First, Understand What You’re Going To
Pakistani weddings are not single-day events. A typical shaadi involves multiple functions spread over two to four days:
- Mehndi — A festive pre-wedding celebration, usually a day or two before the main wedding. Think of it as a lively party with music, dancing, henna application, and lots of colour. Dress code: festive and colourful, but not as formal as the main event.
- Barat — The main wedding day. This is the formal ceremony where the bride and groom sign the nikkah (marriage contract) and the bride moves to her husband’s family. This is the most formal event. Pull out your best outfit.
- Valima — A reception hosted by the groom’s family, usually the day after barat. Slightly more relaxed than barat, but still elegantly dressed.
You may be invited to one, two, or all three functions. Check your invitation carefully — or simply ask your host which functions they’d love you to attend.
One key thing to understand: Pakistani weddings are not black-tie in the Western sense, but they are absolutely formal. Guests dress up significantly. You will rarely be overdressed; you can very easily be underdressed.