Deborah Chan
Pakistani wedding dresses are among the most ornate and elegant in the world. The dresses are influenced by Islamic culture, Mughal culture, and the local clothing of the Indian subcontinent. Pakistani weddings are large celebrations, and the bride is expected to wear different outfits throughout the ceremony. The most popular Pakistani bridal dress is the sharara-kurta, which consists of a long fitted shirt or kurta and a pair of ruched wide-legged pants, called the sharara. The Sindhi bridal dress is a red lehenga choli, heavily embroidered, and worn with two veils and lots of jewellery. In Punjab and Karachi, brides usually wear a shalwar kameez, which consists of loose trousers (shalwar) and a shirt (kameez).
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What You'll Learn
- Pakistani bridal dresses are ornate, elegant, and internationally famous
- The sharara-kurta is the most popular Pakistani bridal dress
- The colour red is significant in Pakistani wedding dresses
- Pakistani wedding attire varies across different regions
- Pakistani bridal jewellery is unique and often multi-layered
Pakistani bridal dresses are ornate, elegant, and internationally famous
Pakistani bridal dresses are renowned for their ornate and elegant designs, with brides across the world choosing to wear them, even those from non-religious backgrounds or those having multicultural weddings. Pakistani weddings are grand celebrations, often consisting of multiple events, and the bride is expected to wear different outfits throughout the ceremony. The most common colours worn are red, cream, green, gold, yellow, and orange.
The most popular Pakistani bridal dress is the sharara-kurta, which consists of a long fitted shirt or kurta and a pair of ruched wide-legged pants, called the sharara, combined with a long veil. The sharara can also be worn with a peplum-style dress or a regular shirt. Another popular option is the lehenga, which consists of wide-legged pants that descend to the knees, paired with a long shirt or a peplum-style dress. The gharara is similar to the sharara, but it is more structured and typically worn with a regular shirt. The gharara is also considered to be a lucky colour in the Hindu religion and is a sign of good luck and prosperity.
The Pakistani bridal look is incomplete without traditional jewellery and appropriate accessories. The jewellery is often multi-layered, with a central design or thread of gold-fastened gold beads or pearls. The jewellery worn on the head, called a chandelier or passport, is wide and multi-level, worn on the hairline to the ears. Brides also typically wear a large necklace, a forehead piece (tika), a nose ring, and big earrings, which can be gold or silver.
Pakistani bridal dresses are known for their intricate details, featuring fabrics adorned with zardozi, pearls, sequins, tilla, zari, naqshi, and dabka. They offer a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication, with styles such as embellished salwar kameez, lehenga choli, frocks, gharara, and sharara. The dresses showcase the country's diverse culture and tradition, with vibrant colours, sparkly embellishments, and amazing designs.
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The sharara-kurta is the most popular Pakistani bridal dress
Pakistani bridal dresses are among the most exquisite in the world. The dresses are distinct and differ from those worn in any other part of the world. They are inspired by Mughal culture and the local clothing of the Indian subcontinent. The most popular Pakistani bridal dress is the sharara-kurta. This outfit consists of a long fitted shirt or kurta and a pair of ruched wide-legged pants, called the sharara. The ensemble is completed with a long veil that is wrapped over the head and/or around the shoulders.
The sharara is a quintessential piece of South Asian traditional attire and is a symbol of elegance and cultural heritage. It is characterised by its graceful flare and intricate detailing, making it a must-have for any wedding or festive occasion. Bridal shararas are often adorned with luxurious embroidery, sequins, and zari work, making them ideal for wedding festivities. They come in a variety of colours, with white sharara dresses being particularly popular for nikah ceremonies, while black sharara suits offer a bold alternative.
The sharara-kurta is a versatile outfit, with different styles to suit various tastes and occasions. The straight-cut kurti sharara features a long kurti that falls just above the knees or longer, creating a sleek and slim silhouette. For a playful yet elegant look, the sharara can be paired with a short frock or kameez. The peplum style sharara suit is another popular variation, where the kurti has a peplum cut that flares out at the waist, adding a unique touch to the overall ensemble.
The sharara-kurta is also combined with other traditional garments to create a fusion of modern and classic styles. The Anarkali-style sharara suit, for instance, pairs the sharara pants with a long flared Anarkali dress, bringing together comfort and a regal look. The jacket-style sharara suit adds a layer and a regal touch to the outfit, with the jacket often heavily embroidered or patterned to grab attention.
The popularity of the sharara-kurta has made it a staple choice for brides worldwide, even for those from non-religious backgrounds or having multicultural weddings. The intricate designs, elegance, and versatility of Pakistani bridal dresses have made them internationally renowned and sought-after.
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The colour red is significant in Pakistani wedding dresses
Red is also believed to bring happiness, love, and prosperity, with Pakistani brides wearing red to bring good luck and blessings into their new lives with their partners. In addition, red is thought to protect the bride by warding off evil spirits and is considered a sacred colour.
According to astrology, Mars, the planet assessed in compatibility readings, is red, further emphasising the importance of the colour in Pakistani weddings. The colour is also associated with the rising sun, and its boldness is believed to enhance the bride's beauty and charm.
The Pakistani bridal look, including the red dress, has become fashionable internationally, with many women choosing to wear it on their wedding day, even those from different cultural backgrounds.
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Pakistani wedding attire varies across different regions
In Sindh, men typically wear cotton white or half-white Salwar Khamis with a turban, embroidered shawl, and traditional shoes called Sindhi Jutti or Sandals. The bride wears a red, heavily embroidered Lehenga Choli/Cholo with two veils and an abundance of jewellery. In Punjab and Karachi, grooms may wear a traditional sehra during the baraat, and brides usually wear a Shalwar Kameez. In the Punjab region, the bride may wear a yellow or orange kameez with simple shalwar, Patiala shalwar, yellow dupatta, and yellow paranda before the wedding day.
The Sharara-Kurta is another popular Pakistani bridal dress, consisting of a long fitted shirt or kurta and a pair of ruched wide-legged pants called sharara, paired with a long veil. The Lehenga is also a well-liked Nikaah outfit, and Pakistani brides often wear a hand-embroidered ivory lehenga with a short pink jacket featuring vibrant shades of mint, kiwi green, and bright fuchsia.
Pakistan's national dresses, which are worn by men and women in all five provinces, include the Shalwar Kameez, Achkan, Sherwani, and Kurta Shalwar Kameez. Shalwar refers to loose trousers, while Kameez refers to shirts. The type of fabric used in Pakistani wedding attire varies and may include silk, chiffon, or cotton.
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Pakistani bridal jewellery is unique and often multi-layered
Pakistani bridal jewellery is an integral part of the bridal ensemble, with its unique designs and intricate craftsmanship. The jewellery is often multi-layered, with a central design element such as a gold thread or gold-fastened beads. Pakistani bridal necklaces, a key piece of jewellery, are typically large and ornate, featuring intricate designs and a variety of gemstones. These gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, are carefully chosen to complement the colours of the bridal outfit.
Earrings are another important component of Pakistani bridal jewellery. They are often large and dangling, with intricate designs and gemstones that complement the necklace. Jhumkas, traditional round hanging earrings, are a popular choice for brides. In addition to the earrings, bracelets and bangles are also essential. These are frequently worn in large numbers on both arms and are made of gold with gemstone embellishments. Bangles, in particular, hold symbolic value, representing prosperity and marital bliss.
Rings are another significant element of Pakistani bridal jewellery. These are often large and ornate, featuring intricate designs and gemstones. The most popular gemstones used in rings are diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Head jewellery, such as maang tikka and matha patti, is also worn and can add a unique touch to the bridal look. These pieces can be minimalist in design, featuring delicate chains and pearls or floral motifs.
Pakistani bridal jewellery is not just about aesthetics but also about cultural significance and symbolism. The jewellery is designed to complement the bridal outfit and enhance the overall appearance of the bride. It also signifies the family's status and traditions, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Pakistani bridal jewellery is unique and multi-layered, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and elegance of Pakistani weddings.
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Frequently asked questions
Pakistani wedding dresses are called bridal lehenga, lehenga choli, or lehenga gown.
There are three main types of Pakistani bridal dresses: the sharara-kurta, the gharara, and the simple shirt or kurta with a pair of ruched wide-legged pants, known as a sharara.
The traditional colours of Pakistani wedding dresses vary. In the Mughal era, brides wore simple white dresses or ghagra choli. During British rule, brides wore red ghararas and saris, and during Sikh rule, they wore yellow or green. Today, red is a popular colour as it signifies the coming together of two families and is considered lucky in the Hindu religion. However, cream dresses with touches of red are also common.
Pakistani brides typically wear heavy gold jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and gold ornaments. The jewellery is often multi-layered, with a central design or thread of gold-fastened gold beads or pearls.
Pakistani grooms typically wear a shalwar qameez and dupatta in red. They may also wear a red turban.
