Farah + Jamal

Women: Sari, shalwar kurtha or your Sunday best! 

Men: Suit. 

Black is not encouraged for this event.

The marriage contract is signed in a Nikkah ceremony, in which the groom proposes to the bride in front of at least two witnesses. The bride and groom demonstrate their free will by repeating the word qabul ("I accept," in Arabic) three times. Then the couple and two witnesses sign the contract, making the marriage legal according to civil and religious law. Following traditional Islamic customs, the bride and groom may share a piece of sweet fruit, such as a date.

Vows and Blessings:

The officiant may add an additional religious ceremony during the Nikkah, which includes a recitation of the Fatihah—the first chapter of the Quran—and durud (blessings). Most Muslim couples do not recite vows; rather, they listen as their officiant speaks about the meaning of marriage and their responsibilities to each other and God.