What to Wear to a Pakistani Wedding if You’re White?

Navigating the fashion norms for cultural events can be challenging, especially for elaborate celebrations like Pakistani weddings. With diverse wedding functions such as the Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, Mehndi, Nikah, Barat, and Walima, figuring out “what to wear to a Pakistani wedding if you’re white” can seem daunting. This blog post will help you to confidently and comfortably blend in with the vibrant themes of these occasions. Below, I will recommend many trendy outfit ideas for both men and women, ensuring you enjoy the festivities with ease and style. My guide will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Pakistani culture through its wedding traditions.

Best Trendy Outfits for Women to Wear to a Pakistani Wedding if You’re White

If you’re a Western woman attending a Pakistani wedding, it’s essential to respect and adhere to cultural norms, especially when it comes to attire. Weddings in Pakistan are typically a blend of traditional customs and modern trends. Modesty is crucial, and choosing attires that are neither too revealing nor too extravagant is essential. For the ladies who are keen on donning traditional Pakistani outfits, here are 10 best options to try:

1. Fancy Shalwar Kameez

The Shalwar Kameez is a classic Pakistani outfit that consists of a consists of a long, medium, or short tunic (Kameez) and loose trousers (Shalwar). The ensemble usually features beautiful embroidery, sequins, and beadwork, making it a perfect choice for the functions of Engagement, Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, Mehndi, and Nikah. 

2. Lehenga Choli

The Lehenga Choli is another traditional outfit that includes a long skirt (Lehenga), a blouse (Choli), and a scarf (Dupatta). It’s a favourite for many due to its comfortable fit and elegant appearance. This is perfect for attending Mehndi and Barat.

3. Sharara & Gharara

Sharara and Gharara are traditional outfits comprising wide-legged pants worn under a short tunic or peplum top. While Shararas are flared from the waist down, Ghararas are fit from the waist to the knee and have a flare till the bottom. Both styles offer a unique and striking silhouette. These dresses are perfect for attending Mehndi, Nikah, Barat, or Walima.

4. Saree

The Saree, while being a quintessential Indian outfit, has also found its place in Pakistani weddings. It’s an unstitched piece of cloth that can be draped around the body in various styles, paired with a fitted blouse. A Saree can give you an elegant and graceful look, especially when chosen in rich, vibrant colors with detailed embroidery or sequins. Saree is perfect to wear on Nikah, Barat, or Walima.

5. Anarkali Dress

An Anarkali dress is a long, frock-style top with a slim-fitted bottom. It is an incredibly stylish and sophisticated outfit that is often heavily embroidered and decorated, making it suitable for a wedding. Paired with a Dupatta, the Anarkali can be an exquisite addition to your wedding wardrobe. It’s best to wear on Nikah, Barat, and Walima ceremonies. 

6. Fancy Palazzo Suit

The Palazzo suit is another fashionable choice for a Pakistani wedding. It features wide-legged trousers that are stylishly flared to mimic a skirt and paired with a long or short tunic and a Dupatta. The fluidity and comfort of Palazzo suits are unmatched and often come in vibrant prints and embellishments, perfect for the festive atmosphere of a wedding. A fancy Plazo Suit is great for Engagement, Dholki, Mayoun, and Ubtan. 

7. Luxury Kaftan

A luxury Kaftan is a modern take on traditional attire and has gained significant popularity in fashion. It’s a long, loose dress, usually with broad, sweeping sleeves, adorned with intricate embroidery or embellishments. A Kaftan can make you stand out at a Pakistani wedding with its perfect blend of modesty and style. You can wear it on Engagement, Nikah, or Walima.

8. Fancy Pant Style Suit

A Pakistani Pant-style suit can be an excellent choice for those who prefer a more contemporary look while maintaining the traditional ethos. It usually consists of a long tunic paired with straight-cut pants and a Dupatta. The outfit is often decorated with detailed embroidery, lacework, or sequins, ensuring you look elegant and stylish. You can wear it on. Engagement, Nikah, and Walima. 

9. Luxury Gown

A Gown is a fusion of Western and Eastern fashion. It’s a long, flowing dress often adorned with beautiful embroidery, beadwork, or sequins. This outfit can give you a majestic and regal look, perfect for a Pakistani wedding. Gowns are perfect looking for Engagement, Nikah, and Walima. 

10. Maxi 

A Maxi dress is a long frock or floor-touching, flowy dress that can be both modish and elegant. For a Pakistani wedding, choose a Maxi dress with intricate embroidery, beadwork, or sequins to add a touch of glamour. You can pair it with statement jewelry to elevate the look further. Depending on the style and embellishments, a Maxi can be suitable for attending Mehndi, Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, and Walima.

Accessories

Apart from the traditional outfits mentioned above, it’s crucial to complement your attire with the right accessories. A Dupatta or a scarf is an essential accessory for most Pakistani outfits. It can be draped over the shoulders or head for a more traditional look. Also, choose appropriate footwear that matches the event’s formality. Jewelry is another essential aspect of completing a Pakistani wedding outfit. Opt for statement pieces like Jhumkas (earrings), Maang Tikka (headpiece), and Bangles that enhance the overall look.

Best Trendy Outfits for Men to Wear to a Pakistani Wedding if You’re White

Traditional fashion is an integral part of the celebration when attending a Pakistani wedding. This means a vibrant selection of outfits that blend sophistication, comfort, and style for men. Here are 9 most popular choices you can consider:

1. Sherwani

A Sherwani is a long coat traditionally worn over a kurta (tunic), paired with either churidar pants or a shalwar. Crafted from luxurious fabrics like silk or brocade, Sherwanis are often embroidered with additional embellishments. Donning a neutral-colored Sherwani with gold detailing will ensure you make an elegant statement at the Nikkah ceremony. For a more traditional route, consider a buttoned-up. Opt for a Sherwani in a rich color like maroon or navy blue paired with gold or cream bottoms. Sherwani is best to wera on Barat ceremony.

2. Waistcoat & Shalwar Kameez

A Shalwar Kameez with an embroidered or printed waistcoat is an excellent choice for men attending Pakistani weddings. This ensemble perfectly marries comfort and style, making it ideal for daytime and evening events. Wearing a crisp Shalwar Kameez, complemented by an embroidered or printed waistcoat, will make you stand out during the Mehndi festivities. A waistcoat with a Shalwar Kameez is best for ceremonies on Mehndi, Nikah, and Barat.

3. Traditional Western Suit with Tie

If you prefer a Western look, a suit in dark or neutral colors like gray, brown, blue, or charcoal is always appropriate. Complement your suit with a tie that suits your overall outfit’s color palette. A sleek suit with a vibrant pocket square will perfectly showcase your style and coordination at the Walima event.

4. Classic Three-Piece Suit

A classic 3-piece suit always stays in style and is perfect for men attending Pakistani weddings. If you are married, you can match the color of your tie with your partner’s dress or stick with the event’s color theme. A classic 3-piece suit is excellent for Nikah, Barat, and Walima.

5. Peshawari Chappal with Kurta Pajama

Pairing Peshawari Chappal (traditional Pakistani footwear) with a kurta pajama can give you a relaxed yet stylish look, particularly for less formal functions like a dholki or mehndi event. Opt for a plain kurta, classic white pajamas, and black or brown Peshawari Chappals for a chic look on Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, and Mehndi.

6. Embroidered Kurta with White Shalwar

An Embroidered Kurta with White Shalwar can offer a festive yet elegant look. The intricate embroidery on the kurta adds a touch of luxury, while the white shalwar contrasts, making the embroidery stand out. This versatile outfit can be worn during daytime and evening functions to attend Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, Mehndi, and Nikah functions. 

7. Printed Kurta with Patiala Shalwar

A Printed Kurta with Patiala Shalwar can be a unique and stylish option. The printed kurta adds a contemporary touch, while the voluminous Patiala Shalwar adds a touch of traditional Punjabi culture. Opt for a kurta with a bold print paired with a solid-colored shalwar for a balanced look on Dholki, Mayoun, Ubtan, or Mehndi.

8. Pathani Suit with Jacket

A Pathani Suit with a Jacket is another way to incorporate traditional Pakistani attire into your wedding look. The long kurta and loose salwar of the Pathani suit paired with a modern jacket creates a fusion of traditional and contemporary style. Opt for a neutral-colored suit, like beige or white, paired with a bright-colored jacket for a modern look for Engagement, Mehndi, Nikah, and Walima.

9. Prince coat with kurta pajama

Another smart choice for attire at such a festive event is a prince coat paired with a kurta pajama. This combination is traditional, stylish, and often worn at significant Pakistani functions, including Mehndi and Walima ceremonies. While the kurta pajama, a long tunic, and loose trousers provide comfort, the prince coat adds a touch of regality. Choosing an embroidered black or golden prince coat can help you blend seamlessly with the festivities. 

Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to ask the host or close friends/family what they would suggest you wear. They may provide insight into the specifics of the occasion, which can vary depending on the family’s regional, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

takeaway

With the suggestions in this article, you now understand the expectations at Pakistani weddings for those who aren’t from the culture and have the confidence to express yourself fashionably with appropriate attire. Now that you know what to wear to a Pakistani wedding if you’re white, you can look forward to participating fully in these joyous occasions. Whether classic or modern, traditional or contemporary, modest and colorful is always best when looking for something gorgeous yet acceptable. Did you attend any Pakistani weddings before? What are your thoughts on what to wear to a Pakistani wedding if you are white? I’d love to hear your take on this topic!