6:00 pm
Desi party (Wear a shalwar kameez, sari, lengha etc..) -Wear linen pants, short-sleeved button downs, sun dresses, maxi dresses, and sandals.
In Pakistani culture, Dholkis hold deep traditional significance. The term "Dholki" refers to both the drum and the music and dance that accompanies it. The dholki is a small, hand-held drum that produces a rhythmic, upbeat sound. The dholki has a symbolic role in bringing people together through music and dance, emphasizing the sense of community and collective joy during wedding celebrations. Traditionally, the bride’s family gathers to sing dholki songs, which are playful, teasing, and celebratory. These songs often tell stories about love, marriage, and family, with lyrics that sometimes humorously comment on the bride or groom, or tease the newlyweds about their future together. The rhythm of the dholki drum is infectious, and it encourages everyone to participate in the celebratory dances, creating an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and unity. The sound of the drum is symbolic of the festive mood, driving away any negativity and inviting positive energy into the wedding celebrations
5:00 pm
Desi Garden Attire: Lots of colors! Wear sundresses, floral prints.
In traditional Pakistani culture, a Mayun is a significant pre-wedding ceremony, primarily held in the bride’s home, that symbolizes the beginning of the wedding celebrations. The word Mayun means "yellow," and the color holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing purity, happiness, and prosperity. During this ritual, the bride-to-be is adorned with a special yellow outfit, and her skin is often lathered with turmeric paste (ubtan), a traditional beauty treatment that is believed to bring a natural glow to the bride and ward off any bad luck before the wedding. The Mayun ceremony is not just about beauty rituals; it also marks the emotional and spiritual preparation for the bride’s new journey into marriage. The atmosphere is filled with joy, as the bride is pampered by her close family and friends. Songs and dances, known as dholki or mayun songs, are an integral part of the event, and there is often laughter, celebration, and a sense of unity among the gathering.
2:00 pm
Formal Desi (shalwar kameez, sari, lengths etc..) - Suits and dresses.
The Nikkah is one of the most sacred and significant rituals in Pakistani weddings, holding profound cultural and religious importance. In Islamic tradition, the Nikkah refers to the formal marriage contract between a man and a woman, and it is the central legal and spiritual act that signifies their union. The term Nikkah itself means "marriage" in Arabic. It is the moment when the marriage is recognized in the eyes of God, family, and society. The marriage contract (Nikah Nama) is signed by both the bride and groom in the presence of witnesses, formalizing their commitment to each other. While the Nikkah is a contract, it also holds great emotional and social significance. It is a moment of joy, not just for the couple but for their families as well. The exchange of vows during the Nikkah reinforces the values of respect, trust, and mutual understanding that are essential in a marriage. After the ceremony, the couple is considered legally married.
6:00 pm
Desi/Cocktail Attire: Desi (shalwar kameez, sari, lengths etc..) or cocktail dresses. We love color!
The Mehndi ceremony is one of the most joyous and vibrant pre-wedding traditions in Pakistani culture, celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. The central feature of the Mehndi ceremony is the application of mehndi (henna) on the bride, symbolizing blessings, love, and the promise of a happy married life. The Mehndi is not just about applying henna; it is a celebration of family and community. Close relatives, particularly women, gather to enjoy the festivities, wearing colorful traditional outfits, with the bride often dressed in bright yellow or green. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness. Culturally, the Mehndi ceremony also holds spiritual significance. It also serves as a bonding experience between the bride and her extended family, with the ritual of applying henna symbolizing the start of a new chapter in the bride's life. Overall, the Mehndi ceremony is a celebration of love, unity, and the anticipation of the wedding day ahead.
6:00 pm
Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.
8:00 pm
Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.