The Need To Know : Attending a Muslim Wedding As A Guest

Attending a Muslim wedding and having no idea where to start? Muslim weddings are some of the grandest events of the year, and if you are someone who has yet to attend one, you are in for a pleasant surprise. With the grandeur and colourful nature, you should expect to see, you might be left wondering what else you should know before you attend. As a non-muslim guest, it is key to understand how to first of all stay respectful, and secondly how to adhere to the traditions without overstepping boundaries. In this blog, we will share the need to know about attending a Muslim wedding. Prepare to have the best time ever, and take a look at the following suggestions:

Keep your outfit modest

First and foremost, you need to ensure that any outfit choices are modest. If you know your Muslim friend who is set to be married and not traditionally modest, it's important to double-check if modesty will be expected at the wedding. It's always better to play it safe and stay modest. Cover your chest, arms, and legs, and avoid showing any stomach area. If you are attending the ceremony in a mosque, you will likely need to wear some form of head scarf to show your respect. 

Confirm specific dress codes

As touched on, it's always best to stick to specific dress codes. This might have been detailed on your wedding invite, but be sure to ask the groom and bride regardless. There are so many different variations of Muslim wedding types, from middle eastern muslim weddings to South Asian Muslim weddings, they all have their traditions and dress codes. Perhaps an occasion abaya will be recommended to fit in with what other guests plan to wear. Getting this right means avoiding embarrassment on the day from wearing the wrong thing. 

Stick to certain colours

While more neutral, pastel colours will feel like a safer bet, colour in all its glory will get you wedding guest points at Muslim weddings. Bright and bold colours are embraced at Muslim weddings and will add to the feng shui of the reception. Confirm with the bride what colour she will be wearing to avoid any clashing, and as with all weddings be sure to avoid white and black. 

It can span over a few days

Remember that Muslim weddings can span over several days if not weeks. For example Indian weddings traditionally last three days including pre-wedding rituals at the bride's and groom's homes. This is just one example, but keep this in mind when preparing and planning outfits and time frames. You may not be expected to attend every event, but make sure you consolidate with the bride and groom and it will be seen as much more respectful if you can let me know in due time. 

Gift-giving is big 

Yes, gift-giving is one of the most important elements of a Muslim wedding, so it's important to get it right. Some of the most common gifts to give at Muslim weddings are cash, gold jewellery for the bride, household items and engraved prayer mats. Often the bride and groom will detail what types of gift they would like to receive. 

Overall…

To conclude, attending Muslim weddings as a non-muslim guest can be daunting when trying to figure out the traditions, but as long as you get it right you will be in for a memorable experience. Always confirm details with the bride and groom, but keep it safe with a modest colourful outfit, and a gift that will support the couple in their new journey together.