Pakistani wedding glossary

The wedding-day procession of the groom's family arriving at the venue, traditionally with music and dancing, where the nikkah (marriage contract) is signed.

A traditional double-headed drum used at Pakistani weddings — particularly to accompany the baraat procession and dholki gatherings.

An informal pre-wedding gathering of women — usually the bride's family and friends — for traditional drum-led songs and dance, held in the weeks before the wedding.

A playful Pakistani wedding tradition where the bride's sisters and friends hide the groom's shoes after he removes them at the venue, then negotiate a cash ransom for their return.

A pre-wedding seclusion ritual where the bride is bathed in turmeric paste and stays at home (without leaving) until the wedding, traditionally to brighten her skin.

A pre-wedding celebration in Pakistani weddings where henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, accompanied by music, dance, and family gatherings.

A professional henna designer who applies intricate mehndi designs on the bride's hands and feet on the night of the mehndi function.

The Islamic marriage contract — the religious and legal core of the wedding, signed by the bride, groom, and two witnesses with mahr (dower) agreed upon.

The emotional farewell of the bride from her family's home at the end of the baraat, when she formally departs with the groom's family.

A traditional decorative veil of flowers or beads worn by the groom on the wedding day, hung over the face during the entry to the baraat.

An alternative spelling of walima — the post-wedding reception hosted by the groom's family.

A reception hosted by the groom's family the day after the baraat, formally welcoming the bride into the family.