Muslim weddings

A Nikah can take place at any convenient time, and ends with a contract signed before witnesses.

Before the wedding

1
Legan-Chir
Once the date is set, the groom's father sends a cash present to the bride's father.
2
Mehendi
A day before the wedding, the groom's father sends mehendi to colour the bride's hands and feet.

3
The procession
The groom, dressed like a sultan in a turban with a floral sehra, leads the procession to the bride's house.
4
The Qazi
The person who solemnises the wedding meets the groom, the bride's attorney and the witnesses, and the mehr is agreed.
5
Kabul
The groom repeats lines after the Qazi, ending with kabul, said three times.
6
Nikah-nama
The marriage contract is signed by the couple and the two witnesses.

7
Reception
The bride's parents host a big reception.
8
Dawat-e-walima
The groom's family holds a feast to welcome and honour the new bride.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Kashmiri weddings