Though I have found my love on internet dating, marriages in Pakistan are still arranged.
With modernization of the nation, dating and love marriages are becoming more common and acceptable now.
Pakistan is a Muslim Country.
So the wedding rituals are performed the Muslim way.
There is a lot of joy involved in it.
My husband Salim and I met on the internet.
But we preferred to get married in a traditional Pakistani way.
Rasm-e-Henna is a very popular part of Pakistani wedding.
It is held two days before the actual wedding day.
It is mainly for the females.
In some places it can last for four days.
As the name suggests henna is placed on the hands and knees of the would be bride.
There are special female henna artists who do this job.
They make sure that the designs look good.
Mostly these are floral and similar looking designs.
On this day bride is rewarded with gifts and sweets by the groom's family.
This includes bridal dress as well.
Some friends of bride may also join in and place mehndi or henna on their hands.
There is a lot of happy dancing and traditional singing on this day.
The would be married girl can officially be named as a bride on this day.
The wedding can last upto a few days.
It is supposed to be a very long lasting memory for both bride and the groom.
On the wedding day the bride wears a sparkling wedding dress along with heavy jewellery.
The groom wears a turban.
'Meher' is the amount of money given to bride's family by the groom's family.
The amount is normally pre decided After the selection of partner there is the 'mangni' ceremony.
This is the day when bride and groom exchange rings.
They are supposed to be engaged on this day.
Some jewellery is also exchanged between the families.
Tea and refreshments are served for the guests.
Wedding day is usually decided on this day.
Pakistani wedding is a great joy not only for the couple but also for everyone who attend.
All the relatives and near ones try to be present for the wedding.
There is laughing, dancing and all are happy.
There is also traditional singing accompanied by musical instruments.
This is also a starting of new relationship between the parents and relatives of both the sides.
On the wedding day the groom, his family and relatives go to the brides house in a procession.
This is called a 'Baraat'.
On this day everyone is greeted by brides family and friends.
The groom is given a welcome.
The guests are looked after and well fed.
Groom and his parents always receive a great respect from the bride and her parents.
Also all the relations from groom's side enjoy this given respect.
Even if you find your partner online, as for the wedding is concerned I will prefer people to get married in the Pakistani way.
It is memorable with the blessings of elders.
Pakistani wedding can last a few days for all those who follow all the tradional ceremonies before marriage.