Pakistani weddings are known for their vibrant colors, grandeur, and traditional customs that make them unique. As a guest attending a Pakistani wedding, it is essential to dress appropriately to show respect for the customs and traditions. One of the most frequently asked questions is what colors to wear to a Pakistani wedding. In this blog post, we will discuss which colors are appropriate and why.
Traditional Pakistani Wedding Colors
Pakistani weddings are known for their rich, vibrant colors. The traditional colors of Pakistani weddings are red, gold, maroon, green, pink, and purple. The color red is considered the most auspicious and dominating color in Pakistani weddings as it symbolizes love, passion, and strength. Gold is another popular color that symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good luck. In contrast, green is associated with nature, life, and harmony. Pink and purple are also popular as they are feminine colors and represent grace and elegance.
Colors to Avoid
While there are specific colors that are considered appropriate for Pakistani weddings, there are also colors that are best to avoid. Black is not considered a suitable color to wear at Pakistani weddings as it is associated with grief and mourning. Similarly, white is also not an ideal color to wear as it is associated with funerals. It is better to avoid wearing these colors and instead opt for brighter and more vibrant colors that are appropriate for the occasion.
What Color to Wear According to the Function?
Pakistani weddings usually consist of several functions, and each function has a different dress code. Let’s take a look at what colors are appropriate to wear according to the function.
Mehndi Function:
The mehndi function is usually a colorful and vibrant event filled with music, dancing, and food. For this function, it is best to opt for bright colors like yellow, orange, or pink. These colors reflect the festive mood of the event and will blend in with the surroundings. Men can also wear bright-colored kurtas or waistcoats to match the mood of the event.
Baraat Function:
The baraat function is the main wedding ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows and tie the knot. For this function, it is best to opt for more traditional and elegant colors like red, maroon, or gold. Women can wear traditional Pakistani outfits like lehenga choli or sarees. Men can wear traditional sherwanis in shades of gold, red, or navy blue.
Valima Function:
The valima function is the reception held after the wedding ceremony. For this function, it is best to opt for more muted and elegant colors like silver, beige, or pastels. Women can wear long gowns or dresses in these shades. Men can wear western suits in shades of grey, blue, or black.
Accessorizing Your Outfit
In addition to choosing the right colors to wear, it is also important to accessorize your outfit to complete the look. Women can accessorize their outfits with traditional jewelry like jhumkas, bangles, and necklaces. Men can accessorize their outfits with traditional footwear like khussa or mojari. The right accessories can elevate your outfit and make you stand out at the event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right colors to wear at a Pakistani wedding is essential to show respect for the customs and traditions. Traditional colors like red, gold, maroon, green, pink, and purple are considered appropriate for Pakistani weddings. It is best to avoid colors like black and white, and instead opt for brighter and more vibrant colors. Additionally, accessorizing your outfit with traditional jewelry and footwear can add to your overall look. By following these guidelines, you will be sure to dress appropriately for any Pakistani wedding function.
FAQ
How much money do you give for a Pakistani wedding?
In Pakistani culture, weddings are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. It is believed that marriage is a union of not only two individuals but also two families. Therefore, it is a big event that involves a lot of preparations, including the exchange of gifts and money between families. Giving money as a wedding gift is a common practice in Pakistan, but the amount of money to be given varies depending on several factors.
The first factor that determines the amount of money to be given is the relationship between the giver and the receiver. Generally, close relatives and friends give more money than distant relatives or acquaintances. For instance, the parents of the groom usually give a significant amount of money to the bride as a gesture of welcoming her into their family.
Another factor that plays a role in deciding the amount of money to be given is the financial status of the giver. People who are financially well off give more money as a wedding gift as compared to those who are not.
Besides, the amount of money given also depends on the number of people attending the wedding ceremony. If a large number of people are invited, and the expenses are expected to be high, then guests give more money to help the couple pay for the wedding expenses.
In Pakistani weddings, the amount of money given as a wedding gift ranges from 500 to 5000 rupees, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, extremely close relatives, such as grandparents, uncles, and aunts, give a more significant amount of money, which could be over a hundred thousand rupees.
Giving money as a wedding gift in Pakistani culture is a way to show affection and support for the couple. The amount of money to be given depends on several factors, such as the relationship between the giver and the receiver, the giver’s financial status, and the number of people attending the wedding ceremony. Nonetheless, the generosity and thoughtfulness behind the gift are what truly matters.
Can you wear black to a desi wedding?
When it comes to attending a desi wedding, the question of what to wear can become quite complex. The traditional Indian wedding is a grand affair with a multitude of customs, ceremonies, and rituals that can span days, and many guests try to dress in a way that honors the cultural importance of the event. However, a common concern among many guests is whether they can wear black to the wedding.
In general, black is viewed as an unfavorable color for Hindu ceremonies. In Indian culture, black is considered inauspicious and unlucky, and it is often associated with mourning and death. Therefore, many people advise against wearing black at weddings or any other festive event.
However, some people argue that wearing black to an Indian wedding is becoming more acceptable, especially in urban areas. This shift in opinion may be influenced by the increasing westernization of Indian fashion, which places less emphasis on traditional clothing and customs. Additionally, younger generations may be more accepting of western fashion norms and therefore more likely to wear black to a desi wedding.
Despite this shift, it is important to remember that Indian weddings are steeped in tradition and cultural significance. Wearing the right outfit is not only a matter of personal preference but also a sign of respect for the wedding festivities and the bride and groom. Red is the traditional color for Indian wedding dresses, so women should avoid wearing it out of respect for the bride. Additionally, it is respectful to avoid any outfits that resemble the traditional wedding attire of the bride and groom, such as heavily embroidered lehenga-cholis or sherwanis, as this can be seen as disrespectful or attention-seeking.
While black may be becoming more acceptable to wear to desi weddings, it is still viewed as unfavorable by many and should be avoided out of respect for the cultural significance of the event. Guests should aim to dress in a way that honors the traditions and customs of the wedding while still expressing their personal style and taste.
What are appropriate colors for an Indian wedding as a guest?
As a guest attending an Indian wedding, one of the most important considerations is what colors are appropriate to wear. Indian weddings celebrate love, life, and happiness, and they are full of vibrant colors and joyous energy. Therefore, as a guest, you are encouraged to wear bright and colorful clothes that reflect the festive atmosphere of the event.
One of the most important things to keep in mind as a guest attending an Indian wedding is that color plays a vital role in the overall theme of the ceremony. Bright and bold colors are preferred over muted tones since Indian weddings are all about celebrating life and vibrancy. Some popular colors that guests can consider wearing include vibrant blue, mint green, orange, and bright pink.
Fashion experts suggest choosing attire that is both conservative and colorful. Traditional Indian outfits such as lehenga choli and sarees are popular options for women, while men can opt for traditional Indian clothing such as a sherwani or Kurta Pajama. It is important to note that while the emphasis is on color, clothing should still be conservative and not too revealing.
There is one color that guests should avoid wearing at an Indian wedding, and that is red. In Indian culture, red stands for the color of passion and love and is exclusively worn by the bride. It is considered disrespectful to wear red as a guest since it takes center stage at one of the main events, the wedding ceremony itself.
Indian weddings are a celebration of life, love, and happiness, and as a guest, it is essential to dress up accordingly. Guests should choose vibrant and bright colors that suit the festive atmosphere of the event. However, remember to avoid red since it is exclusive to the bride. By following these simple tips, guests can enjoy a memorable and unforgettable experience at an Indian wedding.
