The usual order
- Mayun (also called ubtan or haldi): the bride, and often the groom, are kept at home and prepared with turmeric. A family function with songs.
- Dholki: evenings of songs and drums at home, in the days or weeks before. Usually close family, cousins and neighbours.
- Mehndi: the henna night, bright and loud, with dancing. Often a bigger guest list than the Dholki.
- Baraat: the groom’s family arrives at the bride’s venue. The largest function on the bride’s side.
- Nikah: the marriage ceremony. It may be on the Baraat day or separate and quieter.
- Rukhsati: the bride leaves her parents’ home, usually at the end of the Baraat evening.
- Walima: the groom’s family’s reception, usually the day after, and often the widest guest list.
Who is invited to what
Few families invite the same people to every function. A common pattern is: the Mayun and Dholki for close family; the Mehndi for family and close friends; the Baraat and Walima for everyone. Because lists differ, a separate invitation for each function, linked together, is easier than one card that tries to say who is invited where.
Plan the invitations in order
- List the functions and the date, venue and host of each.
- List the guests for each function, and mark who is invited to which.
- Make one card per function, or one card that lists them all if the lists are the same.
- Send the cards in order of date, with the earliest functions first.
Questions people ask
Do all families have all these functions?
No. Many families skip some, combine others or add their own, such as a Chauthi or a Dawat. Use only the functions you have.
Is the Nikah always separate from the Baraat?
Not always. It depends on the family and the city. Put the exact time of each on the card.
See it on your own phone
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