Pakistani wedding clothes encompass a vibrant array of traditional garments, primarily known as Lehengas, Anarkalis, Shararas, and Ghararas for brides, and Sherwanis for grooms. These outfits are renowned for their intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, and cultural significance.
Pakistani weddings are grand affairs, celebrated with immense joy, color, and elaborate ceremonies spanning several days. The attire for both the bridal party and guests plays a crucial role in reflecting this cultural richness and festive spirit.
The Exquisite World of Pakistani Bridal Wear
Pakistani brides traditionally choose from a variety of stunning ensembles, each with its unique charm and historical roots. The reference explicitly highlights popular choices such as lehengas, anarkalis, shararas, and ghararas. Lehengas are particularly favored, often styled with a short lehenga choli or a longer shalwar top.
Popular Bridal Dress Styles
Here's a closer look at the key bridal attires:
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Lehenga:
- A long, flowing skirt that is a quintessential part of Pakistani bridal wear.
- Typically paired with a fitted, short blouse known as a choli, it can also be elegantly combined with a longer shalwar kameez top for a more modest look.
- Lehengas are often heavily embellished with intricate zari, dabka, kundan, and gota work.
- Farshi Lehenga: A more elaborate variant, characterized by its extensive train that "sweeps" the floor, often worn for main wedding events like the Baraat.
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Anarkali:
- A long, frock-style top that flows gracefully, usually paired with churidar pajamas.
- It offers an elegant, floor-length silhouette, often embellished from top to bottom.
- Modern brides sometimes opt for Anarkali gowns for events like Mehendi or Walima.
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Sharara:
- A pair of loose, wide-legged trousers, usually pleated or gathered at the knee to give them a flared appearance.
- They are typically worn with a short or medium-length kurta (tunic) and a dupatta.
- Shararas offer comfort and a regal look, making them a popular choice for various wedding functions.
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Gharara:
- Similar to a sharara but with a distinct, dramatic flare below the knee, achieved by a band of fabric that creates a ruched effect.
- The silhouette is often even more voluminous than a sharara, providing a majestic appearance.
Essential Components of Bridal Attire
Beyond the main dress, a Pakistani bridal ensemble is completed with:
- Dupatta: A long scarf or stole, often heavily embroidered, draped over the head and/or shoulders. It adds modesty and enhances the overall grandeur.
- Jewelry: Elaborate sets including necklaces, earrings, maang tikka (forehead adornment), jhoomar (side head ornament), and bangles (chooriyan).
- Footwear: Ornate khussas or embellished heels.
Groom's Traditional Wedding Attire
While bridal wear often takes center stage, Pakistani grooms also adorn themselves in magnificent traditional outfits that complement the bride's grandeur.
Key Groom's Attire Styles
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Sherwani:
- The most prominent traditional attire for Pakistani grooms, a long coat-like tunic, typically buttoned to the collar and extending below the knees.
- Often made from luxurious fabrics like raw silk, brocade, or velvet, and adorned with intricate embroidery.
- Learn more about Sherwani styles here.
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Achkan:
- A shorter, more fitted version of the Sherwani, sometimes featuring a more tailored cut.
- It offers a sophisticated and elegant look.
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Kurta Pajama:
- A simpler, yet elegant, two-piece ensemble consisting of a tunic (kurta) and loose-fitting trousers (pajama).
- Often worn for pre-wedding events like Mehendi or Dholki, or as a more comfortable option for some wedding functions.
Groom's Accessories
- Turban (Pagri or Sehra): A traditional headwear, often intricately tied and sometimes adorned with a sehra (string of flowers or beads) that covers the groom's face.
- Khussa: Traditional handcrafted leather shoes, often embellished with embroidery.
- Shawl: A luxurious shawl, sometimes draped over one shoulder, adding a regal touch.
Wedding Guest Attire
Guests at Pakistani weddings also dress in traditional and festive attire, showcasing a wide range of styles and colors.
For Women Guests
- Shalwar Kameez: The national dress of Pakistan, consisting of a tunic (kameez), loose trousers (shalwar), and a dupatta. For weddings, these are often heavily embroidered and made from rich fabrics.
- Saree: A draped garment, popular especially in urban areas and among those with South Asian heritage.
- Lehenga or Anarkali: Less elaborate versions than bridal outfits, suitable for guests attending various events.
For Men Guests
- Shalwar Kameez or Kurta Pajama: Elegant and comfortable choices, often in luxurious fabrics like silk or brocade.
- Suit: Western-style suits are also common, particularly for evening receptions (Walima).
Summary of Pakistani Wedding Attire
To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the main types of Pakistani wedding clothes:
| Category | Attire Type | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal | Lehenga | Long, flared skirt often with a choli or shalwar top. Heavily embellished. | Main wedding day (Baraat, Walima) |
| Anarkali | Floor-length, frock-style top with churidar. Flowing and elegant. | Mehendi, Walima, or bridal reception | |
| Sharara & Gharara | Wide-legged, flared trousers with a short/medium kurta. | Mehendi, Baraat, or bridal reception | |
| Groom's | Sherwani | Long, coat-like tunic, usually embroidered. | Main wedding day (Baraat, Walima) |
| Achkan | Shorter, more fitted version of a Sherwani. | Main wedding day or formal events | |
| Kurta Pajama | Tunic with loose trousers. | Pre-wedding events, more casual functions | |
| Guest | Shalwar Kameez | Tunic, loose trousers, and dupatta. Often embroidered for weddings. | All wedding events |
| Saree | Draped garment. | Formal receptions | |
| Suit (Men) | Western-style suit. | Walima (reception) or formal ceremonies |
Pakistani wedding attire is a testament to the country's rich textile heritage and intricate craftsmanship, with each garment telling a story of tradition, celebration, and exquisite artistry.
