How Much Does a Muslim Wedding Cost
A Muslim wedding day’s allure brings many emotions, traditions, and financial considerations. So, you may be wondering, “How much does a Muslim wedding cost?”
A Muslim wedding is a culmination of culture, tradition, and personal preferences, which all play a role in determining the financial aspect.
In general, a Muslim wedding could range from $5,000 to $50,000, or more, depending on the location. It also depends on the families’ ability to cover the expenses.
But keep in mind that Islam encourages simplicity, saying that the most blessed marriage is that which incurs the least expenditures.
We will discuss the factors that affect the Muslim wedding cost range and what the groom’s family typically covers. So you can gain a better understanding of the financial dimensions involved in this joyous occasion.
What Are the Factors That Influence the Cost of a Muslim Wedding?
Regarding the expense of a Muslim wedding, several key factors can influence the overall expenses. The following are among them:
- Venue and guest count
- Wedding attire
- Decorations
- Food and catering
Let’s take a closer look at each factor that influences your wedding costs.
Venue and Guest Count
The expense associated with a Muslim wedding is largely influenced by the choice of wedding venue, guest count, and catering.
Hosting a larger gathering will require a bigger venue and more food, thus increasing your overall costs.
According to Talha Ubaidullah from Noble Marriage, one of the most popular Muslim Matrimonial Websites, choosing an upscale banquet hall in a bustling metropolitan area will likely cost more than hosting a smaller gathering at a community center.
Providing meals for guests, especially at larger weddings, can be a significant expense. More guests and elaborate menus can increase your costs substantially.
Wedding Attire
The bride’s dress and groom’s outfit also affect Muslim wedding costs. A Muslim wedding’s attire cost varies based on several factors.
It depends on the intricate design, which fabrics are used, and whether the couple chooses a traditional or contemporary style.
For instance, elaborate hand-embroidered wedding dresses can cost thousands of dollars, while simpler designs are more affordable. High-quality attire will undoubtedly cost more in comparison to more economical options.
Decorations
The level of decoration desired for a Muslim wedding can impact your wedding cost. Lighting, floral arrangements, and other decor elements will affect the cost of your wedding.
More lavish floral arrangements and grand lighting displays will incur higher expenses on your wedding.
The most important thing is to find a balance and not overspend. A hadith in this regard is as follows:
Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (S) said: “The most blessed marriage (nikah) is the one with the least expenses.” (al-Bayhaqi in his Shu’ab al-Iman & Mishkat al-Masabih).
What Does the Groom’s Family Pay For?
Several key aspects of a Muslim wedding fall under the responsibility of the groom’s family. The following are listed:
- Mahr
The mahr is an essential part of the marriage contract, and the groom’s responsible for providing it to the bride. It may be a gift or a monetary amount, and it signifies the groom’s commitment to the marriage.
In Islamic tradition, the mahr is considered the bride’s property, and she has the right to manage it as she sees fit.
There is a hadith in the Sahih Muslim Book (no. 1426) that Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman said: “I asked ‘Aishah, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (S), what the mahr given by the Prophet Muhammad (S) was.
She said: ‘The mahr that he (S) gave to his wives was twelve uqiyah and a nashsh.’ She said to me, Do you know what a nashsh is?
I said: ‘No.’. She said it is half of an uqiyah. That was five hundred dirhams. This was the mahr given by the Prophet Muhammad (S) to his wives.”
- Wedding Venue
In most Islamic weddings, the groom’s family is responsible for booking and decorating the wedding venue.
This includes selecting a suitable location for the ceremony, arranging seating and decor, and ensuring the venue is clean and well-maintained.
The cost of the venue rental and any additional expenses related to its decoration fall under the groom’s family’s responsibility.
- Food and Catering
A wedding feast is an important part of an Islamic wedding, and it is customary for the family of the groom to pay for it.
The wedding feast typically includes a variety of dishes, including meat, rice, and vegetables, and it is served to the guests after the wedding ceremony.
Besides the main wedding feast, the groom’s family also arranges a post-wedding feast called walima.
- Decorations
The groom’s family is also responsible for the cost of decorating the wedding venue. This includes floral arrangements, lighting, table settings, and other decor elements that are needed to create a beautiful and memorable ceremony.
Ideally, the decorations reflect the couple’s personalities and preferences, and they complement the overall theme of the wedding.
- Transportation
If transportation is required for the guests, especially those traveling from out of town, the groom’s family often takes care of these arrangements.
This includes arranging for buses, taxis, or other means of transportation to pick up guests from their homes or hotels and bring them to the wedding venue.
There is also a responsibility on the groom’s family to arrange transportation for the bride and groom before and after the wedding ceremony.
Take on Simplicity: Celebrate Your Wedding in Grace, Affordability, and Meaning
It is now apparent that there are a number of factors that determine how much a Muslim wedding costs. From the venue and guest count to attire, decorations, and catering, each element contributes to the overall expenses.
As you embark on this joyous journey of marriage, remember the wise words of the Prophet Muhammad (S), “The most blessed marriage is the one with the least expenses.”
With this guidance, you can plan your special day with a balanced perspective, incorporating simplicity and moderation into your celebration.
You can expect the cost to reflect your choices and priorities while cherishing this remarkable milestone’s spiritual and cultural significance.
Sources:
https://prairiehive.com/who-pays-for-a-muslim-wedding/
https://www.reddit.com/r/MuslimMarriage/comments/g1pc1i/how_much_did_your_marriage_cost/
https://planningamuslimwedding.com/2020/12/05/who-pays-for-a-muslim-wedding-the-tradition-explained/
https://www.quora.com/Who-pays-for-the-wedding-in-Islam
https://osgamers.com/frequently-asked-questions/who-pays-for-the-wedding-in-islam
http://journey2allah.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-most-blessed-marriage-simplicity-of.html
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/3119/how-to-calculate-mahr-in-islam
Article by Guest Writer
Guest Writer Author bio:
Talha Ubaidullah’s unique combination of skills as a lifestyle and relationship writer, coupled with his proficiency in SEO, has made him a well-rounded professional in the digital sphere. Whether he is crafting engaging articles, offering valuable advice on relationships, or optimizing content for maximum visibility, Talha continues to make a positive impact on the lives of his readers and clients alike. You can follow him on Linkedin.
