How to buy: bridal outfits

The Express Tribune talks to designer Shehla Chatoor about buying wedding ensembles

What are the five key things to look for when buying a bridal outfit?

Style: The outfit should be suitable for the bride to carry. For instance, if the bride is petite, she should not be immersed in a heavy outfit. Neither should the bride resemble a Christmas tree.

Colour: Whether the bride is looking for an eastern palette, like reds, hot pinks, magentas and oranges or more subdued tones like champagne gold, ivory or tea pink.

Jewellery: Most brides have heirloom jewels which they want to match with the outfit.

Affordability

Wearability: For instance long bridal shirts can later be utilised with chooridars and aezars.

These five things should be kept in mind for the bride to look good and not just the outfit

What is the worst bridal trend you have ever come across?

The mermaid or the fishtail lehenga, brides should look “regal” and not “garish”.

What is the best bridal trend you think should stay?

Long bridal kameezes should definitely stay as they can be utilised later.

Bollywood inspiration for bridal wear – tacky or terrific?

Definitely tacky as Pakistani bridals are way classier.

How can one reuse their wedding outfits later?

I strongly recommend to my brides to invest in an outfit which can later be worn again. For example a heavy aezar can later be used with plain kameezes and long shirts with pants. Dupattas can later be stitched into shirts.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2010.