Muslim Wedding Details – What you need to know

What happens at a Muslim wedding?

A Muslim wedding typically consists of several rituals, including:

Nikah (marriage contract): A legal agreement between the bride and groom, typically performed by an imam or Islamic religious leader.
Mehndi (henna ceremony): A pre-wedding event in which intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
Manjha (turmeric ceremony): A pre-wedding ritual in which a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, and other ingredients is applied to the bride to enhance her beauty and ward off evil spirits.
Sangeet (musical night): A pre-wedding celebration where the bride and groom’s families come together for a night of music, dance, and feasting.
Barat (wedding procession): A procession in which the groom, accompanied by family and friends, travels to the bride’s home to collect her and bring her to the wedding venue.
Walima (reception): A post-wedding reception in which the newlyweds and their families come together to celebrate the union.

These rituals may vary depending on regional, cultural, and personal preferences, but the central focus is always the union of the bride and groom in marriage.

What food is served at an Islamic wedding?

The food served at a Muslim wedding can vary depending on regional and cultural influences, but some common dishes include:

Biryani: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with spices, meat, and vegetables.
Kebabs: Grilled or roasted meat, usually chicken or lamb, marinated in spices and served with various accompaniments.
Haleem: A slow-cooked stew made from wheat, barley, meat (usually beef or mutton), and a mixture of spices.
Qeema: Minced meat cooked with spices and served as a main dish or as a filling for dishes like samosas or parathas.
Sweets: A variety of sweet desserts, such as Gulab Jamun, Rasgulla, Kulfi, and Phirni, are often served to celebrate the joyous occasion.

In addition to these dishes, there may also be a spread of salads, breads, and other traditional side dishes. The spread is often abundant and served in a communal manner, reflecting the importance of hospitality and sharing in Muslim culture.

What music is played at a Muslim wedding

The music played at a Muslim wedding can vary depending on regional and cultural influences, but some common musical styles include:

Qawwali: A devotional music genre originating from the Indian subcontinent that is often performed at weddings and other special events.
Bollywood songs: Popular film songs from the Indian film industry, which often feature upbeat, danceable rhythms and celebratory lyrics.
Folk music: Traditional regional folk songs that are often performed in regional languages and styles.
Classical music: Instrumental or vocal classical music, such as ragas or ghazals, performed by professional musicians.

In some conservative communities, musical performances may be limited or avoided altogether due to religious restrictions on musical entertainment. However, in more liberal communities, musical performances can be a major part of the wedding celebration, with guests dancing and singing along. Regardless of the type of music played, the goal is to create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere that reflects the happy occasion of the wedding.

What to gift at a Muslim wedding ceremony

The gift given at a Muslim wedding can vary depending on personal and cultural preferences, but some common options include:

Cash: A monetary gift, either given directly to the couple or placed in a designated envelope, is a common and practical gift choice.
Household items: Practical gifts such as kitchen appliances, linens, or home decor items are appreciated by the couple as they start their new life together.
Jewelry: A piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet, can be a sentimental and timeless gift for the bride.
Dates and sweets: Dates and sweets are symbolic gifts in Muslim culture and are often given to symbolize happiness, fertility, and prosperity.
Islamic art: A piece of Islamic calligraphy or art can be a meaningful gift that reflects the couple’s shared cultural and religious heritage.

When choosing a gift, it is important to consider the couple’s personal preferences and needs. It is also customary to include a card with personal well wishes for the couple’s future together.

What to wear at a Nikkah wedding

The dress code for a Nikkah ceremony can vary depending on regional and cultural customs, but some general guidelines include:

For Men: Traditional attire, such as a suit and tie, or traditional regional dress, such as a Kurta Pajama or a Thobe, are both appropriate. Dark, neutral colors like black, navy, or brown are common, but brighter colors may also be worn.
For Women: Modest and elegant attire, such as a traditional salwar kameez or a long dress, is appropriate for a Muslim wedding. Bright colors, intricate embroidery, and eye-catching jewelry are all common choices for women. However, it’s important to dress modestly, covering the arms and legs, and avoiding overly revealing clothing.

In general, it’s best to err on the side of conservative and modest dressing for an Islamic wedding, as religious and cultural customs may place importance on modesty and avoiding attention-seeking attire. It’s also a good idea to take cues from the dress code of the wedding invitation or the customs of the bride and groom’s families.

What is a Walima?

Walima is a post-wedding celebration in Islamic culture, which is typically held on the third day after the wedding ceremony. The word “Walima” is derived from the Arabic word “Walam” which means “to gather” or “to feast”.

The Walima is an important celebration in Muslim culture, as it is a way to publicly announce the marriage and to thank friends, family, and community members for their support and well wishes. The celebration often takes the form of a communal feast, where guests are served a variety of delicious dishes, sweets, and refreshments.

In addition to the food, there may also be music, dance, and other forms of entertainment. The Walima is an occasion for joy and celebration, as the couple starts their new life together and the community comes together to support them. The Walima serves as an important symbol of the couple’s new status as husband and wife, and of the strong bonds of community and family in Muslim culture.

Muslim wedding reception

A Muslim wedding reception is a celebration following the wedding ceremony, where the newly married couple and their guests come together to celebrate and feast. The reception is an opportunity for the couple to show gratitude to their friends, family, and community for their support and well wishes.

The reception typically takes the form of a communal feast, where guests are served a variety of delicious dishes, sweets, and refreshments. In addition to food, there may also be music, dance, and other forms of entertainment, such as speeches and toasts from the bride and groom, family members, and friends.

The Muslim wedding reception is an occasion for joy and celebration, reflecting the couple’s new status as husband and wife and the strong bonds of community and family in Muslim culture. The celebration is often a grand and elaborate affair, with guests dressed in their finest attire and the reception venue decorated with flowers, lights, and other decorations.

In general, the Muslim wedding reception is an important celebration that marks the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life, and celebrates their love and commitment to each other.

Muslim wedding invitation

A Muslim wedding card is an invitation to a Muslim wedding ceremony, which is typically sent out to friends, family, and community members by the bride and groom or their families. The Islamic invitation card is an important aspect of the wedding planning process, as it is the first formal announcement of the wedding and sets the tone for the celebration to come.

Muslim wedding invitation card typically include the following information:

Names of the bride and groom: The invitation should include the full names of the bride and groom, as well as their parents’ names, if applicable.
Date and time of the wedding ceremony: The date and time of the wedding ceremony should be clearly stated on the invitation.
Location of the wedding ceremony: The address of the wedding ceremony venue should be included, along with any relevant directions or parking information.
Dress code: The invitation should include any specific dress code requirements for guests, such as traditional attire or modest dress.
RSVP information: The invitation should include a way for guests to RSVP, such as a phone number or email address, along with the deadline for responses.

The design and style of the Islamic wedding invitation card can vary widely, depending on the personal preferences of the bride and groom and their families. Some couples opt for traditional, elegant designs, while others choose more modern, contemporary styles. Regardless of the design, the invitation should reflect the tone and style of the wedding celebration to come.

Muslim Wedding Cards | Nikah and Islamic Wedding Invitations

Muslim wedding welcome sign

A Muslim wedding welcome sign is a sign or poster displayed at the entrance of the wedding ceremony venue, greeting guests and directing them to the ceremony location. The welcome sign is an important part of the wedding décor, as it sets the tone for the celebration and helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.

An Islamic wedding welcome sign typically includes the following information:

Names of the bride and groom: The sign should include the full names of the bride and groom, as well as any special nicknames or pet names.
Date and time of the wedding ceremony: The date and time of the wedding ceremony should be clearly stated on the sign, along with any other relevant information, such as the venue address or parking instructions.
Welcome message: A warm and welcoming message, such as “Welcome to the Wedding of [bride and groom’s names]” is typically displayed on the sign.

The design and style of the Muslim wedding welcome sign can vary widely, depending on the personal preferences of the bride and groom and their families. Some couples opt for traditional, elegant designs, while others choose more modern, contemporary styles. Regardless of the design, the welcome sign should reflect the tone and style of the wedding celebration to come, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Muslim wedding décor

Muslim wedding décor refers to the various decorative elements and embellishments used to enhance the look and feel of a Muslim wedding ceremony and reception. The goal of the décor is to create a beautiful, memorable, and meaningful experience for the bride, groom, and their guests.

Common elements of Muslim wedding décor include:

Flowers: Flowers are often used to decorate the wedding ceremony venue, including bouquets, centrepieces, and flower arrangements.
Lights: String lights, lanterns, and other forms of lighting can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the wedding ceremony and reception.
Drapes and fabrics: Drapes and fabrics can be used to enhance the look of the wedding ceremony venue, and can be used to create a backdrop for the bride and groom, or to adorn the walls and ceilings.
Table settings: Table settings, such as tablecloths, napkins, and centrepieces, can be used to enhance the look of the reception venue and add to the overall ambiance.
Personal touches: Personal touches, such as photographs, special mementos, or meaningful quotes, can be added to the wedding décor to add a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration.

The style and design of Muslim wedding décor can vary widely, depending on the personal preferences of the bride and groom and their families, as well as the theme of the wedding. However, regardless of the style or design, the goal of the décor is always to create a beautiful, memorable, and meaningful experience for the bride, groom, and their guests.

Muslim wedding invitation symbols

For Islamic wedding invitations, certain symbols and motifs can be used to add cultural and religious significance to the invitation. Some common symbols and motifs include:

The star and crescent: The star and crescent is a well-known symbol of Islam and is often used in Muslim wedding invitations to symbolize the couple’s faith.
Arabic calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is an important art form in Muslim cultures, and can be used in wedding invitations to incorporate beautiful, ornate script into the design.
Floral motifs: Floral motifs are a common symbol of beauty and new beginnings, and can be used in wedding invitations to add a touch of elegance and femininity to the design.
Geometric patterns: Geometric patterns are often used in Muslim wedding invitations to incorporate the symmetry and balance of Islamic design into the invitation.
Henna designs: Henna is a popular form of body art in many Muslim cultures, and henna designs can be incorporated into wedding invitations to symbolize the beauty and joy of the wedding celebration.

These symbols and motifs can be used alone or in combination with other design elements, such as illustrations or photographs, to create a beautiful, meaningful, and personalized Muslim wedding invitation. The use of these symbols and motifs can help to make the invitation more meaningful and special for the bride, groom, and their families, and can help to set the tone for the wedding celebration to come.

At CardFusion, we have a range of symbols available to use for your Islamic wedding cards:

Muslim Wedding Symbols

Muslim wedding religious quotes

Religious quotes can play an important role in Muslim weddings, adding a spiritual and meaningful touch to the celebration. Here are some popular quotes from the Qur’an and Hadith that are often included in Muslim wedding ceremonies and invitations:

“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts).” (Qur’an 30:21)
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Hadith)
“Marriage is half of the religion.” (Hadith)
“And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah’s favors?” (Qur’an 16:72)
“They are your garment and you are their garment.” (Hadith)

These quotes can be displayed on wedding invitations, signs at the wedding venue, or used in the wedding ceremony itself to add a religious and meaningful touch to the celebration. Additionally, many Muslim couples choose to include religious prayers, such as the nikah, as part of their wedding ceremony to further incorporate their faith into their union.

Muslim wedding card design

Muslim wedding invites are an important element of the wedding celebration, serving as a formal invitation to friends and family to attend the wedding ceremony and reception. The design of the wedding card can reflect the couple’s personal style, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs.

Here are some common design elements that are often incorporated into Muslim wedding cards:

Arabic calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is a traditional art form in many Muslim cultures, and is often used to add a cultural and religious touch to the wedding card design.
Floral motifs: Floral motifs can be used to add a touch of beauty and elegance to the wedding card design, symbolizing new beginnings and the joy of the wedding celebration.
The star and crescent: The star and crescent is a well-known symbol of Islam, and is often used in Muslim wedding cards to symbolize the couple’s faith and cultural heritage.
Personal photographs: Personal photographs of the bride and groom can be incorporated into the wedding card design, adding a personal touch and helping to set the tone for the wedding celebration.
Colour: Color can play an important role in the design of Muslim wedding cards, with bright, bold colors often used to symbolize joy and happiness, while more neutral colors can be used to create a more formal or traditional look.

These design elements can be combined in various ways to create a unique and personalized Muslim wedding card that reflects the couple’s personal style and cultural traditions. The design should also include all of the necessary information, such as the date and time of the wedding ceremony and reception, the names of the bride and groom, and the location of the celebration.

Walima invitation card

A Walima invitation card is a formal invitation to attend a Muslim wedding celebration, typically held after the main wedding ceremony and Nikah. The design of the Walima invitation card can reflect the couple’s personal style and cultural traditions, while also incorporating religious and cultural symbols.

Here are some common design elements that are often incorporated into Walima invitation cards:

Arabic calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is a traditional art form in many Muslim cultures and is often used to add a cultural and religious touch to the invitation card design.
Floral motifs: Floral motifs can be used to add a touch of beauty and elegance to the invitation card design, symbolizing the joy of the wedding celebration.
Color: Color can play an important role in the design of Walima invitation cards, with bright, bold colors often used to symbolize joy and happiness, while more neutral colors can be used to create a more formal or traditional look.
Personal photographs: Personal photographs of the bride and groom can be incorporated into the invitation card design, adding a personal touch and helping to set the tone for the celebration.
The star and crescent: The star and crescent is a well-known symbol of Islam, and is often used in Walima invitation cards to symbolize the couple’s faith and cultural heritage.

Islamic wedding venues (Halal wedding venues)

Muslim wedding venues can vary widely depending on the couple’s personal preferences, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. Here are some common types of venues for Muslim weddings:

Mosques: Mosques are a popular venue for Muslim weddings, as they provide a sacred and traditional setting for the wedding ceremony and reception.
Banquet Halls: Banquet halls are a versatile and practical option for Muslim weddings, offering plenty of space for guests, as well as all the necessary amenities and facilities.
Outdoor Venues: Outdoor venues such as parks, gardens, and beachside locations can provide a beautiful and natural setting for a Muslim wedding.
Hotels: Hotels are a popular choice for Muslim weddings, as they offer all-in-one convenience, with plenty of space for guests, as well as catering and accommodation options.
Cultural Centres: Cultural centres and community centres can be ideal venues for Muslim weddings, as they can provide a sense of community and cultural connection for the couple and their guests.

It’s important for the couple to ensure that the venue is appropriate for their religious beliefs and cultural traditions, and that it can accommodate their guests comfortably and provide all the necessary amenities and facilities.

Muslim wedding gifts

Muslim wedding favors are small gifts that are given to guests as a token of appreciation for attending the wedding celebration. Wedding favors are a traditional and meaningful part of Muslim weddings and can reflect the couple’s personal style and cultural traditions. Here are some common types of Muslim wedding favors:

Edible Treats: Edible treats such as sweets, chocolates, or dried fruits are a popular choice for Muslim wedding favors, as they are practical and enjoyable for guests to take home.
Tea or Spices: Packets of tea or spices can be a unique and meaningful wedding favor, reflecting the couple’s cultural heritage and love for traditional foods and flavors.
Decorative Candles: Decorative candles can be a beautiful and useful wedding favor, especially if they are scented or personalized with the couple’s names and wedding date.
Handmade Soaps: Handmade soaps, especially those made with natural ingredients and scented with essential oils, can be a practical and luxurious wedding favor that guests will appreciate.
Henna or Calligraphy Art: Henna or calligraphy art can be a meaningful and cultural wedding favor, especially if it features the couple’s names, wedding date, or Islamic quotes.

These are just a few examples of the types of Muslim wedding favors that couples can choose from. The important thing is for the couple to choose a favor that reflects their personal style and cultural traditions, and that will be appreciated and enjoyed by their guests.

Nikkah sign

A “Nikkah” sign is a sign or board used in a Muslim wedding ceremony to display the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding. The nikkah sign is often placed at the entrance of the wedding venue or near the area where the wedding ceremony will take place. The nikkah sign serves as a way to welcome guests to the wedding and to celebrate the union of the bride and groom.

The design of the nikkah sign can vary widely, depending on the couple’s personal style and cultural traditions. Some nikkah signs feature elegant calligraphy and intricate designs, while others are more simple and minimalist. The nikkah sign can also include religious quotes or symbols, such as the Arabic script for “Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah), or the symbols of the crescent moon and star.

The Nikkah sign is an important part of the Muslim wedding ceremony and serves as a symbol of the love and commitment between the bride and groom.

Nikkah venues

A “Nikkah” is the Islamic wedding ceremony in which the bride and groom exchange vows and become married. The Nikkah ceremony can take place at a variety of venues, depending on the couple’s personal preferences, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. Here are some common types of Nikkah venues:

Mosques: Mosques are a popular venue for Nikkah ceremonies, as they provide a sacred and traditional setting for the wedding. The mosque’s imam (religious leader) typically conducts the ceremony and witnesses the exchange of vows between the bride and groom.
Banquet Halls: Banquet halls are a versatile and practical option for Nikkah ceremonies, offering plenty of space for guests, as well as all the necessary amenities and facilities.
Outdoor Venues: Outdoor venues such as parks, gardens, and beachside locations can provide a beautiful and natural setting for a nikkah ceremony.
Hotels: Hotels are a popular choice for Nikkah ceremonies, as they offer all-in-one convenience, with plenty of space for guests, as well as catering and accommodation options.
Cultural Centres: Cultural centres and community centres can be ideal venues for Nikkah ceremonies, as they can provide a sense of community and cultural connection for the couple and their guests.

Regardless of the venue choice, it’s important for the couple to ensure that the venue is appropriate for their religious beliefs and cultural traditions, and that it can accommodate their guests comfortably and provide all the necessary amenities and facilities. The Nikah ceremony should also be performed by a knowledgeable and qualified imam or religious leader.

You can read more about Islamic wedding rituals here:

https://www.theknot.com/content/muslim-wedding-ceremony-rituals