Live Life Team
A Pakistani wedding is a four day celebration. It is believed, in a traditional wedding, that the party is just as important as the ceremony. The first day starts with the respective families dressing in yellow to begin celebrating the wedding separately. The couple will not see each other from this point until the actual ceremony.
Mendi is celebrated on the second day, which includes the singing of traditional songs and plenty of dancing. The groom’s family takes the wedding gown to the bride’s family and then the groom’s wedding outfit is delivered by her parents. The bride’s home is decorated with strings of coloured lights to announce the marriage. The bride then receives the traditional henna staining on her feet and hands consisting of intricately drawn patterns and symbols. The henna stain takes all night to dry, so she is ceremoniously waited on by those around her.
The actual wedding ceremony takes place on the third day. The bride and groom traditionally wear red. The bride wears an elaborately embroidered and beaded gown, complete with veil and jewellery. The groom wears a traditional marriage turban. Vows are exchanged and then the priest holds the Koran over the bride’s head blessing her joining of the husband’s family. The marriage paperwork is signed and witnessed.
On the fourth day, the bride and groom invite guests to their first hosted dinner as husband and wife. The family of the groom hosts the event at their house, where traditional food and drink are served and music is played.
