Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024Our Expert Guide to Pakistani Wedding Dresses and Accessories
Discover how symbolism and meaning is woven into each stitch.
Photo: Purity Weddings
Pakistani wedding dresses are beloved for their ability to fuse cultural heritage, rich symbolism, expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Complete with intricate beadwork and elaborate embroidery, they're more than just garments; they're a tapestry of culture. For Pakistani brides, or those planning a multicultural celebration, choosing to wear a traditional Pakistani wedding dress offers a way to honor their cultural roots in the same way that so many brides before them have. To learn more about Pakistani bridal wear, we spoke with David Gass, founder of Dgass Photography & Videography, which specializes in Desi weddings and events. Keep scrolling to read up on all the traditions and discover where you can buy Pakistani bridal dresses online.
In this article: What Are Pakistani Wedding Dresses? | How Many Bridal Dresses Do You Need for a Pakistani Wedding? | Pakistani Bridal Dress Accessories | Where to Shop for Pakistani Wedding Dresses
Photo: Purity Weddings
,Dress: Makkah Sharara
What Are Pakistani Wedding Dresses?
There are a variety of different Pakistani wedding dresses to choose from, ranging from floor-length gowns to three-piece sets. While attire traditions vary between Hindu weddings and Muslim weddings, there are a few key features that define bridal Pakistani clothes as a whole. For instance, "most Pakistani bridal outfits are custom-made and feature detailed handwork," Gass explains. These ornate details, including beading and embroidery, highlight the nation's expert craftsmanship while also signifying prosperity for the couple.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Pakistani Wedding Dress Styles
Most Pakistani wedding gowns and dresses are composed of multiple pieces. According to Gass, "Pakistani brides typically wear a lehenga, which is essentially a long skirt, featuring heavy embroidery, paired with a blouse and a long dupatta (a type of bridal scarf)." Other options include the gharara and sharara, both of which are three-piece sets featuring a blouse and dupatta, worn with a pair of wide-leg pants instead of a skirt. An Anarkali is another type of Pakistani wedding dress that brides can wear to one or multiple events. These floor-floor length gowns feature a frock-style silhouette and intricate beading or embellishments. Though not commonly worn during the main wedding ceremony, many brides will also wear a sari during their pre and postwedding events.
Pakistani Wedding Dress Colors
According to Gass, red, maroon and gold are the most traditional color options for Pakistani bridal dresses. Within Pakistani culture, these shades are said to represent love and prosperity. Because of this, "these colors are typically avoided when it comes to guest attire [and Pakistani wedding party dresses]," he explains. However, not all Pakistani brides wear red to the wedding. As celebrations continue to evolve, it is not uncommon to see modern brides stray from this traditional color scheme and sport shades such as ivory, white or even a pastel.
Photo: Purity Weddings
,Dress: Makkah Sharara
How Many Bridal Dresses Do You Need for a Pakistani Wedding?
Because traditional Pakistani wedding celebrations take place across multiple days, brides will often wear more than one outfit. While the exact number of dresses needed will vary for each bride, Gass reveals that most brides wear 3+ outfits across different events like the mehndi party, nikkah ceremony, and reception.
How Much Does a Pakistani Wedding Dress Cost?
Given their intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship, Pakistani style wedding dresses can cost more than your average Western wedding dress. Brides can expect to spend at least $1000 on a Pakistani wedding dress for one event. The price of a complete ensemble (including outfits for each event) can range from around $4,000 to over $10,000. Individual pieces typically cost between $100 and $500. Of course, there are more affordable options out there, especially if you're open to exploring styles with less embellishments, or ones not made by hand.
Pakistani Bridal Dress Accessories
"Jewelry is an essential part of Pakistani bridal attire," explains Gass. "Necklaces, bangles and nose rings are some of the most popular choices for brides." Nose rings in particular are seen as a symbol of marriage in Pakistani culture. Other Pakistani bridal jewelry pieces are worn stacked on the wrists or layered around the neck.
In addition to jewelry, Pakistani bridal outfits often include a veil (or a dupatta worn draped over the head). However, some brides choose to wear ornate headpieces and hair accessories in addition to, or in lieu of, a veil. Just like with beading and embellishments, these accessories serve more than just aesthetic purposes. They symbolize blessings, prosperity and abundance for the bride as she enters a new stage in life.
Interestingly, one of the most common Pakistani bridal accessories isn't actually a physical accessory at all. According to Gass, brides typically wear henna tattoos on their hands and feet throughout the entirety of their wedding. The henna designs are applied during a prewedding event known as a Mehndi ceremony and will last throughout the remainder of the wedding days.
Where to Shop for Pakistani Wedding Dresses
Wondering where to buy Pakistani bridal dresses? There are a number of different places where you can purchase Pakistani bridal clothes online or in person. Below, we've rounded up a few options to help kickstart your search.
Pakistani bridal brands: Whether you're looking to customize your bridal dress for a Pakistani wedding, or you want to don a look that fuses contemporary trends with centuries-old tradition, we recommend exploring options from Pakistani bridal designers. Working directly with a designer offers many perks that you don't get when shopping online or off-the-rack, including the ability to request customizations.
Marigold: It's no mystery why Marigold has a five-star rating on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. The unique service allows you to buy or rent Pakistani and Indian wedding dresses with ease. They're Asian-owned, woman-owned, plus they prioritize sustainability in each of their designs. Psst: They even offer a 15% discount for couples who use The Knot.
Andaaz Fashion: Andaaz Fashion is one of the best places to shop Pakistani wedding attire online. They have everything you need to create your wedding wardrobe, including dresses, jewelry and other accessories. In addition to extended sizes, they also carry options for the groom, wedding party, guests and kids.
Etsy: It's totally possible to score the Pakistani wedding dress of your dreams without breaking the bank, and a quick scroll through Etsy will prove it. With countless sellers to choose from, you're guaranteed to find a dress that fits your ideal budget and vibe. Some popular shops include StarfabricsShop, LIBAASKHAAS and AfsanaEWajdan.
The Knot Vendor Marketplace: The Knot Vendor Marketplace can help you discover places to shop Pakistani bridal attire near you. Simply enter in your location, then filter your search by typing "Pakistani wedding dresses" into the search bar. From there, you'll be able to sort through local bridal salons and read reviews from real brides.
