Muslim Wedding Clothes: An Essential Guide to the Big Deal

A wedding is coming up! Whether it’s yours or someone else’s, the first thought, inevitably, is, “What to wear?” Muslim wedding clothes are a crucial element in traditional celebrations, for the bride, groom and all the guests. Clothing styles bring every celebration together and lend to the whole vibe of the gathering.  This guide will delve into various aspects of Muslim wedding clothes, including what's worn to the henna party, wedding shower, wedding ceremony, and walimah - with a few points about color coordination.

What to Wear to a Wedding Shower for Bride and Guests

A wedding shower is a pre-wedding event where the intentions to marry are made public and the wedding date is announced. It might be the first occasion that the bride and her near relatives receive gifts from the groom. Usually, only family members attend the wedding shower and, as far as Muslim wedding clothes, it’s dressy casual for them.

Bridal wear for a wedding shower

Muslim wedding clothes for the bride for her wedding shower.

The bride's Muslim wedding clothes for the wedding shower should be stylish and formal. Because she’ll be in close proximity with the groom’s family during the party, an embellished long dress or abaya is the usual fare. Her headscarf and shoes should be fancy, matching her dress exactly. A few bangles will give a polished look.

What family should wear to a wedding shower 

Family members attending the wedding shower should wear dressy-casual, with the ladies being careful not to outshine the bride. Women can choose elegant dresses and abayas, while men can opt for traditional outfits such as shalwar kameez.

What Muslim Wedding Clothes Are Worn to a Henna Party?

The henna party, also known as the mehndi, is a vibrant and joyous ladies’-only, pre-wedding celebration. In it, intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet. Close family members and other guests might have henna applied to their hands, as well. But the point isn’t just to apply henna, it’s to surround the bride with a festive mood prior to her wedding on the following day.

During henna parties, ladies sing religious and cultural love songs, and everyone uses lovely Muslim wedding clothes. Games are played, delicious foods are always on offer and the entire evening is spent in joyful laughter and a dance or two. Blessings are always invoked for the bride and groom.

Bridal henna party dress

The bride's Muslim wedding clothes for the henna party are usually a moderately toned-down version of her wedding clothes for the following day. Her outfit for the morrow will usually be red, so she can choose almost any bright color besides, including pink, yellow, orange or light green. She can wear a lehenga, saree or shalwar kameez suit, but it’s always adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and beadwork. The outfit is always complimented with matching jewelry bangles, earrings and maybe a necklace and headpiece. She’s becoming the star of the show and should be decked properly.

How to dress as a guest at a henna party

Guests attending the henna party should wear vibrant and colorful Muslim wedding clothes. Matching bangles and earrings are great options, but guests should avoid elaborate necklaces, headpieces and excessive embroidery on their outfits. The ladies can also use embellished shalwar kameezes, saving their fancier sarees and lehengas for the wedding day. Remember also that there will be lots of fun activities at the henna party, and while the bride will be a stationary observer, for the most part, guests should wear attire that’s comfortable enough for easy movement.

Muslim Wedding Clothes for Bride, Groom and Guests

Obviously, the wedding ceremony is the most significant event in the festivities, and Muslim wedding clothes for this occasion should reflect the grandeur of the day:

Muslim wedding clothes for the bride

The bride's Muslim wedding clothes for the wedding ceremony should be opulent and regal. Heavily embroidered lehengas, which are two piece skirt and top sets, or bridal gowns of one piece fit the bill here. The outfit is often adorned with intricate beadwork, sequins, and gold or silver threadwork. Complementing the attire is bridal jewelry that is thick and heavy. You can wear a hijab and bridal veil which trails down the back, or use a dupatta to trail and another over your shoulder for a regal look. Most bridal clothes are either red, for those adhering to tradition, or white, for the modern bride. But pastels are on the rise.

If you're wondering about the Muslim wedding clothes for the groom, we did a whole guide -- they should be fantastic, of course!

Muslim wedding clothes for guests

Family members can also wear red as sort of a hide and seek game with the bride. You’ll see one heavily adorned lady and think, “The bride?” Then another and another. Eventually the bride appears completely decked out, and it’s obvious who she is. 

Guests who aren’t family members should wear formal and elegant Muslim wedding clothes. Women can choose traditional outfits such as lehengas, sarees, kameez and shalwar suits, or formal dresses. They should be embellished and beautiful. Men can opt for tailored suits, sherwanis, or traditional outfits such as kurtas. If you’re not Muslim, or you’re simply not sure what to wear as a guest to a Muslim wedding, look here.

Muslim Wedding Clothes for the Walimah Ceremony

The walimah is the post-wedding reception hosted by the groom's family to celebrate the marriage. Muslim wedding clothes for the walimah should be elegant and festive, but for guests, a step down from the wedding wear:

Muslim wedding clothes for the bride at the walimah

The bride's Muslim wedding clothes for the walimah can be a second bridal outfit that is equally elegant and stunning. So, in effect, it’s like a second wedding day for her. She might choose a completely different outfit, such as a wedding dress in place of a lehenga. Regardless, she’ll have on all her jewelry and drapes and be fully embellished, just like on her wedding day. The same goes for the groom!

Muslim wedding clothes for guests at the walimah

Guests attending the walimah should wear formal and festive Muslim wedding clothes, but they won’t be quite as fancy as day one, unless you’re a member of the family. 

A Note About Color Coordination

When the bride decides what her colors will be for the festivities, it’s a good idea to send the information out to family members. Because family outfits will be more dressy than the other guests, this will help distinguish the bride for the shower and henna party, in particular. The bride might want family members to wear her same color(s) for the wedding, but stepped down a bit, and their clothing won't be quite so fancy for the walimah. 

The bride should also communicate well with the family of the groom about what she will wear to the festivities and whether there are matching garments available for the groom through the same outlet.