The Big Fat Wedding Series: Nikkah

The nikkah is the heart of the wedding journey—a moment that’s both spiritual and deeply emotional. Whether you’re keeping it simple and intimate or going all-out grand, it’s all about setting the right atmosphere to make this milestone as memorable as it deserves to be. Here’s how you can prepare for both styles:


🌿 The Setting: Intimate vs. Grand

  • Intimate Nikkah: If you’re hosting at home or a small venue, keep it cozy with floor seating, soft cushions, and fairy lights. Add a simple floral arrangement or a pastel backdrop to create a serene space where everyone feels connected.

  • Grand Nikkah: Think larger venue, elegant stage décor, chandeliers, and a lush floral walkway. The focus is on making the space feel majestic while still maintaining the spiritual essence of the nikkah.


🌸 The Phoolon Ka Parda

This timeless tradition brings a touch of charm no matter the scale.

  • Intimate Nikkah: Keep the parda delicate and minimal—fresh jasmine strings or roses tied together, held lovingly by siblings or cousins.

  • Grand Nikkah: Go all out with a beautifully designed floral curtain, accented with hanging blooms, lights, or even a customized floral arch framing the moment.


📖 The Atmosphere: Warmth & Spirituality

  • Intimate Nikkah: Create a quiet, heartfelt environment with soft recitation of Quran or nasheeds in the background. Candles or lanterns add warmth without taking away from the simplicity.

  • Grand Nikkah: Opt for a live qari or a professionally set sound system that ensures everyone can hear the khutbah clearly. The grandeur can be matched with floral centerpieces and subtle instrumental background before and after the vows.


👗 The Outfits: Simple Grace vs. Regal Glam

  • Intimate Nikkah: Brides often choose lighter tones—ivory, mint, blush—with minimal jewelry. Grooms look dapper in a classic kurta or sherwani without over-accessorizing.

  • Grand Nikkah: Brides may go for heavier ensembles—intricate embroidery, long veils, and bold jewelry. Grooms shine in statement sherwanis or tailored suits, complementing the larger setting.


📸 Capturing the Moment

  • Intimate Nikkah: Focus on candid shots—laughter, happy tears, and raw emotions. A single photographer is usually enough to capture the essence.

  • Grand Nikkah: Professional teams, multiple angles, drone shots, and full coverage to do justice to the scale of the event. Highlight moments like the phoolon ka parda, the signing, and those heartfelt family hugs.


🍽️ The Food Spread

  • Intimate Nikkah: Light refreshments—chai, mithai, fruit platters, and maybe a small lunch or dinner for close family.

  • Grand Nikkah: A full banquet with multiple courses, live food stations, and a wide variety of desserts to match the grandeur of the occasion.


✨ The Vibe in the End

Whether it’s a quiet living room filled with close loved ones or a dazzling hall with hundreds of guests, a nikkah is about the sacred bond being formed. The phoolon ka parda, the heartfelt duas, the laughter, and the tears—it all comes together to create a moment that will forever stay etched in memory.

Back to blog