Pre-Wedding Festivities: The Build-Up to the Big Day

Dholki, Mayoun & Mehndi: The Ultimate Hype Nights

Before the main wedding events kick off, the celebrations begin with dholkis—small, informal musical gatherings where family and friends sing, dance, and drum on the dhol (a traditional drum). These events set the tone for the upcoming festivities and are often held at the bride and groom’s homes.

The mehndi night, however, is where things really start to glow. Traditionally a bride-centric event, mehndi night is all about henna, music, and vibrant outfits. The bride gets intricate mehndi (henna) designs applied to her hands and feet, which symbolize beauty, good luck, and joy. Meanwhile, the guests form coordinated dance teams (yes, really) and perform choreographed routines in what can only be described as a desi dance battle. Think Step Up: The Wedding Edition.

Dress Code: Bright yellows, greens, and oranges rule the mehndi scene, often with flower jewelry for the bride and lots of traditional outfits for guests.

The Wedding Events: The Big Days (Yes, Plural)

Nikkah: The Sacred Ceremony

At the heart of every Pakistani Muslim wedding is the nikkah, the religious marriage contract that officially unites the couple. This is the most sacred part of the wedding and is typically conducted in the presence of an imam (Islamic scholar), close family members, and witnesses.

During the nikkah, the groom offers a mehr (a mandatory gift, often money or jewelry) to the bride, and both partners verbally accept the marriage in front of witnesses. Once the nikkah is signed, the couple is officially married in the eyes of Islam, and everyone lets out a collective aww (or in some cases, starts planning their post-nikkah selfie game).

Dress Code: Brides often wear pastel shades or whites with light embellishments. The vibe is elegant, timeless, and deeply sentimental.

Baraat: The Groom’s Grand Entrance

If you think the groom is just a passive participant in this affair, think again. The baraat is his time to shine. This is the over-the-top entrance of the groom and his entourage, often arriving in style—think horses, classic cars, or even on a floral-clad rickshaw (we love a dramatic king).

As he arrives at the venue, the bride’s family awaits with teasing, negotiating, and (occasionally) a mini dance-off. The groom may have to “pay” his way inside in a fun ritual where the bride’s cousins and sisters block the entrance until he shells out some serious cash. It’s a lighthearted tradition, but also a fun way for families to bond.

Dress Code: The bride typically wears a red lehenga or sharara with heavy gold embroidery, while the groom rocks a regal sherwani and turban.

Rukhsati: The Emotional Send-Off

Once the vows are made, the food is devoured, and the photographers have captured every angle, the bride’s family prepares for the rukhsati—one of the most emotional moments of the wedding. This is when the bride leaves her parents’ home to begin her new life with her husband. There are tears, there are long hugs, and sometimes, there are sunglasses to hide all the weepy eyes. It’s a bittersweet tradition that marks a significant transition, and no matter how independent the bride is, this moment will have her reaching for tissues (and possibly rethinking waterproof mascara choices).

Post-Wedding Traditions: Because It’s Not Over Yet

Walima: The Grand Reception

The wedding festivities don’t just end when the bride leaves. The walima is the groom’s family’s official reception—a lavish dinner party that welcomes the bride into her new family. It’s all about elegance, sophistication, and the final hurrah before real married life kicks in.

Expect stunning décor, fine dining, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to the baraat. The bride typically opts for lighter pastels or modern gowns, while the groom (finally) gets to switch up his look too.

Dress Code: Think luxe, chic, and glamorous—pastels and Western-style gowns for the bride, formal suits or sherwanis for the groom.

Final Thoughts: A Wedding Like No Other

Pakistani Muslim weddings are nothing short of spectacular. They blend faith, tradition, and celebration into a multi-day extravaganza that brings families together in a way few other events can. Whether it’s the heartwarming rituals, the dazzling outfits, or the dance-filled mehndis, every moment is designed to create memories that last a lifetime.

So if you ever get invited to one, do yourself a favor: say yes, dress up, and get ready for the time of your life. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find an aunty scheming your rishta next.

xoxo,

Laali Ladki