If you're organizing a wedding centered around Islamic traditions, selecting a location that accommodates a traditional Islamic marriage ceremony is crucial. Weddings in the Western Cape often feature a reception following the nikah ceremony, or occasionally just prior. Holding a celebration is key to announcing the marriage publicly.
'Photo-shoot' is a staple of modern-day weddings
'Photo-shoot' is one of the best ways to capture your wedding ceremony and make it unique. Modern-day Muslim weddings are full of traditions and customs. Many couples are opting to hire a foto studio to capture the day in the best light possible.
Muslim weddings are often large and elaborate, infused with centuries-old traditions. The wedding ceremony itself is a celebration, often with lavish food and upbeat music. Sobi Qazi, a company that specializes in South Asian and Islamic weddings, has photographed more than 350 multicultural weddings.
In the Middle East and South Asia, most Muslim brides have a henna night, a celebration in which the bride gets her hands and feet painted in red pigment. This is an elaborate ritual involving the bride's family, which employs the artistic talents of the most talented members of the family to apply the designs. The designs are meant to protect the bride and represent her new status as a wife. Often, the bride's family members also get their hands painted with henna.
Although the 'Photo-shoot' is now a staple of modern-day Muslim wedding celebrations, many Muslims are still unsure of the halal-friendly nature of the practice. For example, a certain South African wedding ceremony separates the bride and groom with a curtain. This is an example of shariah-compliant marriage, but in this case, the men are not allowed to attend the ceremony. The men are also prohibited from touching the bride's face.
The second part of a traditional Muslim wedding is called the Walimah, which is a formal celebration with family and friends. The purpose of this event is to wish the newlyweds a happy and prosperous life. This can be a colourful, loud affair filled with music and dancing.
Modern-day Muslim weddings have begun to borrow from western wedding culture. Traditionally, the families of the bride and groom assist in the ceremonies. Nowadays, the wealthy hire photographers and stylists to capture their most important day. However, Allie feels that the cost of wedding receptions has risen dramatically. She estimates that wedding expenses now average between R25 000 and R250 000.
Traditionally, the bride and groom are given mahr (dowry) by their parents. This is a payment for the bride and is usually monetary. In some cultures, the bride's family has to pay this dowry, which is considered a symbol of the groom's love and commitment to her. In some countries, the bride may choose to leave the marriage without returning her mahr.
