If you’re unsure about what to wear to a Pakistani wedding, we will discuss the expected attire both for female and male guests. You will also find out what you must wear if you’re not a Pakistani attending a Pakistani wedding.
For more outfit guides regarding different weddings, we recommend browsing our blog. For example, you can learn what to wear to an African wedding and more.
What Should A Guest Wear To A Pakistani Wedding?
What do female guests wear to a Pakistani wedding?
Before anything else, you must maintain modesty and never show too much skin when attending a Nikkah or traditional Pakistani wedding ceremony. You can consider a lehenga, but remember that you don’t want to overshadow the bride.
Most lehengas have intricate embroidery work and gorgeous color combinations, and as a wedding guest, you don’t want to look like you’re the bride. However, some guides also recommend this type of dress for wedding guests.
An alternative is the more subtle Sharara because it will look like you’re respecting the Pakistani customs with this traditional Pakistani dress. Just remember to pick something that’s not the same style and color as the family members.
What do male guests wear to a Pakistani wedding?
You can never go wrong with a three-piece suit when attending a Pakistani wedding as a male guest. Use the wedding’s color theme as an inspiration if you’re unsure of what color to pick.
You can also opt for dark-colored Sherwani if you want a more traditional outfit when attending a Pakistani wedding. Again, pick something that’s not too heavily embroidered so you won’t stand out too much as a wedding guest.
Another alternative to the Sherwani is the Nehru jacket. It’s essentially a vest with a mandarin collar, so you can maintain formality when attending a wedding.
What Should A Westerner Wear To A Pakistani Wedding?
If you’re not a Muslim or Pakistani, remember to keep modesty in mind when deciding what to wear when attending a Pakistani wedding. For example, never wear anything too short on length or something that shows the chest area.
You should also avoid casual clothing, whether as a male or female guest, to show respect, like attending any other wedding. But, on the other hand, you must also not wear something too extravagant and eye-catching, even when wearing traditional attire.
Women can opt for a saree, and men can wear a sherwani. But, of course, you can always ask the couple or their close friends and family when in doubt.
You can also check what to wear to a Muslim wedding.
What Colors Can I Wear To A Pakistani Wedding?
Most colors should be okay to wear to a Pakistani wedding. It is even more welcoming to most colors than other weddings where neutrals are more accepted except white.
When in doubt, you can always ask the close relatives or friends of the couple about the color scheme. In addition, the wedding may follow a theme that you can use as inspiration when deciding on what color to wear.
What colors should I not wear to a Pakistani wedding? It’s best to avoid red as it’s a traditional color for Pakistani brides.
Why do Pakistani brides wear red?
Wearing red can be traced back to the influence of Indian culture. Red has many positive connotations for Indian brides as it represents passion, prosperity, feminine power, and even new beginnings, suitable for a wedding dress color.
What Should I Bring To A Pakistani Wedding?
Guests often bring gifts to a Pakistani wedding to help the couple set up their newly married life. These can include decorations for the house and even household items, although there are no rules regarding what to get for the couple.
How Much Money Do You Give For A Pakistani Wedding?
There is no fixed amount to give for a Pakistani wedding. However, as a guest, you can assess your financial capability and decide on the amount you can provide.
Like with other weddings, you can also consider your closeness to the couple to gauge how much to give. But if you’re unsure, the range can be from $30 to $200.
How Many Days Is A Pakistani Wedding?
When attending a Pakistani wedding, expect it to last for three days. The event is composed of the Mayo, Nikkah, and Valima, and sometimes, the wedding can even go for a week.
What Should I Expect At A Pakistani Wedding?
Dholki
The Dholki is essentially the pre-celebration two weeks before the main ones. Guests such as the bridal party and close friends and family of the couple sing and dance during this celebration.
Mehndi
The night before the main ceremony, the bride will have a henna party called the Mehndi. The henna patterns represent love, joy, luck, and the groom’s name is even hidden within the details.
Nikkah
The most important part of the Pakistani wedding is the ceremony called the Nikkah. The couple will exchange vows to each other similar to other weddings.
Walima
The Walima is essentially the reception after the ceremony. The groom’s family is responsible for this dinner to celebrate the newlyweds.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To recap what to wear to a Pakistani wedding, modesty is important, similar to attending other weddings.
The guests can also wear traditional attire like Sharara for women and Sherwani for men. When in doubt, you can always ask the couple.