5 Alternatives If You Don’t Want A Traditional Wedding

Pakistan has a very tradition-heavy culture and weddings are no different. Some brides love tradition – they want the no-makeup mehndi and red and gold lehnga. And that’s cool. But not every bride fits that mould and that’s perfectly fine too. After all, it’s your wedding day (and your husband’s but whatever), so you should get what you want. If you want to break away from tradition this wedding season, here are 5 modern alternatives.

1. Tradition: The heavy zardozi ensemble

Alternative: Mixing prints, materials and embroideries

Some brides have a ‘the-heavier-the-better’ philosophy for their wedding outfit. Some brides want a little nostalgia and incorporate their mother or grandmother’s wedding outfit in their own. And some brides just want something different. If that sounds like you, try a combination of prints, materials and embroideries. Mix diverse prints like geometrics with florals and small motifs with larger ones, and simultaneously combine vintage craftsmanship with contemporary handiwork. You can even wear a lengha with a beautiful silk shirt from an international designer, and a statement kundan necklace.  The world is your oyster!

2. Tradition: The gharara or churidaar

Alternative: A lengha sari or palazzos

While ghararas and churidaars are a timeless classic, it can get hard to handle them while dancing your heart at the mehendi. So try something modern like a lehnga sari or cropped palazzos for a more practical and danceable look. For something completely out-of-the-box, try a flowy, chiffon jumpsuit or romper. Opt for yellows, oranges and greens – the quintessential mehendi colours – so it still feels like you’re the bride! Besides, in this brutal heat, a flowy outfit will be a godsend!

3. Tradition: The decadent style

Alternative: Less is more

Traditionally, brides have always worn heavy sets on their wedding – with matching earrings, teeqa, nath and necklace. Some brides may want to go all out for their wedding – it’s their big day! But if you’re more of a minimalist, go with only a statement teeqa or eye-catching jhumkas. You can even mix and match a few vintage pieces with contemporary ones for an eclectic yet unique look.

4. Tradition: The round or boat neck

Alternative: A high-neck or off-the-shoulder

However flattering the boat neck is on everyone and anyone, it’s equally as boring when it comes to bridal wear. We have been seeing this neckline on almost every bride after all. To change it up a bit, opt for a high-neck silhouette, pairing it with long layered necklaces, or go for an off-the-shoulder style which is perfect for showing off your beautiful jewellery.

5. Tradition: Red & Green

Alternative: Pastels or Metals

Red and green wedding joras go all the way back to our great-grandmothers time and they will never be out of fashion. They’re eternal and with good reason. But if you want to try something unconventional, look into pastels or colours such as blue, purple and even steel grey. The colour you choose can even depend on the weather – pastels for summer and darker shades for winter. But no matter what you choose, we guarantee you’ll look gorgeous on your wedding day!