Quick answer: The baraat is the main wedding ceremony and the most formal event — think black-tie equivalent, so wear your best outfit in rich jewel tones (emerald, teal, sapphire, burgundy, plum) or gold, with heavier embroidery. Avoid red (the bride's colour — deep burgundy is fine), white (a mourning colour) and all-black. This is the event to make a statement with a formal lehenga, heavy gharara or anarkali, statement jewellery and full glam.
The baraat is the climax of a Pakistani wedding — the groom arrives with his family, the marriage takes place, and it's the most photographed event of all. It calls for your most formal look. Here's how to get it right.
What is the baraat?
It's the grand main ceremony: the groom's procession (often with music and drums), the welcome by the bride's family, frequently the nikah, a formal dinner, and the emotional rukhsati as the bride departs with the groom. It usually runs 4–6 hours, often starting in the evening. The dress-code level is essentially black-tie — your best outfit, best jewellery, full glamour.
Best colours for the baraat
| Colour | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Emerald green | Regal, photographs beautifully, universally flattering |
| Teal / peacock | Striking and unique, stunning in photos |
| Burgundy / maroon | Rich and elegant, without competing with the bride's red |
| Royal blue / navy | Classic, sophisticated and formal |
| Purple / plum | Regal, distinctive and elegant |
| Gold / champagne | Celebratory and glamorous, especially for the groom's family |
The red rule: red is the bride's colour, so even if it suits you, choose something else — deep burgundy or maroon is acceptable, but bright bridal red is off-limits. Also avoid white (a mourning colour) and all-black (too sombre, though black accents are fine), and be wary of very pale pastels that can look washed out beside rich colours. See our full colour rules guide.
Best outfit styles
The baraat is the moment for your most formal silhouette with heavier embroidery: a lehenga (the most popular choice — A-line is the most universally flattering), a heavy gharara (traditional, elegant and comfortable for a long event), a formal sharara with a longer kameez, or a heavily embroidered floor-length anarkali. Not sure which suits you? See our silhouette guide.
For guests
As a guest, look formal and polished — this is the event for your best Pakistani outfit, in quality fabric with statement embroidery, finished with jewellery, formal shoes and done hair and make-up. Don't underdress; you'll feel out of place. Bring backup flats for later in the evening.
For family
The mother of the bride has very high visibility welcoming the groom's family — a formal lehenga, heavy gharara or saree in a jewel tone, distinguished but not competing with the bride (see our mother of the bride guide). The mother of the groom leads the procession and welcomes the bride, often in richer gold or warm tones. Sisters frequently coordinate with each other in lehengas, shararas or ghararas, and aunts wear formal jewel tones appropriate to the occasion.
Best embroidery for the baraat
Formal, heavier work suits the baraat: zardozi (heavy metallic thread work — the classic formal choice), dabka (coiled metallic wire with raised texture), kora (fine metallic thread), and stone, crystal, pearl or tilla work for sparkle and dimension. All-over work gives maximum impact, while concentrated borders and bodice work make a statement with a slightly lighter feel.
Styling tips
Jewellery: statement pieces are expected — kundan, polki or quality pieces, with a necklace, earrings and bangles as a minimum and a maang tikka optional; coordinate the metal with your embroidery. Shoes: formal heels or embellished khussas, broken in beforehand, with backup flats for later. Hair and make-up: professional is worth booking in advance for the baraat — glamorous updos, defined eyes, a bold lip. Dupatta: formal draping pinned securely so there's no adjusting during photos (see our dupatta draping guide).
What to avoid
Red (the bride's colour), white or all-black, underdressing (this is formal), casual fabrics or minimal embroidery, and — if you're close family — anything that outshines or matches the bride. Practically: don't wear unbroken-in shoes, an outfit too tight to enjoy the dinner in, or a dupatta you can't manage over a long evening.
Shop baraat outfits
Browse the baraat collection, bridal, lehengas and ghararas, or by colour: green, blue and gold. Every AÏNN London outfit is made to your measurements in your exact shade from a 900+ hand-dyed colour library, with a video before dispatch; in-stock pieces ship in around 10–12 days, and heavily worked bridal-level pieces are made to order over a longer lead time, so order in good time. Book a consultation for styling help.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a baraat?
Your most formal outfit — a lehenga, heavy gharara, formal sharara or embroidered anarkali in a rich jewel tone like emerald, teal, burgundy or royal blue, or gold — with statement jewellery and done hair and make-up. The baraat is essentially black-tie.
Can I wear red to a baraat?
No — bright red is the bride's colour and you'll look like you're competing. Deep burgundy or maroon is an acceptable rich alternative.
How formal is the baraat compared with other events?
It's the most formal event of the wedding — more formal than the mehndi or walima. Wear your best, most embellished outfit; underdressing will leave you feeling out of place.
What embroidery is best for a baraat outfit?
Heavier formal work such as zardozi, dabka, kora and stone or pearl work suits the baraat, whether all-over for maximum impact or concentrated on the borders and bodice.
Last updated: June 2026
