When browsing through wedding dresses, it is important to not only look for something beautiful but something that is comfortable, appropriate, and provides the right amount of coverage. A popular choice for wedding guests in Dubai is the wedding abaya, available in a wide variety of embellished and simple styles. The abaya offers the perfect formal yet modest fit for any wedding. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing, such as the venue, season, time of the wedding, and personal style.
Tips for Choosing a Wedding Guest Abaya in Dubai
Why Wear an Abaya to a Wedding
An abaya can be a great choice for a wedding guest, as it is not only traditional but modern. There are many varieties of abayas to choose from with a wide range of fabrics, colours, cuts and embellishments.
A great abaya can provide:
Elegant coverage
Comfort
A smart formal fit
Versatility
The ability to easily accessorise
Modesty and style
It is important to ensure that the abaya is suitable for the occasion and not too casual or over-the-top.
Dress Code
Before shopping for an abaya guests should consider what type of wedding they will be attending.
A more formal evening event will require something more elegant and embellished whereas a daytime wedding will be more suited to a simple and easy design.
The wedding invitation should provide a good indication of the dress code. Terms such as formal, black tie, traditional, evening reception and so on can give you an idea of what to wear. If there is no indication of the dress code, consider the venue, season and time of the wedding along with the relationship you have with the bride and groom.
Choosing the Style of Abaya
There are a number of different abaya styles so it is important to choose a silhouette that suits a person's personal style and figure and also fits with the formality of the wedding.
Open Abaya
An open abaya can be worn over a co-ordinating or contrasting outfit. Open abayas tend to be more versatile as the wearer can easily change the outfit underneath without having to change the abaya.
For a wedding an open abaya with minimal detail or with subtle crystal work, embroidery or a statement sash is a great choice.
Closed Abaya
A closed abaya is more traditional and formal. Closed abayas are a great option if a more modest and simpler outfit is preferred.
Choose a closed abaya with quality fabric and minimal detailing for a more formal look.
Cape Abaya
Cape-style abayas are a great option for more formal weddings and can create a dramatic silhouette with minimal embellishment. They are also a good choice for evening events.
A flowy cape-style abaya with minimal detailing and simple accessories can create a smart formal look.
Layered Abaya
For a more dramatic look a layered abaya is a great choice. It can also be a fun way to incorporate two different styles.
They are especially good for more formal weddings and should be made from light flowing fabric.
Read More: Shop Online for the Best Abaya Styles in Dubai
Choosing a Colour for Your Abaya
Although black is the most popular colour for abayas there are a number of other great options that can suit a wedding in Dubai.
Depending on the season, venue and formality of the wedding the following neutral and rich colours can be great choices:
Champagne
Beige
Mocha
Navy
Burgundy
Emerald
Dusty rose
Silver
Pastel shades
If the bride has specified certain colours it is best to avoid those shades to ensure you are not wearing the same outfit.
Avoiding Similarity to the Bridal Party
Wedding guests are advised to look elegant but not upstage the bride.
If possible try to avoid similar colours or patterns that the bride may be wearing.
For example, if the bride is wearing a heavily embellished white or ivory wedding dress it is best to avoid similar colours and stick to black or neutral tones. It is also a good idea to avoid white or ivory abayas if she is wearing a heavily embroidered wedding dress.
This does not mean the abaya should be understated or boring, it just means that it should not appear bridal.
Choosing the Fabric of Your Abaya
Fabric can make a big difference to an abaya so it is important to choose something that is comfortable and suits the season.
Chiffon
Chiffon fabric is great for warmer weather as it is light and airy. It also creates a nice silhouette without being too heavy.
Crepe
A great fabric for more formal abayas is crepe. This fabric creates a nice drape and is great for structured abayas.
Satin
Satin has a nice sheen that can give the abaya a more luxurious look. Satin is also good for evening weddings.
Silk
Silk fabric has a soft luxurious look and feel, however silk requires more care.
Velvet
Velvet is rich and luxurious and is best suited for cooler evenings during the winter months.
It is best to avoid velvet abayas in hot weather as the fabric can be uncomfortable and heavy.
Hot Weather in Dubai
Hot weather should be taken into consideration when choosing an abaya for an outdoor wedding. It is best to avoid heavy fabrics and excessive layering and embellishments as this can make the abaya uncomfortable.
Air-conditioned venues tend to be much cooler, especially during the evening so it is important to consider whether the venue will be indoors or outdoors, particularly if the wedding is in the summer.
Embellishments
Embellishments can transform a simple abaya into a statement piece.
Common embellishments on abayas include; beading, embroidery, sequins, crystals, pearls, metallic thread, lace, and cuffs.
Too many embellishments can make an abaya look busy so it is important to choose a style that has the right amount to suit the occasion.
If the abaya has a lot of detailing on the sleeves and a co-ordinating belt it is best to opt for minimal accessories to keep the look elegant.
Choosing the Fit
It is important to choose an abaya that fits well so it is comfortable to wear without losing its shape.
Always go by measurements as sizing can vary greatly depending on the brand.
It is also important to consider the fit of the abaya in relation to the shoulder, sleeve length, overall length, how much freedom of movement there is in the arms, the width across the front of the abaya, and how much it layers over the waist.
If you will be wearing heels make sure the length of the abaya is appropriate to your height. If an abaya is too long it can hang awkwardly over shoes and make it uncomfortable to walk.
A tailor can also adjust the size of an abaya if needed.
Coordinating the Hijab
The hijab is a great accessory to the abaya and should be worn in a colour that co-ordinates well with the abaya.
It is also important to consider how the hijab will look with the overall design of the abaya. If the abaya is heavily embellished it is best to style it with a simple hijab to avoid looking busy and overwhelming the design of the abaya. If the abaya is more simple in design a patterned or decorated hijab can add some interest.
It is also important to consider the fabric of the hijab as it must fit comfortably around the head and stay in place.
Choosing the Right Shoes
Shoes should be chosen depending on the formality of the abaya.
For more formal abayas heels are a great option, block heels are also a good choice if a guest needs to stand or walk for long periods of time.
It is also important to consider the venue, if the venue will be outdoors it is best to avoid very delicate heels as they can potentially break.
Comfort is the most important factor as shoes can become sore over long periods of time and it is unlikely that a guest will be able to sit down for long periods at a wedding.
Accessorising
The right accessories can elevate an abaya to the next level.
Consider adding a clutch, pair of earrings, a bracelet, a necklace, a ring or a statement watch.
If the abaya has a lot of crystals or embellishments it may not need a lot of accessories.
As a general rule of thumb it is best to stick to one or two statement pieces rather than many smaller ones that can compete with each other.
Considering the Venue of the Wedding
The venue is a good indicator of what type of abaya will suit the wedding.
A luxury hotel ballroom is very different to an outdoor garden wedding so it is important to choose an abaya that fits with the venue. For example, a beach wedding will require different fabrics and colours to an evening reception at a luxury hotel.
Setting a Budget
There are a wide variety of abayas available from budget-friendly to designer pieces.
It is a good idea to set a budget before shopping so you know what to look for.
It is also important to remember that the price of an abaya does not always indicate the quality. There are many affordable abayas that look amazing.
It is also essential to keep in mind what else you will need to purchase and the overall look you are trying to achieve. For example, a simple abaya with minimal detailing will generally require less accessories than an abaya with lots of intricate detailing. A hijab, shoes, clutch and jewellery are also important considerations as these may not be included in the abaya budget.
Ready-to-Wear or Custom Abaya?
Both ready-to-wear and custom abayas have their pros and cons so it is important to do some research and look at what is available.
Ready to Wear
Ready to wear abayas are usually more affordable and available straight away.
They are also a good option for people that have less time as they can shop and purchase their abaya sooner. It is also a good way to see what styles are available.
Custom Made
With a custom abaya the customer has more options in terms of fabric, colour, embellishments, length and style. This is a great option if someone has an idea of what they want their abaya to look like but it does require more time so it should not be left until the last minute.
Things to Avoid When Shopping for an Abaya
Uncomfortable Fabrics
No matter how beautiful an abaya is, it will not look good if the wearer is uncomfortable throughout the whole night. It is important to consider the season, venue and time of the wedding.
Too Many Details
A busy abaya can look cluttered and busy so it is best to avoid very detailed abayas.
Not Following the Wedding Dress Code
Whilst it is important to look your best at a wedding it is also important to follow the wedding dress code.
Last Minute Shopping
It is important not to leave shopping until the last minute.
Not Enough Movement
Ensure the abaya allows the wearer to move comfortably.
Where to Shop for Abayas in Dubai
There are a number of stores in Dubai that offer a wide range of abayas. When shopping it is important to consider:
Sizing
Fabric types
Photos
Product review
Customer service
Customisation options
Delivery time
If shopping online, it is important to order early so there is enough time to return or exchange an abaya if it does not fit right.
How to Style a Simple Abaya for a Wedding
Styling a simple abaya for a wedding is easy, minimal accessories can make a big difference. A black or neutral coloured abaya can be dressed up with the right shoes, clutch, jewellery and hijab. This is a great option for those who want to reuse their abaya for other formal events.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for a wedding abaya in Dubai it is important to consider the dress code, venue, season and time of the wedding. Choosing the right fabric, colour, silhouette and amount of embellishment will help put together a stunning yet comfortable abaya that will keep the wearer cool but still elegant.
Whether you choose a simple yet elegant abaya or a more detailed abaya the most important thing is to ensure the abaya is comfortable and the wearer looks and feels good throughout the night.
FAQs
1. What colour abaya is best for a wedding guest?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for an abaya colour, it ultimately depends on the wedding, however black, navy, champagne, burgundy, emerald, beige and other neutral and rich colours can suit a wedding dress code and time of the wedding.
2. Can I wear a black abaya to a wedding?
Yes. Black is a great neutral colour that can be dressed up for a wedding by adding beautiful embroidery, accessories, jewellery or a clutch to create a more formal look.
3. What fabric is best for a wedding abaya in Dubai?
Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and crepe can be ideal for warm weather in Dubai. Satin and other richer fabrics may be more suited for an evening indoor reception.
4. Should a wedding guest abaya be heavily embellished?
It is best to avoid heavy embellishment on an abaya for a wedding guest as this can appear too much. A small amount of detail or embroidery can help to elevate the abaya to a more formal look.
5. How should I choose the right abaya size?
It is important to check the size chart of the abaya of your choice rather than going by your own size measurements, this will ensure a better fit. Always check the length, shoulder measurements and sleeves. Another important consideration is how much freedom of movement there is in the arms, how wide the abaya is across the front and how much it layers over the waist.
If you will be wearing heels it is important to check that the length of the abaya looks good with your shoes.
6. Can I wear a coloured abaya to a Dubai wedding?
Yes. A coloured abaya can be a great option for a wedding in Dubai. Choose a colour that suits the venue, season, wedding dress code and your accessories.
7. What should I wear with a wedding abaya?
A co-ordinating hijab, elegant shoes, clutch and jewellery can all help to elevate a wedding abaya. If the abaya is heavily embellished it is best to avoid too many accessories.
8. How early should I buy an abaya for a wedding?
It is recommended to purchase an abaya at least a few weeks in advance. This will ensure there is time for alterations, a possible return or exchange if the abaya runs small or large and to accessorise the abaya to create a more formal look.
9. Can I wear the same abaya to different weddings?
Yes. A neutral or black abaya can be worn to different weddings. The abaya can also be accessorised differently for each wedding to ensure there is no repeat.
10. What should I consider when buying an abaya online?
It is important to check the measurements of an abaya before purchasing, to ensure it is suitable for the body type. Checking fabric options, photos, customer reviews, return policy and delivery time is a good idea when buying an abaya online. It is also a good idea to order early so there is enough time to make any alterations if needed.
