Bridal jewelry guide: what to wear for mehndi, barat and walima

It's easy to plan the outfits months ahead and leave the jewelry until the last few weeks. It helps to think about each event on its own, because what works at a lively mehndi would feel out of place at the walima. Below you'll find ideas for each day, with pieces you can see and order right away.

Mehndi: light and colourful

The mehndi is the fun night. You'll be dancing, sitting for the rasm and hugging half the family, so keep it light and bright.

Chandbalis are a great choice because they swing as you move and don't pull on your ears for hours. Green and multi-coloured stones go well with yellow and green mehndi outfits. Add a small tikka and you can skip a heavy necklace.

Barat: the full set

This is the day for your most traditional look, and the one most photos will come from.

Start with the necklace. A collar sits close to the neck and frames your face, which is why it looks so good in pictures. The Ruby Collar suits a red barat outfit, and the Emerald Collar stands out against red or maroon. Then add jhumkas, a tikka for the hairline and kangans for the wrists.

Walima: soft and elegant

By the walima most brides want something softer: lighter colours, less weight, more room to breathe.

Pearls are a natural fit. If you'd rather keep the neck simple, let polki-style tops or studs do the work instead of big jhumkas.

A few things worth keeping in mind

• Match the necklace to the neckline. Collars and short necklaces look best with round or open necklines, longer malas with high necks.
• Don't let earrings and necklace compete. If one is big, keep the other quieter.
• Try everything with the outfit a week before. Earrings that feel fine for ten minutes can hurt after four hours.
• Choose for sisters and mothers at the same time, so their pieces match the bride without copying her.

When the wedding is over, wipe each piece with a soft cloth and store them separately. The care guide has the details.

Want to see everything in one place, or try pieces with your outfit? Our shop is on Ghalib Road in Gulberg, Lahore.