Wedding traditions
Pakistani wedding traditions and how to plan them
A Pakistani wedding usually runs from the mangni engagement and dholki nights through the mayun and a lively mehndi to the baraat, when the groom’s family arrives, the nikah marriage contract and the rukhsati, the bride’s farewell. The walima, hosted by the groom’s family, is the celebration after the marriage.
A note on variation
Customs vary between Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Muhajir and other Pakistani communities, and between families. Many Indian Muslim and Bangladeshi weddings share the same structure. Your families and imam or officiant will decide what your wedding includes.
Which events come before the wedding?
- Mangni: the engagement, often with an exchange of rings and gifts.
- Dholki: evenings of singing wedding songs to the beat of a dholki drum, sometimes over several nights.
- Mayun: the bride, and sometimes the groom, is pampered with ubtan, a turmeric paste, and often wears yellow.
- Mehndi: a festive night of henna, dances and songs, often joint for both families, sometimes with friendly dance competitions between the sides.
What happens on the wedding day?
- Baraat: the groom arrives with his family and is welcomed by the bride’s family, often with garlands and rose petals. The bride’s sisters may block his way or hide his shoes and ask for money (joota chupai).
- Nikah: the marriage contract, with the consent of both partners, witnesses, the mahr and the signing of the nikah nama. It may be held separately, earlier the same day or before the baraat.
- Rukhsati: the bride’s farewell from her family, often with a Quran held above her head as she leaves.
What is the walima?
The walima is the reception hosted by the groom’s family after the nikah, usually a day or two after the baraat. It is often the largest dinner of the wedding and is a valued part of an Islamic marriage.
What should we plan with our vendors?
- A caterer who serves halal food and the dishes your families expect, for the mehndi, baraat and walima.
- A venue that suits your families’ wishes on alcohol, music and separate seating, if relevant.
- Your imam or officiant, and the state marriage licence; see our ceremony basics.
- A dhol and DJ for the mehndi, and a stage for the couple at the baraat and walima.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the baraat and the walima?
Is the nikah on the same day as the baraat?
What is a dholki?
Keep planning
Read the nikah basics, get mehndi night ideas, or browse all our planning guides.