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Quick answer
At a Pakistani wedding, female guests usually wear a shalwar kameez, Anarkali frock, sharara or gharara with a dupatta. Each event has its own mood: bright yellow, green and orange for the mehndi, elegant jewel tones for the baraat, and soft pastels or rich evening colours for the walima. Keep arms and legs covered, carry your dupatta for the nikah, and avoid bridal red at the baraat so you do not clash with the bride.
This guide is for guests at Pakistani weddings in Pakistan, the UK, the USA, Canada, the UAE and Australia.
By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Every piece is stitched in our own Jaipur unit.
The events of a Pakistani wedding
| Event | What happens | What to wear | Colours | |---|---|---|---| | Dholki | Singing with the dholak at home, in the days before | Comfortable kurta set or simple Anarkali | Any bright colour | | Mayun | The bride or groom is pampered with ubtan (turmeric paste), close family only | Light cotton outfit you do not mind staining | Yellow | | Mehndi | Henna, dancing and music; the most colourful night | Anarkali, sharara or gharara you can dance in | Yellow, green, orange, pink | | Nikah | The religious marriage contract | Modest outfit with a dupatta to cover your head | Pastels, white with colour, light gold | | Baraat | The groom's arrival and the bride's farewell (rukhsati) | Your most formal outfit | Emerald, royal blue, wine, gold; avoid red | | Walima | Reception hosted by the groom's family | Elegant formal wear | Pastels, silver, champagne, deep evening tones |
Many weddings in the UK and USA combine some of these events, so check the invitation.
What to wear to each event
Dholki and mehndi
This is the fun part. Choose a bright Anarkali or a sharara set with lots of movement for dancing. Mirror work, gota patti and bandhani all look festive. Wear flat or low shoes, as you may sit on cushions on the floor.
Nikah
The nikah is a religious ceremony, often held in a mosque or a quiet room at the venue. Wear something modest and elegant, with long sleeves and a dupatta to cover your head during the ceremony.
Baraat
This is the grandest event. Choose a formal Anarkali, gown or sharara with embroidery or zari in a jewel tone like emerald, royal blue or wine. Avoid red, as the bride usually wears red or deep pink.
Walima
The walima is usually more refined. Pastels, silver, champagne, mint and powder blue are very popular, as are deep evening colours like wine and navy.
Modest dressing tips
- Choose long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves
- Wear a floor-length Anarkali or gown, or a kameez with full-length trousers
- Always carry a dupatta; it is expected at the nikah
- Avoid low necklines, backless styles and short hems
- If you wear a hijab, match it to the dupatta colour or choose a soft neutral
Read our guide on modest and hijabi wedding guest outfits for more ideas.
Colours to wear and avoid
Great choices: emerald, royal blue, teal, wine, mustard, mint, powder blue, champagne.
Avoid: bridal red at the baraat, and anything that looks like the bride's outfit. Ask the family if there is a colour theme for the mehndi; many families choose one.
Winter weddings in the UK, USA and Canada
Most UK and North American Pakistani weddings happen indoors in banquet halls, but you will still walk outside between the car and the venue. Choose velvet for the baraat or walima, and carry a long coat or a warm shawl. See our velvet Anarkali guide for winter weddings.
Etiquette for guests
- Salami: guests often give cash in an envelope as a gift
- Timing: events often start later than the time on the card
- Seating: some weddings seat men and women separately
- Photos: ask before photographing the bride during the nikah
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-Pakistani guest wear shalwar kameez to a Pakistani wedding? Yes. The family will usually be delighted. A shalwar kameez, Anarkali or sharara with a dupatta is a respectful and popular choice for guests of any background.
Can I wear black to a Pakistani wedding? Black is often worn at evening events like the walima, especially with gold or silver embroidery. For the mehndi, choose brighter colours.
What colour should I not wear to a Pakistani baraat? Avoid red and deep bridal pink, as the bride usually wears these colours.
Do I need to cover my head at a Pakistani wedding? Usually only during the nikah. Carry a dupatta so you can cover your head when needed.
What is the difference between a sharara and a gharara? A sharara flares from the waist like wide palazzos. A gharara is fitted to the knee, then flares out, with a decorative band at the knee.
Related guides
- What to wear to a Bangladeshi wedding as a guest
- What to wear to a Punjabi wedding as a guest
- Bandhani Anarkali gown styling guide
Our Anarkali suits and gowns are made in our own Jaipur unit and ship free to the UK, USA, Canada, UAE and Australia with duties prepaid, so there are no customs fees on delivery.
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