Pakistani weddings are famously known for their clothes with beautiful colors that comes with an intricate details, and wedding are celebrated in a lively manner. Pakistani wedding traditions are not celebrated in 1 day but it is spread over several days which includes many traditional rituals and customs like mehandi, sangeet, nikah, walima and post wedding rituals. But the most important of all is the bride’s trousseau and which is her designer wedding outfits that reflect the rich culture of the Pakistan. Here is a detailed guide to understanding Pakistani wedding rituals and the different traditional bridal attires that are worn for each event.
Mehendi Night
The Pakistani wedding rituals starts with the Mehendi night when the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with beautiful henna designs. The bride wears a designer salwar suit or lehenga in a bright colors like yellow, orange, green or pink. Intricate zardozi embroidery, sequin or beadwork are commonly seen on Pakistani mehendi outfits. The dupatta comes with a gota patti borders. The lehenga skirt or salwar may also have such trimmings. From floral patterns to paisley motifs, the henna and outfit complement each other perfectly.
Dholki Night
The dholki night is dedicated to singing and dancing as the ladies gather to celebrate the bride-to-be. She wears a graceful Pakistani lehenga suit with traditional gotta patti, zari, nakshi and zardozi embroidery work. The long flared skirt and short choli are paired with a lightweight dupatta featuring a scalloped or hand-embroidered border. The vibrant colors and playful energy set the festive mood for celebrations ahead.
Nikah Ceremony
The nikah is the official Muslim wedding ceremony. For this sacred event, the bride chooses a sober and elegant look in a pastel or neutral hue. Intricate embroidery continues to play a major role here. The lehenga or salwar is paired with a silky soft dupatta featuring handmade work. She may also opt for a sharara suit with palazzos and a long kurti featuring side slits or backless detailing.
Walima Reception
The walima reception is a function where the newly weds celebrates with friends and extended family. The bride looks her glamorous best in a heavily embellished Pakistani lehenga in red, maroon or pink – adorned with gota, zardozi, dabka, nakshi and crystals. No Pakistani wedding trousseau is complete without a classic red lehenga with a unique golden or silver work. The dupatta is either a family heirloom or matches the intricate work on the lehenga. From lace trims to hand embroidered edges, it is as gorgeous as the rest of the outfit.
Post-Wedding Rituals
The festivities continue even after the wedding ceremony is over. The new bride is often expected to wear salwar kameez or lehenga when receiving guests after her vidai or when making appearances at the groom’s house. Intricate embroidery in the form of floral patterns, phool patti or kundan work continues to be a mainstay. Bright gota patti borders and trims are also prominent in most ensembles.
So, this blog has given a glimpse into the beautiful world of Pakistani wedding traditions and bridal fashion in simple words. From mehndi nights to walima receptions, the common thread tying everything together is the gorgeous traditions and style of Pakistan. With changing times, one can also implement moderns styles on the traditional silhouettes and embroidery. But at its core, Pakistani bridal wear continues to have an identity unique to their traditions.
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