Walima Reception: What It Is and How to Plan It

The walima is the wedding reception hosted by the groom's family after the nikah. In many traditions it is the second of two celebrations: the nikah is the legal and religious marriage ceremony, and the walima is the public feast that announces the marriage to the community.

Traditionally, the walima is held after the nikah, often on the same day or within a few days. Some families hold it a week or more later to allow travel and preparation. There is no fixed rule, so you can choose a date that suits everyone.

Can it be held before the nikah? In most Islamic traditions, the walima comes after the nikah. If you hold it before, it may not be recognised as a walima in the traditional sense. If you need to celebrate earlier, consider calling it an engagement party or a pre-wedding dinner, and keep the walima for after the nikah.

Traditionally, the groom's family pays for the walima. In practice, many couples and families share the cost, or the bride's family contributes as a gift. There is no rule in Islam that fixes who must pay, and modern families often split expenses.

Talk openly with both families early. Agree on a budget and who covers what, such as the venue, catering, decorations, and photography. A written agreement, even a simple one, can prevent misunderstandings.

If you are planning the walima yourselves, you can ask both families to contribute as their gift to you. The key is to keep communication kind and clear.

Guest numbers depend on your venue, budget, and family expectations. There is no fixed number in Islam. Some walimas are large community events, others are small family gatherings. Choose a number you can afford and manage.

Segregation of men and women is common in many Muslim communities, but not universal. Some walimas are mixed, others have separate seating or separate rooms. Ask your venue if they can accommodate your preference, and check if they have experience with Muslim weddings.

If you have segregation, plan for:

• Separate entrances or a partition
• Separate food service or staggered meal times
• A way for the couple to move between spaces
• Clear signage or ushers to guide guests

If you prefer a mixed event, that is also valid. Discuss it with your families and your imam or celebrant if you want religious guidance.

For the couple, traditional attire is common: the groom may wear a sherwani or a suit, and the bride may wear a lengha, saree, or a modest gown. There is no requirement to wear specific colours, though red and gold are popular in South Asian traditions. Choose something you feel comfortable and confident in.

For guests, dress modestly and formally. Men often wear suits or traditional kurta. Women may wear dresses, sarees, or abayas, and many choose to cover their hair. If the walima is segregated, dress codes may differ between the men's and women's areas.

Check the invitation or ask the couple about the dress code. Some walimas are very formal, others are relaxed. It is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Yes, the walima can be delayed. Many couples hold it weeks or even months after the nikah, especially if they need time to save or if the nikah was a small legal ceremony. Delaying is practical and accepted in most communities.

Holding the walima before the nikah is less common. In some cultures, a pre-nikah celebration is called a different name, such as a mangni or engagement. If you want to celebrate before the nikah, consider using a different term to avoid confusion.

If you are having a civil ceremony for legal reasons and a nikah later, you can plan the walima after the nikah. The walima is a celebration of the marriage, so it makes sense to hold it after the marriage is confirmed.

In England and Wales, a nikah on its own is only legally binding if it takes place in a building registered for marriages and with an authorised person present. Many couples have a short civil ceremony at a register office or approved venue to make the marriage legal, and then hold the nikah and walima as religious and cultural celebrations. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

In Scotland, religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings are legally binding. Always check with your registrar or place of worship to confirm what is needed for your marriage to be recognised in law.

If you are planning a nikah abroad, marriages that are legal in that country are usually recognised in the UK, but check the GOV.UK page for that country before you travel.