Fabric Guide
Wedding fabric checklist
What to choose for mehndi, barat and walima, for the bride, the groom and the family, and how to keep every colour matched.
By Shahzad Cloth House, Sialkot ·
Start with a plan for each function
Write down every function, who needs an outfit for it and the colour theme. Bring that list to the counter, or send it on WhatsApp. It is much easier to match fabric across the mehndi, barat and walima when we can see the whole plan at once.
| Function | Bride | Groom | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mehndi | Bright embroidered suits, raw silk or katan | Kurta in cotton or raw silk, with a waistcoat | Matching colours in lighter fabrics |
| Barat | Hand-embroidered panels and zari work, with a matching dupatta | Groom fabric matched to the bride's colours: jacquard, raw silk, or velvet in winter | Festive suits in silk, jacquard or embroidered fabric |
| Walima | Embroidered panels in softer colours | Wool-blend suiting or jacquard, often with a waistcoat | Embroidered suits and formal suiting |
The bride
- Barat: hand-embroidered panels and zari work are the centre of the wedding wardrobe. Choose the panel first, then match the dupatta and the plain fabric to it.
- Walima: lighter colours and embroidered panels that are less heavy than the barat outfit.
- Mehndi and dholki: brighter colours and lighter fabrics you can move in. See our ladies fabric for these outfits.
The groom
Choose the groom's fabric after the bride's colours are fixed, so the two outfits work together in photos. Jacquard and raw silk suit the barat. In a winter wedding, velvet and wool blends add warmth and weight. For the mehndi, a cotton or raw silk kurta with a waistcoat is the usual choice. Our gents fabric page has everyday suiting for the rest of the week.
The family
- Buy matching suits from the same thaan. Two bolts of the same shade can differ slightly between dye batches, and the difference shows in group photos.
- Buy all the lengths at once. We cut each person's length from the same bolt, with no minimum.
- Add up the metres before you come. Our guide to how much cloth a shalwar kameez needs has the usual lengths.
Winter weddings
Most weddings in Pakistan fall in the cooler months, so think about warmth as well as looks. Embroidered velvet is the classic choice for evening functions, and wool blends keep the men comfortable at outdoor events. Our winter fabric guide explains the difference between karandi, khaddar and wool blend.
When to buy
Embroidered and heavy fabrics take longer to stitch, and tailors get fully booked in wedding season. Choose your fabric well before the date so nobody is rushed, and leave time for a fitting.
Wedding wear at our shop is by appointment, so you get the counter and our full attention. Call or WhatsApp us to book a time, or ask for photos before you travel. We also deliver wedding orders across Pakistan. See our bridal and groom fabric.
