The wedding season 2025 is around the corner, and we thought this was the most appropriate time to guide the white women in the UK on what to wear to a Pakistani wedding as a female guest. Not only English girls and ladies but desi women as well don’t know exactly which dress code will look captivating on a certain wedding theme.
Desi weddings are full of radiating celebration, as there are a series of customs and traditions. These cultural customs are celebrated with great zeal and passion. With their rich cultural traditions and emphasis on guest etiquette, choosing the picture-perfect Pakistani wedding guest dress is the most important part of showing respect for the event’s significance.
Our fashion gurus will explain everything you need to know about what to wear to a Pakistani wedding if you’re white. Let’s get started!
Key Events and Dress Codes
Mehndi (Pre-Wedding Celebration)
Nobody can imagine a wedding without Mehndi, as it is an undeniably essential part. The henna celebrations are all about fun, festivity, and bright colours. Guests typically wear yellow, mustard, green, and orange outfits with intricate designs that are traditional for this event. You can wear any of these shades; however, in today’s modern era, girls want to go with something unique, something out of the box. Yes! Even a white frock is a perfect option for you.
Baraat (Wedding Ceremony)
The entry of the groom and bride is the climax of any desi wedding. On the other hand, the baraat is the most formal and glamorous event of the wedding. Guests are expected to wear lavishly decorated festive clothes. For women, this could mean a super striking lehenga choli or an Indian wedding saree, while men can opt for a waistcoat with a matching or contrasting kurta. Stick to rich, bold colours like red, gold, or navy for a complete traditional look.
Walima (Reception)
The walima is typically more understated and elegant, calling for semi-formal or formal outfits. Women might choose a stylish saree or anarkali suit in pastel tones, while men can wear a well-fitted suit or a simpler yet shining sherwani. However, your focus should be set on pure sophistication and grace.
What should a woman wear to a Pakistani wedding
Let’s start with women’s clothing and shed light upon both conditions, whether you’re a traditional Hindi/Pakistani lady or a white person.
For Traditional Pakistani Women
Pakistani weddings are all about glamour and beauty. You can go traditional in salwar kameez, lehengas, sarees or anarkalis as a guest. Delicate organza, raw silk, net, and chiffon are popular choices for weddings and any luxury party in the United Kingdom. Look for Pakistani wedding guest wear that is lavishly adorned with intricate hand or machine embroidery, laces, tassels and frills, and jewellery and don’t forget the dupatta, as it’s the most beautiful part of any Pakistani dress and completes the overall look. Pakistani branded clothing is always a great option as replicas are made of the lowest quality fabrics and materials.
For Western or Non-Pakistani Women
If you are not from Pakistani culture, there are ways to dress respectfully and fit in. Rent or buy Pakistani attire from specialized stores or adapt an elegant Western look with modesty in mind. Choose clothes with rich colours and avoid overly revealing designs. Go for something culturally appropriate and your style.
What colours should you not wear to a Pakistani wedding
Specific colours and styles are best avoided at a Pakistani wedding. Blacks are not recommended as they have cultural connotations that are not suitable for celebrations. Overly casual or revealing clothes should also be avoided to maintain modesty and cultural respect. Stick to deep or pastel colours that match the festive atmosphere of the event. Finally, try not to wear neon colours as they are already fading away from traditional weddings.
Top 6 Wedding Guest Suits for Women at Shadi Dress
As bridal and wedding guest wear specialists, we at Shadi Dress guide our customers on what is trending in the fashion industry these days. Here are three top-rated yet most appropriate dress codes for wedding guest women.
Sea Blue Colour Lehenga Choli
Whenever we think of a wedding guest, the first thing that comes to mind is a sea blue lehenga choli for guests! Check out this masterpiece; it’s not only a budget-friendly option but also looks so regal and beautiful. If you’ve run out of guest wear ideas or cannot think of any, book this oh-so-beautiful lehenga.
Golden Colour Anarkali Dress
This golden Anarkali suit, with its intricate embroidery, flowing panels, and premium chiffon fabric, is a pleasing fusion of traditional and modern. Perfect for desi wedding events (Nikkah or Walima), its regal charm and modern detailing make it a standout choice for special occasions.
Lilac Sharara
With the right amount of luxury and a festive touch, our wedding lilac sharara is for those who love the pastel shade of purple in their dresses. Grab this latest women’s guest wear to add an extra traditional element to your instant photo.
White Salwar Kameez
If you want to exude granduer in a white shade, then you would love our white salwar kameez collection. We used finest qualtiy fabrics and materials in our these drop-dead gorgeous ensembles. Each piece is a treat for the eyes in a pure white shade perfect for all luxury events.
Beige Saree
Yes, it’s true that the saree is still reigning supreme in the South Asian fashion industry and our beige saree is no exception. It is one of the most decent dresses to wear to Pakistani wedding as a guest.
Pakistani Peplum Frock
Here is another traditional yet beautiful piece for wedding guest – Pakistani peplum frock. Peplum is a short frock with panels on the bottom areal and is usually paired with wide-leg trousers. This masterpiece is styled with crush sharara pants that is making this three-piece women suit a perfect choice for the special day.
What should a man wear to a Pakistani wedding
Traditional Attire for a Pakistani Wedding
For a Pakistani wedding, men can opt for traditional attire like sherwanis, kurtas, or waistcoats with sublime embroidery work (such as motifs, treads, and florals). Pair with khussas (traditional yet trendiest shoes) or shawls (if it’s a winter wedding) to complete the look. Add a turban (or paakol) for extra desi-ness!
What to Wear to a Pakistani Wedding reception as non Pakistani Men
Non-Pakistani men can dress for the occasion by wearing a well-tailored suit in neutral colours and adding some Desi-touch with embroidered pocket squares or shawls. This will be a stylish fusion of cultures, respectful of the occasion yet semi-formal and chic.
Resource: Marriage in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
What should white people wear to Pakistani wedding?
If you're a woman, lehengas, frocks, shararas, and salwar kameez are great options. However, for men, a waistcoat paired with a kurta is the ultimate choice.
What to wear to a nikkah as a white woman?
A floor-sweeping maxi is the ideal choice to wear to a Nikkah ceremony as a white woman. Light or pastel shades are more appropriate for daytime weddings, while dark colour-schemes look dreamy for evening weddings.
Should I bring a gift to a Pakistani wedding in the UK?
Not necessary. Usually people give cash in a beautiful envelop (with your name mentioned on) called 'Salaam/salaami' to the groom or bride.
What should a white person wear to a mehndi?
A sharara is the best option for attending a Pakistani wedding as a white woman. Asian girls love to wear wide-leg trousers for Mehndi or Mayun celebrations.
Can you wear black to a Pakistani wedding as a guest?
Usually not. Pakistani traditions hold historical importance. They typically don't wear an all-black suit as wedding guests. Pastel shades like pink, mint green, or silver are the best options.