What to Wear to a Pakistani Wedding: Mehndi, Nikkah, Baraat and Walima
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Quick answer: wear bright colours and comfortable silhouettes such as shararas and ghararas for the mehndi; soft pastels or whites for the nikkah; your most formal, embellished outfit for the baraat; and elegant, lighter-toned formals such as peshwas or long shirts for the walima.
Mehndi (and dholki)
The most festive, informal event. Think yellows, greens, oranges, pinks and multicolour prints, mirror work and gota. Choose an outfit you can dance in: a sharara, gharara or short kurti with flared trousers.
Nikkah
The religious ceremony, often held at a mosque or at home. Soft pastels, ivory and white are popular, with modest cuts and a dupatta you can drape over your head. Chiffon and organza with delicate embroidery work well.
Baraat
The main wedding day, when the bride usually wears red or deep jewel tones. Guests and family wear their most formal outfits: heavily embellished lehengas, long shirts and peshwas in raw silk, net or velvet. Avoid wearing red if you are not the bride, as a courtesy.
Walima
The reception hosted by the groom's family. Looks tend to be elegant and refined: silver, gold, champagne, pastels and jewel tones, in organza, net or tissue, with peshwas and long shirts being popular choices.
Dressing for a UK winter wedding
Velvet and raw silk keep you warm and look rich in photos. Ask for full lining including sleeves for extra warmth.
Plan ahead
Because every Raz Ruya outfit is made to order, allow 10 to 15 business days for UK delivery and 15 to 20 business days elsewhere. If you are ordering for several events, order them together.
Need help choosing? Read our guide to lehengas, shararas, ghararas and peshwas, or WhatsApp us on +44 7424 561863.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a mehndi?
Bright colours such as yellow, green, orange and pink, in a comfortable silhouette like a sharara or gharara that you can dance in.
Can a guest wear red to a Pakistani wedding?
It is best avoided at the baraat, where the bride usually wears red, as a courtesy to her.
What do people wear to a walima?
Elegant, lighter tones such as silver, gold, champagne and pastels, often in peshwas or long shirts in organza, net or tissue.