Walima Outfits

The walima rule: match the host, and do not repeat your barat

Advice differs by family. Some treat the walima as a lighter, softer event than the barat, and others dress it up with richer embellishment and bolder colour. Because of that, the safest rule is to match the host: ask what the groom's family is wearing or planning, and stay at their level or slightly below.

If you are attending the barat as well, make the two outfits different. Change the colour family, not only the dupatta, because the same relatives see both. A heavy barat in deep green is followed well by a walima in pastel, ivory or a muted metallic, or by a richer shade if the family is dressing up.

Customs differ by family and region, so use this as a starting point and ask the host if you are unsure.

Walima colours and fabrics

Pastels, ivory, sage, dusty rose, powder blue and muted metallics are common walima choices, and a deeper shade can suit an evening or a winter walima. White and ivory may be kept for the bride, so ask the family if you plan either.

Chiffon, organza, silk and fine net hold embroidery well in lighter shades, and a light jacquard or velvet adds warmth for a cold-weather reception. Compare shades on the pink, beige, green and blue pages, and read the colour name in the product title, since screens change shades.

Day walima or evening walima: how the clock changes the outfit

Ask when the event starts and whether it is indoors, because that changes the whole look.

• Daytime or lunch: sunlight washes out pale shades and shows every crease, so choose a slightly deeper pastel, a crisp fabric and a well-pressed dupatta. A lined organza or chiffon stays comfortable.
• Evening or dinner: warm hall lighting suits richer colours, metallic work and silk, and photographs flatter fuller embroidery.
• Outdoors in winter: plan a wrap, shawl or jacket as part of the look, not an afterthought, and ask whether the venue is heated.

For cold-weather cloth, see winter.

Dupatta, shoes and jewelry: the quick way to change a walima outfit

A new dupatta on a suit you own can change a look more than a new suit. If you are wearing a piece twice in the same week, change the dupatta first, then shoes and jewelry. Browse dupattas, shoes and jewelry.

Keep one focal point. If the shirt is heavily embroidered, choose a plain dupatta and simple jewelry, and if the shirt is plain, let the dupatta carry the work. Try the whole look with shoes at home, and check that the hem clears the floor when you walk and sit.

Walima budget, sizing and timing

Many shoppers set a different budget for the walima than for the barat, so decide the split early. Start from a price page, such as under Rs 5,000 or under Rs 10,000, which list everything up to their limit, then compare two or three similar suits with Compare Brands. Look at fabric, piece count and embroidery, not only the price.

If you are stitching, allow time for a tailor and one fitting. If the date is close, choose ready to wear and use the size guide with the brand's chart. The guide to measuring and comparing size charts shows how. Confirm price, size and stock on the brand's own page before you buy.