Pakistan wedding dress

Types of Pakistani wedding dresses

The Pakistan wedding dress is vibrant with tradition and culture. The diversity of cultures, regions, and traditions in Pakistan has influenced the variety of wedding dresses and attires. Here are some types of wedding dresses in Pakistan:

• Bridal Dress

  Bridal dresses are worn by brides on their wedding day. They are usually elaborate and opulent, featuring intricate embroidery, beading, and detailing. They come in various styles, such as lehenga choli, anarkali suits, sharara, or gharara, depending on cultural and regional preferences. The bridal dress is typically accompanied by accessories like dupattas, jewelry, and footwear, completing the bridal look and symbolizing the bride's elegance and beauty on her special day.

• Gharara Dress

  A gharara is a traditional two-piece outfit consisting of a knee-length top (kameez) and flared trousers (gharara) that are split in the middle. The gharara is worn during weddings and formal events, especially in Pakistani and Indian Muslim cultures. It's characterized by its wide, multiple layers of pleats and is often heavily embroidered or adorned with prints and lace. Gharara dresses are usually paired with a dupatta, and the style has a regal and vintage appeal, reminiscent of the 19th-century aristocracy.

• Shararas

  A sharara is similar to a gharara but has a different cut and style. It consists of a short top (kameez) and flared trousers (shararas) that are also split but often have a more dramatic flair. Shararas are traditionally worn by brides and wedding guests in South Asian cultures. They are usually heavily embroidered, embellished with sequins, pearls, or other decorations, and are worn with a dupatta. Shararas gained popularity during the Mughal era and continue to be a symbol of traditional elegance.

• Bridal Lehenga

  A bridal lehenga is a traditional South Asian wedding attire. It consists of a long, flared skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli), and a dupatta. These dresses are characterized by intricate embroidery, sequins, and beadwork. The lehenga is usually bright color, and their designs often reflect cultural and regional traditions. Bridal lehengas are worn in Pakistan, India, and other South Asian countries, symbolizing elegance and tradition on wedding days.

• Anarkali Suits

  Anarkali suits are a traditional South Asian attire known for their frock-style, long, and flared design. It consists of a fitted bodice (Anarkali) and a flared bottom, resembling a frock. Usually, they come with a dupatta and churidar or leggings. Anarkali suits are popular for weddings and festive occasions due to their elegance and vintage appeal, reminiscent of the Mughal era. They are often embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, and prints.

• Bridal Choli

  Bridal cholis are a part of traditional South Asian wedding attire, which are usually worn with lehengas. They are short, cropped blouses that are often heavily embroidered and embellished. These are usually worn in vibrant colors and are an essential part of a bride's ensemble, complementing the lehenga and contributing to the overall bridal look. The choli is often adorned with mirrors, beads, sequins, and intricate embroidery, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of South Asian fashion.

• Punjabi Wedding Dresses

  Punjabi wedding dresses are vibrant and culturally rich attires worn during weddings in the Punjab region of Pakistan and India. They are characterized by their elaborate embroidery, bright colors, and traditional styles. For brides, a typical attire includes a lehenga (long skirt) and choli (blouse), often paired with a dupatta (scarf). The lehenga is usually heavily embroidered and comes in various styles, such as the Patiala or gharara. Grooms often wear a sherwani or kurta, which is a long tunic, paired with churidar (tight trousers) or salwar (loose trousers). Punjabi wedding dresses are known for their opulence, reflecting the joyous and celebratory nature of Punjabi culture.

• Pakistani Walima Dresses

  Pakistani Walima dresses are worn during the Walima ceremony, which is the marriage reception in Pakistan. They are distinct from bridal dresses and are typically more subdued and elegant. For brides, Walima dresses often include a long gown, anarkali suit, or Punjabi suit, usually in soft or pastel colors. These dresses are often less heavily embellished than bridal dresses but still feature intricate embroidery and details. Grooms usually opt for a formal suit or sherwani in neutral or darker colors, complemented by a coordinating turban and shoes. Walima dresses focus more on sophistication and style, reflecting the couple's taste and personality.

Design of Pakistan wedding dress

Pakistan wedding dresses are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and rich cultural significance. These dresses vary widely in style and design depending on the region, culture, and personal preference. Here are some key design elements commonly found in Pakistani wedding dresses:

• Fabrics

  Some of the common fabrics used in the wedding dresses are:

  • Silk: Silk is a traditional and luxurious fabric that is often used for wedding dresses in Pakistan. It has a natural sheen and drapes beautifully, making it ideal for intricate embroidery and embellishments.
  • Velvet: Velvet is another opulent fabric commonly used for wedding attire. It has a rich texture and is often used for winter weddings due to its warmth and thickness.
  • Chiffon: Chiffon is a lightweight and flowy fabric that is often used for the dupatta (scarf) and sometimes for the wedding dress itself. It is known for its delicate and airy appearance.
  • Organza: Organza is a sheer and crisp fabric that adds volume and structure to designs. It is often layered and used for creating intricate patterns and textures.
  • Georgette: Georgette is a soft and versatile fabric that drapes well and is often used for creating flowing and feminine designs. It is known for its slightly crinkled texture.
  • Satin: Satin is a smooth and glossy fabric that is often used for creating sleek and modern designs. It is known for its elegant and polished appearance.

• Colors

  Pakistani wedding dresses are characterized by a wide range of vibrant colors. Here are some commonly used colors:

  • Red: Red is the most traditional and popular color for Pakistani wedding dresses. It symbolizes love, passion, and prosperity and is often associated with the bride's attire.
  • Gold: Gold is a symbol of wealth and opulence and is often used as an accent color in embroidery and embellishments. Some wedding dresses are predominantly gold.
  • Green: Green is considered a lucky color in Pakistani culture and is often used in wedding dresses. It symbolizes fertility and new beginnings.
  • Pink: Pink is a popular choice for its softness and femininity. It is often used in various shades, from light blush to vibrant magenta.
  • Blue: Blue is used for its serene and calming qualities. It is often paired with gold and silver accents.
  • White: Although less traditional, white wedding dresses have become popular in Pakistan, symbolizing purity and simplicity.

• Embellishments

  Embellishments play a vital role in enhancing the beauty and elegance of wedding dresses:

  • Embroidery: Intricate embroidery work is a hallmark of Pakistani wedding dresses. It is often done using threads, sequins, beads, and crystals to create elaborate patterns.
  • Sequins and Beads: Sequins and beads are used to add sparkle and dimension to wedding dresses. They are often scattered across the fabric or used to outline embroidery.
  • Zari and Zardozi: Zari is gold or silver thread used in embroidery, while Zardozi is an embroidery technique using metallic threads. Both add a luxurious and regal touch to wedding dresses.
  • Appliqué: Appliqué involves attaching decorative fabric cutouts to the base fabric. It is often combined with embroidery and beadwork.
  • Ribbons and Bows: Ribbons and bows are used as decorative elements to cinch the waist or adorn the hair and accessories.

• Styles

  The following are some popular styles of wedding dresses:

  • Lehenga Choli: This is a traditional South Asian style consisting of a long skirt (lehenga) paired with a blouse (choli) and a dupatta (scarf). It is known for its flared skirt and is often heavily embroidered.
  • Anarkali Suit: Inspired by the Mughal era, the Anarkali suit features a long, flared shirt (Anarkali) paired with fitted pants (churidar) and a dupatta. It is known for its A-line silhouette and intricate details.
  • Sharara Suit: Sharara suits consist of a short kurta (shirt) paired with wide-legged pants (shararas) and a dupatta. The shararas are often tiered and flared, resembling a skirt.
  • Gown Style: Gown-style wedding dresses are modern and versatile, often featuring a fitted bodice and a flared or A-line skirt. They are popular for their elegant and timeless look.
  • Pakistani Bridal Dresses: These dresses are characterized by their opulence and grandeur. They often include heavily embroidered lehengas, anarkali suits, or gharara suits, each accompanied by intricate accessories and jewelry.

• Silhouette

  Some silhouettes for wedding dresses include the following:

  • A-Line: A-line silhouette features a fitted bodice that flares out gradually from the waist to the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase "A." This style is versatile and flatters most body types, providing a smooth and elongating effect. It is commonly used in lehenga cholis and anarkali suits.
  • Flared: The flared silhouette is characterized by a fitted bodice and a wide, flaring skirt. This style adds volume and drama to the overall look, making it ideal for creating a regal and opulent appearance. It is popular in lehenga cholis and sharara suits.
  • Fitted: The fitted silhouette emphasizes the bride's natural curves with a form-fitting bodice and a body-hugging design. This style is often seen in gown-style wedding dresses and can be accompanied by a mermaid or trumpet skirt.
  • Empire Waist: The empire waist silhouette features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with the rest of the dress flowing down to the ground. This style elongates the legs and creates a flattering, slimming effect. It is commonly used in anarkali suits and can be adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments.
  • Mermaid: The mermaid silhouette is fitted through the bodice and hips, then flares out at the knee to form a dramatic mermaid shape. This style is ideal for showcasing the bride's curves and creating a glamorous, high-fashion look.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of Pakistan wedding dress

Pakistani wedding dresses are extravagant and vibrant, which is why they’re so popular both in Pakistan and internationally. These dresses can be worn in many different ways and often require additional garments. Here are some wearing and matching suggestions:

• Wearing suggestions

  Typically, wedding dresses are worn with a few other garments. For example, a Pakistani wedding dress is worn with a dupatta, a long scarf that's usually worn over the head and shoulders with its end draping down the back. It’s usually shared between the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony, symbolizing their union. Also, a gharara and sharara are two common bottom-wear options. Both are flared pants with a wide flare at the knee. However, ghararas have two sets of trousers, while shararas have one. Ghararas are worn with long tops that reach the knees or longer. On the other hand, shararas are worn with crop tops, making them more versatile. Another common bottom wear is a choli, a short, snug-fitting blouse.

  Bridal dresses are usually red, but other common colors include maroon, gold, green, and blue. They’re adorned with heavy embroidery, stones, sequins, and zari work. They also have a trailing length, which makes them dramatic. While they look good on display, wearing and caring for them can be tricky because of their weight and delicacy. Before wearing a bridal dress, it should be properly steamed or pressed to remove wrinkles. Then, it should be lifted carefully to avoid snagging or tearing any beaded or embroidered parts. The wearer should slip their arms into the sleeves while the dress is held up, and then they should step into the dress to put it on. Finally, the excess fabric should be draped over the shoulder and secured with a pin.

• Matching suggestions

  Matching a Pakistani wedding dress with the right accessories can enhance its beauty and create a cohesive look. A dupatta is an important part of the wedding attire. It can be matched with the wedding dress in terms of color, fabric, and embellishment. Usually, the dupatta is draped over the shoulders and head, with its ends trailing down the back. Sometimes, it’s shared between the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. Also, matching jewelry can help elevate the wedding attire. For instance, a necklace can be matched with earrings and a maang tikka to complement the bridal dress. Typically, the jewelry is made from gold and precious stones and is chosen to complement the dress's intricate detailing. The gharara and sharara are usually chosen to match the wedding dress in color and design. However, they’re more versatile than the bridal dress because they can be worn with different topwear.

  When choosing topwear, crop tops are usually chosen because they sit well on the waist, making the midriff visible. This enhances the look of the flowing gharara or sharara. Long kameez and kurtas are popular because they provide a modest look. However, they should be chosen based on the top's ability to complement the dress. In addition, a choli can be matched with a long dupatta or a heavy shawl for added modesty and warmth. Lastly, bridal makeup should complement the wedding dress.

Q&A

Q1: What distinguishes a Pakistani wedding dress from an Indian wedding dress?

A1: While both cultures share some similarities in wedding attire due to geographical proximity and cultural exchange, there are distinct differences. Pakistani wedding dresses often feature heavy embroidery, particularly in the form of intricate patterns on the dupatta (shawl) and gharara (wide-legged pants). Indian wedding dresses may vary significantly between regions but often include sarees or lehengas adorned with different types of embroidery and embellishments. The styles, colors, and specific embroidery techniques used can vary widely between the two countries.

Q2: What are the popular colors for Pakistani wedding dresses?

A2: Traditionally, red has been the most popular color for Pakistani wedding dresses, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. However, modern weddings see a broader spectrum of colors, including deep blues, greens, golds, and pastels. Each color can carry its own significance or preference based on personal taste, family traditions, or cultural influences.

Q3: Are Pakistani wedding dresses always custom-made?

A3: While many brides prefer to have their wedding dresses custom-made to ensure a perfect fit and to incorporate specific design preferences, there are ready-made dresses available in bridal boutiques and stores. However, ready-made dresses may still require alterations to achieve the ideal fit. Custom-made dresses allow for more personalization and attention to the bride's unique style and requirements.

Q4: How do I care for a Pakistani wedding dress after the wedding?

A4: Caring for a Pakistani wedding dress requires careful handling to preserve its intricate embroidery and delicate fabrics. It's advisable to have the dress professionally cleaned by a specialist experienced in handling embroidered and heavy-structured garments. Avoid machine washing or harsh detergents that can damage the embroidery. Once cleaned, the dress should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in a breathable garment bag to prevent moisture buildup and preserve its condition for future use or display.