For the Nikah
- Book the imam or officiant, and ask which requirements they follow.
- Arrange witnesses. Ask your imam who can serve, because this differs between schools.
- Confirm the bride's wali, where your school requires one.
- Agree the mahr, and whether it's paid at once or deferred.
- Agree any conditions to write into the nikah nama.
- Choose the venue: a mosque, home or hall.
For the legal side
A religious Nikah doesn't automatically count as a legal marriage in Canada. In British Columbia you need a marriage licence, a registered official and witnesses. Ask your imam whether they are registered, or arrange a civil ceremony. Confirm current rules with BC Vital Statistics.
For the functions around it
- Mayun or ubtan at home, where your family has this tradition.
- Mehndi: artists, music and food. Some families keep it women-only.
- Baraat: transport, and a welcome from the bride's family.
- Rukhsati: time for the bride's farewell, and a car.
- Walima: usually hosted by the groom's side, often the largest guest list.
For your guests
- Halal catering: ask the caterer directly how they source meat and, if it matters to your family, for certification.
- Prayer space and timing: plan functions around prayer times, and offer a quiet room with prayer mats.
- Seating: decide whether men and women will sit separately, and tell guests in advance.
- Music and dress: if your family has preferences, share them kindly on the invitation.
- Non-Muslim guests: add a short note about what to expect and how to dress.
A simple timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| As early as possible | Date, imam, venues, caterer, and budget by function |
| 6 months or more | Clothes, photographer, and a save-the-date for guests who need to travel |
| 2 to 3 months | Send invitations, and book mehndi and makeup artists |
| 1 month | Marriage licence, RSVP follow-up, final headcounts, witnesses confirmed |
| Final week | Confirm vendors, finish the nikah nama, and assign helpers |
Inviting guests to each function
Many families have a smaller guest list for the Nikah and a much bigger one for the walima, so one invitation that lists each function with its own RSVP saves plenty of phone calls. Our guide to Muslim wedding functions explains the order. You can send one Ivory Gate invitation website with every function, map and RSVP on it, from CA$39, one-time.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for a Nikah?
Commonly the consent of both partners, an agreed mahr and witnesses, and a wali in most schools. Ask your imam what they require.
Who pays for the walima?
It is traditionally hosted by the groom's side, though many families now share the costs.
Should men and women sit separately?
It's a family and venue decision. Whatever you choose, telling guests in advance avoids awkward moments.
Ivory Gate
Make your invitation in 10 minutes
Every function on one link, RSVPs per event, maps and music. One-time from CA$39.
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