An abaya can look as dressed-up as anything else in the room at a Pakistani wedding. What makes the difference isn't the abaya itself but the fabric, the finish and the colour you choose for each event. Here's how to get it right, from the nikkah to the walima.
Will an abaya look too casual?
Not if it's made for the occasion. A plain, everyday abaya can feel underdressed next to formal shalwar kameez and lehngas. An abaya with handwork reads as occasion wear: stonework, cutwork, lace or embroidery, in a fabric with a soft sheen. Look for three things:
- Fabric with presence: nada (nida) silk or mulberry silk drapes and catches the light, where a plain crepe or crush looks everyday.
- Detail where people look: the sleeves, cuffs and front placket. Handwork there is what lifts an abaya from daywear to wedding wear.
- A matching scarf: a coordinated scarf finishes the look. Every Zayana abaya comes with one.
What to wear to each event
Nikkah
Often held at home or in a masjid, and usually more restrained. Soft, light colours such as ivory, blush, mauve or tea pink, with delicate detail like lace or fine embroidery, feel right. Elaya in ivory and Elaya in tea pink, in mulberry silk with lace, are made for this.
Mehndi
Brighter and more relaxed. This is the event for colour and a little playfulness, as long as it's comfortable enough to sit and dance in. Sofia in dusty mauve, with cutwork sleeves, sits well here.
Baraat
The most formal night. Go for deeper colours and real embellishment. Opal in mocha brown, with hand-set stonework on the sleeves and placket and a stone-embellished scarf, is our pick for a baraat. Elaya in maroon heavy silk with lace is another.
Walima
Elegant and a little softer than the baraat. Muted, rich tones work well: mauve, blush purple, deep brown. Try Elaya in blush purple or Sofia.
Can you wear an Arabian-style abaya to a Pakistani wedding?
Yes. Gulf-style abayas, with flowing cuts in nida, are now common at Pakistani weddings, especially among women who prefer to stay covered without giving up style. The same rule applies: choose occasion detail over a plain everyday black abaya, and match the colour to the event.
Black at a wedding?
Black works for evening events when it has detail, like Layla with hand-printed silk borders, or Amal in embroidered jacquard. Some families avoid black at weddings, so consider the family's taste if you're unsure.
Finishing the look
- Scarf: wear the matching scarf for a polished look, or a contrast scarf with a subtle sheen for evening events. See our guide to hijab colours for brown and mauve abayas.
- Jewellery: let the handwork lead. With stonework or cutwork sleeves, keep jewellery simple.
- Length: you'll be on your feet and on stairs. Choose the length that suits your height in our size guide; we shorten length for free.
- Care: abayas with handwork are dry clean only. Our silk abaya care guide explains why.
Browse all our fancy abayas for weddings, nikkahs and dawats, or message us on WhatsApp (+92 304 8468889) and we'll help you choose for your event.