndi, so choose something comfortable and avoid delicate pale fabrics.
The baraat: the grand night
The baraat is the main wedding day, when the groom's family arrives. It is the most formal event, and the bride is the centre of attention.
- Colours for guests: deep jewel tones such as maroon, emerald, royal blue and plum, or rich pastels. Avoid bridal red unless you know the family won't mind.
- Fabrics: chiffon, organza, raw silk and velvet in winter.
- Silhouettes: long kalidar shirts, angrakhas, lehengas and heavily worked formals.
- Details: zardozi, dabka, resham and sequins.
The walima: soft and elegant
The walima, hosted by the groom's family, is usually quieter and more refined than the baraat.
- Colours: pastels, ivory, champagne, blush, powder blue and silver.
- Fabrics: organza, net, chiffon and silk.
- Silhouettes: maxis, long gowns, flowing shirts with straight trousers or sharara.
- Details: delicate embroidery, pearls and fine threadwork rather than heavy embellishment.
The nikkah
The nikkah may be its own event or part of another day. It is often modest and graceful, and white, ivory, pastels and soft gold are popular. A beautiful dupatta draped over the head is a lovely touch. See our guide to dupatta draping styles for ideas.
Planning outfits from abroad
If you live abroad and are flying in for a wedding, or attending one in your own city, a little planning makes it stress-free:
- Start early. Formal and embellished outfits take longer to stitch than everyday wear, and the time depends on the design. We confirm the time when your order is finalised, so tell us your wedding date when you request a quote.
- Measure carefully. Formals are fitted, so accurate measurements matter more than ever.
- Send pictures. Screenshots of designs you love are the quickest way to show us what you want.
- Ship everything together. Shoes, clutches and jewellery from other Pakistani stores can travel in the same box with our consolidated shipping.
Ready to plan your wedding wardrobe? Start a tailoring request and we will help you put it together.