Mehndi/ Rasm e Henna

Mehndi, or the Rasm e henna ceremony, typically takes place one or two days prior to the main wedding day. The event is traditionally held separately for the bride and the groom, and henna is symbolically placed on the couple's hands. The groom's friends and family brings along them sweets and henna for the groom, and the bride's family does the same for the groom. On the bride's ceremony the groom normally does not participate and similarly, on the groom's event the bride stays at home.

Nonetheless, the ceremony may also be held simultaneously for both the groom and the bride.

The bride normally wears a yellow dress for mehndi and uses only light, or no, make up. The groom will typically wear a causal shalwar kameez and it is customary for him to have been unshaven for a couple of days. The bride or the groom are brought forward in the ceremony under a decorative dupatta by their close relatives.

Shaadi

The main day of the wedding is called Shaadi which is the Bride's reception. The event therefore takes place at the bride's house, where large wedding tents may be set up in the garden or a nearby place. It has also become very common to hold the event in a marriage hall or hotel. In any case the bride's family is responsible for the reception and arrangements on this day.

Nikah/Islamic Marriage Contract ceremony

The nikah is the Islamic marriage contract ceremony. It either takes place at the Shaadi itself or on a separate day at the bride's house. It is performed by an imam which formally indicates signing of the marriage contract. The bride and groom must both have three witnesses present to ensure that the marriage is consensual.

Walima

This is the final day of the wedding held by the groom's family at their place, or at a marriage hall. The walima mainly consist of a feast dinner. The bride wears a heavily decorated dress with gold jewellery provided by the the groom's family.