Honestly, mehndi nights and jaggo nights are two of our favourite events to dress for. Me and Harmol always say the same thing, this is the one where you actually get to have fun with colour. It is a pre-wedding celebration and the whole vibe is vibrant, joyful and a little bit wild. You are going to be dancing all night, sitting on the floor, laughing with everyone you love and your outfit needs to be able to keep up with all of that.
At Pahri, we are big believers in comfy but beautiful. There is absolutely no reason you should be pulling at your blouse all night or kicking off your shoes after an hour because your outfit is not made for movement. A well made outfit that fits your body properly means you can fully enjoy the night without thinking about how you look because you already know you look great.
So here is everything we think you need to know about dressing for a mehndi night in the UK, from the outfit styles that work best to the colours and necklines that suit different body shapes. And yes, we are going to talk about fit too because that is the thing nobody else is telling you.
What makes a mehndi night different from the wedding day?
A mehndi or jaggo night is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride, usually held a day or two before the wedding itself. It is where the bride gets her mehndi done, everyone gathers together and honestly it is one of the most fun nights of the whole wedding week. The atmosphere is warm, loud and full of dancing.
Because it is more relaxed than the wedding ceremony, you have a lot more freedom with your outfit. You do not need to go anywhere near bridal territory but you also do not want to turn up underdressed. Think bright colours, lighter fabrics and outfits you can genuinely move in. You will be on the dancefloor, sitting cross-legged on the floor, hugging people meaning your outfit needs to work with you, not against you.
The best outfit styles for a Mehndi night
Not every Indian outfit works for a mehndi night. Here are the ones that do, and why.
Sharara
This is honestly one of our top picks for mehndi nights. A sharara is comfortable, easy to move in, and looks stunning. The wide leg silhouette means it photographs beautifully and you are not fighting with layers of fabric all night. Our new hot pink sharara with pearl detailing was made exactly with mehndi and jaggo nights in mind.
Shop shararahs at Pahri Designs >
Lehenga
A lehenga is always a safe bet for a mehndi night. Go for lighter fabrics like georgette or chiffon rather than heavy embroidery and you want something that moves when you dance. A shorter lehenga skirt and a flowy skirt is the perfect combination.
Shop lehengas at Pahri Designs >
Suit
A well fitted suit can look absolutely gorgeous for a mehndi night, especially if you go for a bright colour or interesting detail. The key word there is well fitted. A suit that is baggy or has sleeves that are too long just does not look intentional but a suit that fits your body properly looks incredible.
Colours that work for a mehndi night
Mehndi nights call for colour. This is not the event for muted tones, save those for the reception. Here is what works:
-
Yellow and mustard: traditional mehndi colours that look beautiful in photos
-
Hot pink and fuchsia: bold and vibrant, perfect if you want to stand out
-
Orange and coral: warm tones that photograph really well under mehndi night lighting
-
Mint and sage: if you want something a little softer but still feel festive
-
Lilac and lavender: a really beautiful choice if the bride is wearing yellow or green
Try to avoid very dark colours like navy or black as they tend to look a bit too formal for a mehndi night and they do not show up as well in photographs. Deep reds and maroons are better saved for the wedding ceremony itself.
Necklines: which ones actually suit your shape
This is something nobody really talks about openly but it makes such a difference to how an outfit looks on you. We spent years not knowing what neckline suited us and just picking whatever looked good on the hanger. Now we always make sure our clients find the right one for their shape.
Here is a quick guide:
-
Sweetheart neckline: really flattering if you are heavier busted. It gives shape and support without feeling too revealing.
-
V neck: elongates the torso and works beautifully on most body shapes. A deeper V is particularly good if you have a shorter neck.
-
Halter neck: great for broader shoulders as it draws the eye upward. Brilliant if you want to show off toned arms.
-
Square neck: works really well on narrower frames and adds structure. Can feel more modern and contemporary.
-
Wide round neck: looks elegant on most body shapes and is a really versatile choice if you are unsure.
At Pahri, every outfit is fully customisable. So if you fall in love with a design but want a different neckline, we can make that happen for you.
Accessories for a Mehndi night
Your accessories can make or break a mehndi look. Here is what we would suggest:
Jewellery
Mehndi nights call for something a bit more playful than the wedding day. Think colourful statement earrings, stacks of bangles, or a fun tikka. You do not need a full set, sometimes one bold piece is all you need. If your outfit has a lot going on, keep your jewellery simple. If your outfit is clean and minimal, this is your chance to go bold with accessories.
Like these earrings from @reyas.collection on instagram:
![]()
Bag
A potli bag is honestly the perfect mehndi night accessory. It is traditional, it photographs beautifully, and it is practical enough to carry your essentials. We make handmade potli bags to match your outfit if you want something completely coordinated.
Shop potli bags at Pahri Designs >
Or a cute crossbody mirror work potli bag like here at Toshi Jewells
Shoes
You will likely be sitting on the floor at some point and almost certainly dancing, so please do not wear heels you cannot walk in. Punjabi Juttis are perfect for mehndi nights and they are comfortable, traditional, and come in so many beautiful colours and embroidered designs. Block heels or wedges also work really well if you want a bit of height (like these from Primark!)
Why made to measure changes everything for a Mehndi outfit
We started Pahri because we both experienced this frustration ourselves. Sim used to go to Soho Road, Cape Hill, everywhere and still could not find something that actually worked for her body. She is heavier busted and nobody ever told her what necklines suited her. She would find something she loved, pay for it, and it would come back wrong. The sleeves, the waist, the neckline. All of it.
That is the whole reason Pahri exists. Made to measure does not just mean your measurements are taken. It means the entire outfit is designed around your body, your shape, and what actually flatters you. The neckline is chosen for you. The sleeves are the right length. The waist sits where it is supposed to sit. And because we make it for your body, you can actually dance all night without pulling at anything.
At Pahri, the styling is part of the service too. Every order comes with a complimentary styling session with me and Harmol. We go through what suits your body, what colours work for your skin tone, what accessories would complete your look and what we would genuinely recommend for your occasion. You do not have to figure it out alone.
How the Pahri process works
We know ordering a made to measure outfit can feel daunting if you have never done it before. Here is exactly how it works with Pahri:
-
Step 1: Book a free consultation call with us. We talk through your event, what you are looking for, and whether you want to customise something from our collection or start fresh.
-
Step 2: We send you a quote. No obligation until you are happy.
-
Step 3: Once you confirm and pay, we guide you through taking your measurements at home. We make this easy and accurate, no guessing.
-
Step 4: Your outfit is handmade in India using quality fabrics.
-
Step 5: We quality check everything before it is packaged and sent to you.
The whole process is done online, which means we work with clients all over the UK. You do not need to be anywhere near us to get a made to measure outfit that fits perfectly.
Ready to find your perfect Mehndi night outfit?
Whether you already know exactly what you want or you have no idea where to start, we are here to help. Book a free consultation call and we will work through everything together; the outfit, the styling, the accessories, all of it.
DM us on Instagram @pahridesigns or email us to book your free consultation. We would love to help you find something you absolutely love.
Shop the full Pahri collection >
