What You Need To Know When Planning A Muslim Or Arab-Themed Wedding

If you or your partner are Muslim or of Arab descent, you may be wondering how to incorporate your culture and traditions into your wedding day. While there are many different ways to do this, it’s important to be respectful of your heritage and understand the customs before making any decisions. The first step is to decide which Muslim or Arab traditions you want to incorporate into your wedding. Do you want to have a traditional Muslim wedding? Or, are you looking to add Arab flair to a more Western-style wedding? Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start planning the details. If you’re not sure where to start, this article will give you an overview of what you need to know when planning a Muslim- or Arab-themed wedding. And when it comes time to organizing your big day, DJ Cutt Entertainment, based in Portland, Oregon, can help, including with hiring a DJ that is familiar with Arab music!

henna tattoo wedding traditions

What Is The Tolbe?

 

The tolbe is a pre-wedding ritual during which the groom will formally request permission of the bride's parents to marry her. Assuming the family agrees, a prayer from the Holy Quran called “Surah Al-Fatiha” is recited by all those present. Then the families celebrate together over drinks and snacks.

 

Henna Is Popular At Muslim Weddings

 

Henna is a paste made from the leaves of the henna plant. It is often used as a temporary form of body art, almost like tattoos. Henna is popular in many Muslim cultures and is often used as a decoration for weddings.

 

The use of henna at Muslim weddings is a centuries-old tradition. Henna is believed to bring good luck and protection to the marriage. It is also seen as a symbol of love and happiness.

 

Henna is usually applied to the hands and feet of the bride and groom. Guests may also have henna applied to their hands. The henna is left on for several hours or overnight to allow the stain to darken. After the henna has been removed, the hands and feet are usually washed with lemon juice or vinegar to lighten the stain, if desired.

dancing at a muslim themed wedding

What Is The Katb Al-kitaab

 

At an Islam wedding, the Katb al-kitaab is an important part of the ceremony. This is when the couple signs a contract that officially declares them to be married. The contract is usually signed in front of witnesses and is a symbolic way of saying that the couple is now bound to each other.

 

The Katb al-kitaab is a key part of an Islam wedding and is a beautiful way to symbolize the couple's commitment to each other.

 

What Is The Walima?

The Walima is the third and final stage of an Arab wedding. It is the public announcement of the marriage and is typically held at a lavish banquet or feast. The Walima is often considered the most important part of the wedding, as it is when the couple is publicly recognized as husband and wife.

 

The Walima feast is often a lavish affair, with plenty of food and drink for all the guests. It is tradition for the groom to wear a white thobe and the bride to wear a red dress. The Walima is often followed by a reception, where the guests can congratulate the newlyweds and wish them a happy life together.

 

What Should You Wear At A Muslim Wedding?

 

When attending a Muslim wedding, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should avoid clothing that is too revealing or tight-fitting. In general, it is best to err on the side of conservatism when choosing what to wear.

 

For men, it is usually appropriate to wear a suit or traditional clothing. For women, a long dress or skirt is usually best. It is also important to avoid wearing any kind of revealing underwear, even if it will be covered by your clothing. Finally, you should avoid wearing any green, as this is considered a sacred color in Islam.

 

If you are unsure about what to wear, it is always best to ask the bride or groom for guidance. They will be able to tell you what is appropriate for their specific wedding.

Things to Avoid When Planning a Muslim- or Arab-Themed Wedding

 

While a Muslim- or Arab-themed wedding can be a beautiful and unique affair, there are a few things to avoid if you don't want your wedding to be tacky or offensive. First, avoid using any stereotypes in your wedding planning. This includes but is not limited to: belly dancers, genies, camels, or anything else that might be seen as a stereotype of Muslim or Arab culture.

 

Second, avoid using religious symbols or imagery in a way that could be seen as disrespectful. For example, avoid using the Star and Crescent in your invitations or decoration if you are not Muslim, as this could be seen as offensive by some. Don't incorporate offensive or stereotypical images in your wedding materials. This includes avoiding images that depict violence, terrorism, or other sensitive topics. Additionally, steer away from using any offensive terms or slurs. And avoid using offensive language or making assumptions about your guests' religious beliefs. This includes but is not limited to making assumptions about what guests can or cannot eat, drink, or wear.

 

What Music To Play At A Muslim Wedding?

 

When planning a Muslim wedding, it is important to choose music that is respectful of the Islamic faith. This means avoiding songs with explicit lyrics or any music that is considered forbidden. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing wedding music, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose tunes that will not offend your guests.

 

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for Muslim-friendly wedding music:

 

- Turkish classical music

- Arabic pop music

- Qasida (Islamic devotional poetry)

- Sufi music

- Nasheed (Islamic chants)

 

If you’re looking for an Oregon wedding DJ with experience serving Muslim and Arab-themed weddings, DJ Cutt Entertainment is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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All About DJ Cutt Entertainment

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