no it isnt a karachi wala thing.. its urdu speaking ppl thing (delhi walay,basically ppl from UP) .. and as for the retardedness of it. girls get to CHOOSE their clothes.. its the inlaws paying for it... the significance of the bridal dress has great importance in UP culture cuz its termed as the suhaag ka jora and it makes total sense to me that the guys side get it for her.. she will be under his nikah on the day of barat and HIS wife.. so he is responsible for her and pays for things related to her. even the girls bury that is prepared has everything from undergarments to hair clips. .. everything she could possible need to start off her first few days at her in laws.. rather than letting the girl get all her things herself..
like sahar said.. what ure describing is a punjabi thing..
Traditionally tho, girls do not get to choose their own clothes. The groom's side picks them for her. Of course these days, most brides give their input.