Weddings in Pakistan are cheerful and colorful events that last several days. The wedding outfits of both the bride and the groom are outstanding – ornate, bejeweled, and costly. Everything is grand and sparkling. Everything around screams money – though, of course, some families can afford to spend more on a wedding than others, so there are fancier and simpler marriage celebrations in Pakistan. Still, millions of women all around the world would kill to have such a chic and beautiful wedding. But does a Pakistani wedding have flaws? Let’s find out.
Here are the 5 most interesting features of Pakistani weddings.
#1
4 Wedding ceremonies on 4 days
The traditional Pakistani wedding lasts 4 days, each is dedicated to a certain ceremony. The first day is for “mehndi” – sort of a pre-wedding celebration. The second day is for “baraat” – a grand celebration hosted by the bride’s family. The third day is for “nikah” – a religious ceremony when the couple is declared a husband and wife at last. And the fourth day is for “walima” – a function hosted by the groom’s family.
#2
Colorful wedding attire instead of boring white gown and black tux
Pakistani weddings are always bright multicolored events. And not only the wedding guests wear vibrantly colored dresses, but the bride and groom are dressed in red, blue, green, pink, etc. Though, the groom’s folk attire is usually made in more muted light colors. But at the same time, it is so bejeweled and embellished that it sparkles just as much as the bride’s gown.
Lately, Pakistani couples have started to wear Western-style wedding clothing more often, but the fanciest marriage celebrations still include traditional wedding outfits. Probably because they’re much more eye-catching, shiny, and impressive.
#3
Jewels, jewels, and even more jewels
Pakistani brides are world-famous for their wonderful wedding jewelry. The traditional wedding attire in Pakistan always includes some jewels – necklaces, bangles, nose rings, earrings, hair jewelry, and so much more. These adornments can be pretty large (but still delicate and intricate) and attract a lot of attention. Jewelry is a must-have, they show that the bride’s family and future husband are wealthy and able to provide for the family. A lot of jewelry pieces the bride receives as gifts from her fiance.
#4
Two days of celebration before officially married
In most countries, the wedding reception (with a wedding feast and dancing) starts after the official marriage ceremony. The newlyweds feed their guests and receive presents after they’re declared a husband and wife. But a Pakistani couple is declared a husband and wife sometimes only on the 3rd day of the celebration, and it doesn’t bother anyone at all. No one is afraid that the bride or the groom might have cold feet and run away.
#5
Grooms wear veils as well as brides
In some regions of Pakistan, not only the bride traditionally wears a wedding veil (called “ghunghat” or “pallu” on the Indian subcontinent) but the groom also covers his face. The male veil is called “sehra” and it is worn so that the couple don’t see each other’s faces before the wedding. Also, the sehra is believed to protect from the evil eye. This veil is made of flowers or beads instead of the fabric and is attached to the traditional turban of the groom.
