Pakistani weddings in the UK are a breathtaking mix of tradition, celebration, culture, and community. Whether you’re a guest attending your first desi wedding, or a couple planning your own in 2025, this guide walks you through what to expect — from colourful rituals and lavish outfits to meaningful ceremonies and modern twists.
At ShadiCards.com, we’ve designed thousands of wedding invitations over the years, and every event tells its own beautiful story. Here’s what you’re likely to see at a Pakistani wedding in the UK in 2025.
📅 The Multi-Day Wedding Format
A traditional Pakistani wedding is rarely just one event. Most weddings in the UK consist of three main functions, often spread across a week:
1. Mehndi or Dholki Night
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Vibe: Informal, fun, music-heavy
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Dress Code: Bright colours, traditional kurtas, lehengas, yellow/green themes
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Activities: Dhol beats, traditional singing, dancing (including choreographed performances), henna (mehndi) application
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Modern Twist: LED dance floors, professional DJs, and coordinated dance battles between bride & groom’s sides
2. Baraat or Nikkah Ceremony
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Vibe: Formal and religious
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Dress Code: Formal desi wear — sherwanis for men, heavily embroidered lehengas or gowns for women
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Ceremony:
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The Nikkah (Islamic marriage contract) is signed, often conducted by an Imam
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Followed by speeches, food, and cultural customs like rukhsati (farewell)
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Modern Twist: Live-streaming of Nikkah for overseas family, cinematic photography, and choreographed entrances
3. Walima Reception
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Vibe: Celebration hosted by the groom’s family
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Dress Code: Glitzy formals — suits, gowns, saris
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Atmosphere: Elegant, often in a hotel or marquee
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Activities: Group photos, buffet dinner, mingling, and relaxed entertainment
📜 Cultural Traditions You’ll See
💛 Mehndi Rituals
The bride has intricate henna applied on her hands and feet. Families sing traditional songs like "Mehndi Hai Rachne Wali", and relatives take turns feeding sweets to the bride or groom under colourful umbrellas and floral garlands.
💍 Nikkah
This religious ceremony includes a short sermon, Quranic verses, and the official signing of the marriage contract. It’s a sacred moment typically done in the presence of close family.
👰 Rukhsati
This emotional farewell marks the bride’s departure from her parental home. The Quran is often held over her head, and it’s one of the most touching parts of a Pakistani wedding.
🕌 Walima
Symbolises the public announcement of the marriage. The groom’s family hosts this event with warmth and generosity, often seen as the grand finale.
💌 Invitations & RSVPs in 2025
Pakistani families in the UK are moving toward elegant, custom invitations that blend traditional motifs with modern elements. At ShadiCards.com, we’ve seen growing demand for:
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Foil-stamped Mehndi invites
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Laser-cut Nikkah cards
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Minimalist Walima designs
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QR codes for RSVPs and directions
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Matching signage, envelopes & table plans
Most couples now order invitation suites for all 3 events with consistent themes — from rustic floral patterns to regal damask and Islamic calligraphy.
📱 Digital Elements Gaining Popularity
In 2025, most couples include:
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QR Codes linking to RSVP forms or event schedules
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Digital “save the dates” for WhatsApp or Instagram
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Live-streaming links embedded in printed invites
This trend is particularly useful when guests are travelling from overseas or can’t attend all events.
🥘 Food: A Celebration in Itself
If it’s your first Pakistani wedding, bring your appetite! Expect:
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Starters: Chaats, kebabs, spring rolls
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Main Course: Biryani, chicken korma, lamb karahi, naan
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Desserts: Gulab jamun, ras malai, kheer
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Drinks: Mango lassi, Rooh Afza mocktails, tea
Menus are often different for each function, with Mehndi featuring more street-food style bites and Walima serving banquet meals.
👗 Fashion & Style
Fashion is a big part of the wedding experience. Here’s what to expect:
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Bride: Heavily embroidered lehenga or gown with statement jewellery and dupatta
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Groom: Sherwani with turban or a tailored 3-piece suit
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Guests: Sarees, ghararas, anarkalis, or Indo-Western fusion outfits
Photo booths and professional portrait setups are now standard features at receptions.
🎉 Entertainment
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DJs spinning Bollywood, Punjabi, and Urdu hits
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Dance Performances: Often rehearsed for weeks by family and friends
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Live Dhol Players: To bring the Baraat alive
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Fireworks & Dry Ice Entrances: For that Instagram-worthy moment
💰 Cost Trends
Pakistani weddings in the UK remain lavish but calculated, especially post-COVID. Families are choosing fewer but grander events. Average costs for wedding stationery alone range from £500 to £1,500, depending on complexity.
Custom stationery bundles often include:
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Mehndi invite
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Nikkah invite
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Walima invite
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RSVP cards
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Venue maps
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Belly bands or wraps
🕌 Halal & Cultural Considerations
Pakistani weddings are deeply rooted in Islamic values:
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Separate seating may be arranged at some functions
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Prayer breaks are often accommodated
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Halal catering is standard
It’s good etiquette to dress modestly, follow cues for prayers or religious customs, and bring respectful gifts.
💡 Tips for Guests
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Arrive fashionably late, but not too late! Events often start later than advertised, but don’t miss key moments like the Nikkah or performances.
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Check which function you’re invited to. Each day may have its own invite.
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Gifts or envelopes (shagun) are appreciated but not mandatory.
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Be photo-ready. Everyone will be dressed to impress.
📦 Wedding Stationery from ShadiCards.com
At ShadiCards.com, we specialise in:
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Fully custom Pakistani wedding invitation suites
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Mehndi, Nikkah, Walima card sets
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Islamic motifs, Urdu text, and QR RSVP integration
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Matching welcome boards, menu cards, signage, and more
✨ Final Thoughts
A Pakistani wedding in the UK is a celebration of heritage, community, and love. It’s a dazzling mix of vibrant colours, sacred rituals, incredible food, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning or attending one in 2025, prepare to be immersed in joy, tradition, and elegance.
Ready to create unforgettable invitations for your Pakistani wedding?
Explore our full collection at ShadiCards.com or contact our design team today.
