The Big Picture: Pakistani Wedding Functions to Plan For
A full Pakistani wedding typically involves at least three to four main functions, each with its own venue, catering, décor, photography, and outfit requirements:
- Dholki — informal gathering, close family and friends, usually at home
- Mehndi — henna ceremony, colourful, celebratory, usually one to two days before barat
- Barat — the main wedding day: nikah, rukhsati, reception
- Valima — the groom’s family’s reception, usually the day after barat
Some families add a mayun, a bridal shower, or a walima tea — but the core four above are the minimum to plan for.