Weddings plays an important role in the social structure of Pakistan. Marriage is not a union of two people but is a celebration that the whole community enjoys. Each ceremony is filed with many customs that have been handed down through the generations. There are events that happen before the weddings, during the major wedding, and after the wedding. Pakistani weddings is very engaging celebration that shows the country’s religious and regional diversity.

The Main Celebrations

Pre Wedding:

• Mendi is a pre-wedding ceremony that is common in Pakistan and other South Asian nations. It is a joyful celebration done separately for the bride and groom one or two days before to the wedding. Henna patterns are painted on the hands and feet of the bride and other female family members there. Henna is a paste derived from the henna plant’s leaves, which is used to create beautiful design consisting floral and paisley motifs. It is not common for the groom to have Mendi. The ceremony includes food, dancing, and music which is usually held at the groom’s or bride’s house.
• Dolki is traditional musical instrument known as a “Dolki” which is played in Pakistan during pre-wedding and other  events. The Dolki itself is a wooden drum with animal skin coverings on both ends. In the days closer to the wedding days, a musical event occurs. This is where females are singing and dancing to traditional songs, while playing the Dolki drum. The Dolki ceremony is frequently a female-only affair and is typically held separately for the bride and groom.

During Wedding:

• Nikah is where the bride and groom have entered into an Islamic marriage contract. It is a written contract that specifies the conditions of the marriage, including the responsibilities of each party. A religious leader, such as an Imam or a Qazi, usually conducts the Nikkah ceremony in front of everyone.  Typically, these agreements cover the amount of the mahr (money) and other gifts. According to Islam, Nikkah was is considered a essential part of life.
• Shadi is this is considered the main wedding event for the bride and groom to wear traditional clothing. A sherwani worn is worn by the men which is a long coat worn over a kurta. A beautiful dress worn by women consist of many designs, jewelry’s, and Mendi. Family and friends where clothing depend on which side they from either groom or bride. This is a fun wedding which consist of lots of food, dancing, and music.
• Ruksati is considered the emotional farewell ceremony, where the bride says goodbye to her family and leaves with her husband to start their married life together. In Pakistan, most girls live with the groom’s husband causing the bride to leave her family behind.

Post Wedding

• Walima is a customary wedding celebration in Pakistan that is usually hosted by the groom’s family after the wedding ceremony. The married couples get to celebrate their marriage experiences with loved ones, family, and friends. The bride and groom typically receive guests who bring gifts and express their congratulations during the Walima. A dinner or buffet-style meal is held at a banquet hall consisting of  multiple music and dances.