Anarkali suit for a wedding: how to choose one as a guest

Length and flare

Floor length looks the most formal, but it catches on steps and on the edge of a stage, so measure it in the shoes you will wear and leave a little gap. Ankle length is easier if you plan to dance at the mehndi or will be on your feet serving food.

More flare means more fabric and more weight. A very full skirt looks wonderful in photos but can feel heavy by the end of the night, especially in a warm hall. Anarkali flare in metres explains what the numbers mean, and yoke length helps you place the waist seam where it flatters you.

Colour and embroidery for each event

Each part of a wedding has its own feel, and the colour does most of the work. Families in the UK and the Gulf often keep their own traditions, so ask if you are unsure.

• Mehndi: warm, bright colours such as marigold, mustard, green or orange. Lighter work, because you will be sitting close to people and moving a lot. See mehndi guest outfit ideas.
• Nikah: softer colours and quieter embroidery. Check with the family before wearing white or ivory, and in many families red is kept for the couple. Our guide on wearing white to a nikah explains why.
• Walima or reception: deep jewel tones such as emerald, royal blue, bottle green or plum, with gold or silver work. This is the night to dress up. See walima guest outfit ideas.

Churidar, straight trousers and the dupatta

The classic pairing is churidar: narrow trousers cut longer than your leg so they gather softly at the ankle. They make the anarkali look long and slim underneath. If you find the gathers fussy, straight trousers look cleaner, and palazzos feel looser in summer. Our churidar page and how a churidar should fit cover the details.

A dupatta finishes the look. Draped over one shoulder it shows off the bodice; over both shoulders it feels more formal. If you wear a hijab, a lighter dupatta in the same colour family sits more easily over it than a heavy one.

Ordering an anarkali for a wedding

Start from one of our designs, or send a photo of the anarkali you have in mind; our custom frocks page explains how we make them. On the order form you can choose the length, full sleeves and churidar, and add a dupatta. For the measurements, the bust, the waist and the distance from your shoulder to just under the bust matter most, because that is where the waist seam sits.

Each anarkali takes 5 to 7 working days to make once your quote is approved and paid in full, then shipping. We cannot promise a delivery date, so tell us the wedding date when you ask for a quote and order as early as you can. If you would rather wear a dress, our wedding guest dresses are made the same way.