FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We are quite behind on getting this website up and invites out. Managing two busy careers, our lives, and putting together a multi-day traditional South Asian wedding has been challenging. However, these challenges have allowed us to grow our love, patience and support for one another. We ask of you grace, forgiveness, and patience for us reaching out in the time and manner we have. With that, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you can make it with the cut off of August 31, 2023. Thank you so much!

Question

There are so many events! What are they?

Answer

South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) weddings blend so many cultures, traditions, customs, and religious influences that it can be overwhelming! However, just like the food it is packed full of flavor with faith, love, symbolism, great food, tons of dancing, and lots of fun! Here is a short summary of the events. There is a detailed explanation of the events at the bottom of the FAQs. - Nikah = religious ceremony following the Islamic tradition. - Walima = reception following the Nikah - Mehndi = night of dances, performances, and application of Henna - Shaadi/Wedding Reception = formal introduction of the married couple

Question

Do I need to give gifts at all events?

Answer

Not at all! Gifts from guests are traditionally given directly to the bride and groom at the Walima or the Shaadi/Reception.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

We are humbled and honored that you are giving us the gift of your time to celebrate our love. In traditional South Asian weddings it is custom to offer cash gifts to help the couple get their life started on their own accord beyond material gifts. This is why you will often see "No Boxed Gifts" on a South Asian wedding invitation which implies cash gifts. Your presence and support is a gift we appreciate. However, if you feel inspired to give a gift, you can visit our registry link on this website https://www.zola.com/wedding/zameerandfarah/registry or send directly to: PayPal - @farahandzameer Venmo - @farahandzameer Zelle - zameerupa@aol.com Thank you!!!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive at the venue promptly by 7:00 pm.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Unfortunately due to space limitations at our venue we are unable to extend invitations for a plus one.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we will have some little one's from our family at the ceremonies we are extremely limited by the venue space. And so we humbly ask that the event invitations be limited to the adults we invite.

Question

What to Wear?

Answer

What you wear depends on the event you are attending as each ceremony is different. Here is a general guide. Feel free to message Farah or Zameer for clarity. No question is silly.

Question

What to wear? Nikah and Walima

Answer

- Stick to pastels and light colors. Avoid Red. - Think conservative attire, no sleeveless outfits, shorts, or short dresses - It is recommended to have your arms and legs covered. - If wearing traditional desi clothing consider a Shalwar Kameez (for women) and Shalwar Kurta (for men) - If wearing western clothing consider a light colored pant suit. Women can also consider a long dress with long sleeves. - For women, a head scarf is encouraged to cover your head during prayer. Not required if you are not Muslim, but a nice to have if you can.

Question

What to wear? Mehndi - Night of Dancing and Performances

Answer

- Go Bold, Beautiful, and Colorful - Feel free to go wild with the colors that you wish to wear - For Women, if wearing traditional desi clothing consider a lehnga, sharara, gharara, or shalwar kameez. Examples for Women: https://www.saree.com/blog/outfit-ideas-friends-mehendi-ceremony-sangeet-party/ - For Men, if wearing traditional desi clothing consider a shalwar kurta or Nehru jacket with kurta pants Examples for Men: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22-stylish-mehndi-dresses-for-men-mehndi-outfit-ideas-for-groom--494621971572781749/ If wearing western attire think chic with a good deal of color

Question

What to wear? Shaadi or Reception

Answer

- Black Tie - Think Classy, Elegant, and Sophisticated. - For Women, if wearing traditional desi clothing consider a lehnga, sharara, gharara, shalwar kameez or saree but go heavy on the design/embellishments. - For Men, if wearing traditional desi clothing consider a sherwani, a heavily designed shalwar kurta, or Nehru jacket with kurta pants. - For both Men and Women please avoid Red. - As this is a formal event go heavier on the designs and embellishments. - If wearing western attire think suit or tux for men and gown for women. - Dress to impress!!!

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes! We have a wedding group block rate at the Hilton Westchase and Hilton Garden Inn Sugar Land. Please visit the hotel tab for the links. Contact either Farah or Zameer with any issues.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Valet parking will be provided at the Marquee Center during our Nikah/Walima. Self-parking will be available at the Chateau Crystale for our Mehndi and Shaadi/Reception events.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?

Answer

We strongly recommend using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the venues.

Question

Pre-Wedding Events Explained

Answer

Baat Paki = this translates to "talk confirmed." In short, this is when Zameer's parents asked Farah and her parents if they would consent to the two of them getting married! Fortunately they all said Yes! Mangni = this translates to engagement. During this event the engagement of the bride and groom is formally announced to their closest family. As part of the ceremony they will exchange engagement rings. The family will present the couple with gifts and feed them sweets to celebrate the occasion. Dua e Khair and Dholki = this translates into prayer for good blessings. Zameer's Mom and Dad hosted a prayer at their home for the couple. This prayer is usually done among the women of the family/friends and with the Bride to be. After prayer and dinner they spend some time singing and dancing to prepare for the upcoming wedding. Haldi = the literal translation of this word is turmeric. This event is held a few days prior to the wedding among the families of the bride and groom. During this event the family will apply haldi to the bride and groom's skin. Turmeric is believed to have many healing attributes and benefits for the human body. Thus, the families apply this to the couple to get their skin looking healthy for the wedding events! The event is a fun day of color, laughter, and food. It serves as a fun kick-off to the wedding festivities. Chor Mehndi = translates into "stolen henna." Henna is usually applied to the bride during the mehndi ceremony. In some cases the family will have a small gathering of the women of the family in order to apply henna before the actual event. The reason it's called chor or stolen is that the henna is applied before the actual event. This is done before the event because it takes about 4 to 6 hours for the henna to be applied to the bride as her design is very elaborate.

Question

What is the Nikah and Walima?

Answer

The Nikah is our formal religious ceremony. This ceremony can be performed at a mosque or any venue as long as there is an officiant (often an Imam), a Wali (Guardian of the Bride), at least two witnesses, and a commitment of the Mahr. An Imam, similar to a priest, will serve as our officiant and perform the ceremony in front of our family and friends. The Wali or Guardian of the Bride will be Farah's Father, Jivanji. His responsibility is to give Farah "away" to Zameer only if she has given consent of her own free-will. The two witnesses, Zameer's Dad Shaukatali, and Farah's Brother, Yasser, are there to attest that both Farah and Zameer have given consent to marriage of their own free. As part of the Nikah the groom commits to present a Mahr to the bride. A mahr is a commitment by the groom to gift to the bride a certain amount of money, jewelry, or other assets. The intent of this gift is to symbolize the responsibility the groom has to help provide for his life partner. The Imam will ask the bride and groom if they agree to the Mahr and are entering into marriage by their own free well. The bride and groom will confirm their free will choice by stating "Qabool Hai" three times which translate to "I Do." During the ceremony the bride and groom are not allowed to see each other. They are often separated by a Phuloon Ki Parda (Flower Curtain). Once all the I do's are done and the marriage is official, the groom will walk through the curtain to see his bride for the first time. She will have a red dupatta (scarf) covering her face. The groom will lift the scarf for their first look. After this first look, family and friends are encouraged to take pictures with the newlywed couple and feed them sweets to celebrate the occasion. At this time the walima begins. The walima (Arabic for feast) is a reception that is hosted after the Nikah is completed. This is a time for family and friends to celebrate the couple while breaking bread.

Question

What is the Mehndi?

Answer

Mehndi = this translates to henna. Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis also known as the mignonette tree or the Egyptian privet. Henna has been applied to the skin since ancient Egyptian times. The mehndi ceremony itself, is when henna is applied to the bride and guests in preparation for the wedding. In our case, Farah will have her henna applied at home with the family during the chor mehndi ceremony leaving the actual Mehndi for our guests. The mehndi ceremony has traditionally been held before the nikah and among women only. As cultures blend and change with the times it is much more common to have a co-ed ceremony. However, since the bride and groom are not supposed to interact until religously married the mehndi now often happens after the nikah has taken place. This is what Farah and Zameer are doing. The mehndi night is a fun night of dances, performances, and music. Often family and friends will perform choreographed dances for the bride and groom. Everyone is encouraged to dress in bright, bold, and beautiful colors. As for the henna, tradition holds that the darker the henna is on the bride the happier the couple will be in marriage! Another tradition is for the grooms name to be hidden somewhere in the brides design. The groom then has to find the design! Overall this is a fun night for everyone to keep the celebration spirit going!

Question

What is the Shaadi?

Answer

Shaadi = Wedding. The shaadi is the final wedding reception. This event is the introduction of the newyled to their family and friends. The event closely resembles a traditional western wedding ceremony with first dances and a night of celebration with family and friends. At the end of the night everyone attending cheers the couple on as they exit the building and depart to their new life together!