Gold Thread and Crimson Silk

Most Pakistani weddings have at least three events: the mehndi (henna party), shaadi (the wedding day itself ) – both of which are paid for, and organised by, the bride’s family – and the valima (reception and banquet), paid for by the groom’s family.

Naseem Aunty sprang into action, controlling every single aspect of the valima right from the beginning. I wanted to wear something contemporary and I made some suggestions about designers I liked, but she pushed me to agree to go to Mrs Kazmi, a traditional designer, justifying it by saying that a more conventional piece would mean I could wear it ‘for ever’.