By Dr. Mahnoor Mohyuddin
We all love the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella, but her wise words often go overlooked: “Even miracles take a little time.” Wedding planning is a lot like that — it happens in stages. Focus on what actually makes you happy, and don’t lose your peace of mind in the process. In the end, it’s not about the glitz or grandeur, but the solid foundation you’re building together. As Shakespeare said: “This above all: to thine own self be true.” So skip the trends; instead, follow what genuinely resonates with you.
DRESSES
Family Heirlooms
Family heirlooms carry stories, memories, and timeless craftsmanship from our grandmothers, mothers, and mothers-in-law. Rewearing these outfits, especially those that have been well-preserved, is both fashionable and meaningful. Their craftsmanship is unmatched, making each piece truly unique. Because vintage materials are often delicate, minimal alterations are key — it’s best not to make significant changes. Instead, consider pairing heirloom dupattas with new suits or styling them symbolically. For example, entering your mehndi under a sentimental dupatta adds a beautiful touch of emotion, legacy, and pride.
Traditional vs. New
‘Red’ for the barat is often considered the safest choice, as makeup artists are most familiar with working with it. Traditional jewelry also offers a sense of reliability. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment — choose colors, stones, or designs that truly reflect your style. The key is ensuring your makeup and styling complement each other so the overall look feels cohesive. When done thoughtfully, non-traditional styles can be just as striking and captivating.
Handwork vs. Machine Work
Timeless couture is celebrated for its handwork, but machine embroidery has also evolved significantly in quality. Machines can now produce intricate details that handwork sometimes cannot. Still, handcrafted designs remain highly durable and showcase exceptional artistry. Certain motifs, however, can only be achieved through hand-stitching on specific fabrics, so it’s important to keep these limitations in mind when making your selection.
Simple vs. Loaded
In the past, brides often dressed simply before the barat, usually in shades of yellow, orange, or green. Today, even mehndi brides go all out with embellishments. Both approaches are perfectly valid — it comes down to personal preference. Simplicity has its own charm, while full glam can be equally stunning. Many brides choose to keep their looks for smaller events understated, reserving grandeur for the main celebrations.
DESIGNERS
Zuria Dor
Led by sisters Kinza and Madiha Latif, Zuria Dor effortlessly blends classic elegance with modern style. Their dedicated team guides clients through every step, combining structured, role-focused professionalism with personalized care. The brand’s designs are intentionally versatile, allowing pieces to be mixed and matched for future wear. Their expert guidance helps clients understand what works best for their individual profiles. Special attention is given to selecting a color palette that enhances rather than overwhelms. As Kinza explains, “It’s about elevating your entire look, not just the dress.”
Deena
Once celebrated for her fusion aesthetics, Deena has now firmly established herself in traditional couture. Known for her distinctive color choices, like pistachio green, and intricate embellishments, her creations are full of thoughtful details—calligraphy-adorned potlis and embroidered khussas designed for both style and comfort. Beyond the outfit itself, Deena provides expert guidance on maintaining graceful posture while wearing heavy ensembles, reflecting her holistic approach to design.
Fashion Hues by Imbsat Ahsan
Perfect for bespoke creations, she crafts customized outfits, whether incorporating personalized patterns or experimenting with creative shades like grape purple. Her signature mixed-media approach blends block printing, lace, and Mughal-inspired embroidery. With her task-driven mindset and patience, she helps clients navigate fabric, cut, and color choices, ensuring common tailoring missteps are avoided.
HAIR ACCESSORIES
If you’re in Lahore, Liberty is the place to be. From parandas and flower garlands to hair clips, you’ll find it all while soaking in the vibrant desi shopping atmosphere.
JEWELLERY
There are two approaches to pairing jewelry with your outfit:
Buy the jewelry first, then design your dress to complement it—especially important for chokers, which need to suit your neckline.
Choose the dress first, and then customize jewelry to match.
Jewelry can either serve as the centerpiece, standing out in contrast to your outfit, or blend subtly for a more harmonious look.
Notable stores: Almas Jewellers, Ruby Jewellers, Farhat Ali, Neemar, Gold by Reama Malik, Sonica, Solitaire, Zargali, Naqash.
UNIQUE ITEMS
Madiha Saail Khan’s Project Rich is a jewelry lover’s delight, offering silver and gold-plated items with excellent craftsmanship. Their standout pieces are calligraphic Quran bookmarks and
nikkah pens engraved with “Sabr, Shukar & Zikr”— spiritually rooted wedding keepsakes.
MITHAI BOXES
From tins to cardboard, we love creativity in mithai boxes. Choose climate-friendly, reusable options. Go Wed (Shadman) is a good choice for design.
VENUE
Choose a venue that’s conveniently located near both the wedding house and the salon—ideally within a 10–20 minute drive. This helps prevent last-minute stress, especially during traffic or photoshoots. For outdoor events, always check the weather forecast and make sure a backup indoor option is available.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Before booking, review a photographer’s raw images to see their true skill beyond post-production edits. Weddings are about capturing the joy and togetherness of family, so choose a team that can craft a compelling photographic narrative with every click.
Beyjeem is a studio celebrated for its seamless blend of creativity and professionalism. Their structured, polite, and detail-oriented approach ensures the entire process is smooth and comfortable.
MAKEUP:
Makeup should enhance, not mask you. Everyone’s beauty is unique, and your style should reflect who you truly are and make you feel comfortable. Whether it’s gold shimmer or a no-makeup look — own it. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends like hair extensions or false lashes, especially since natural lashes aren’t permissible in many religions, and synthetic ones can interfere with Wudhu, potentially affecting the validity of Salat.
Hifsa Khan Salon (HKS) comes highly recommended. Their team guides clients patiently, listens attentively, and personalizes every look.
Why HKS stands out:
- They offer trials and consultations before the event (so no major experiments on the main day).
- They have multiple branches for convenience — choose one that’s closest to you.
- They provide lockers for jewelry with personal keys for your peace of mind.
- They allow brides to return for touch-ups — particularly helpful after outdoor shoots in Lahore’s sunny weather.
- They assign helpers during the process to ease stress.
- They maintain a relaxing ambiance with an all-women team.
- They offer in-house photoshoot spaces with classic backdrops.
The magic of a wedding lies not in the sparkle, but in the joy of loved ones sharing your moment. A successful celebration is one where smiles, laughter, and heartfelt prayers surround you, adding true meaning to your story.
