Earlier this month, when hijabi blogger Anha Shaikh shared snapshots from her wedding on Instagram, none of her 286K fans were prepared to watch her walk down the aisle in a white gown. The gown was fashionable but modest, and so, Shaikh says, convincing her family was easy. "Muslims wear white on Fridays for prayers and personally too, white is my thing because it represents purity. Even my new home is themed around the shade. I wanted my wedding gown to be light; it made me feel beautiful." The 22-year-old's blogging niche is "modest fashion" and she knew a lot of hijab girls would be looking up to her. Incidentally, actor Sana Khan who tied the knot with Gujarat-based religious scholar Mufti Anaas last week, also wore a white gown for a private reception.

Shaikh's hunt for the perfect wedding gown began during the lockdown and scouting for designers online was far from easy. Her search ended with Bhandup-based designer, Smitha Mascarenhas, who gave her a few options before Shaikh selected the final one. "Most Muslim brides prefer high neck and long sleeves. I always listen to the bride. It doesn't matter what faith she belongs to. She should feel special and comfortable on her big day," she adds. Mascarenhas' service Helens' Beautiful Brides provides gowns on rent and for purchase. The rentals start at R2,500 for photoshoots, including veil, gloves, tiara and petticoat.