A Muslim wedding often brings together several events, most commonly the nikah (the marriage contract) and the walima (the wedding feast), along with cultural celebrations that vary by family background. The invitation needs to honor faith and tradition while clearly guiding guests to each event. This guide covers the structure of a Muslim wedding invitation, how to open with Bismillah, how to list both families, du'a options, and how a bilingual English–Arabic invitation works.
The events of a Muslim wedding
- Nikah: the Islamic marriage contract, usually led by an imam with witnesses. It may be held at a masjid, at home, or at the venue, and is often relatively short and intimate.
- Walima: the wedding feast, traditionally hosted by the groom's family after the nikah. It's often the largest gathering.
- Cultural events: depending on heritage, these may include a mehndi, dholki, henna night, or a reception.
Some families send one invitation listing all events; others send separate invitations for each. For details, see our guides to nikah invitation wording and walima invitation wording.
How to structure the invitation
- Opening: Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, often in Arabic calligraphy at the top.
- A verse or du'a (optional).
- Hosts: both families, often listed with parents' names.
- The couple: full names, sometimes with "son of" and "daughter of."
- Events: each with date, time, and venue.
- RSVP and notes: including any separate seating, dress code, or prayer space.
Muslim wedding invitation wording in English
Traditional, both families
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim. Mr. and Mrs. Tariq Ahmed and Mr. and Mrs. Imran Siddiqui request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Sara Ahmed and Bilal Siddiqui. Nikah: Saturday, June 12, 2027, at 4 PM, Islamic Center of Southern California. Walima: Sunday, June 13, 2027, at 7 PM, The Grand Ballroom, Anaheim.
Couple hosting
With the blessings of Allah and our families, Sara and Bilal invite you to celebrate their nikah and walima.
With a verse
"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them." (Quran 30:21). Please join us as we celebrate the marriage of Sara and Bilal.
Walima only
Alhamdulillah, our children are married! The Siddiqui family invites you to the walima of Bilal and Sara.
Muslim wedding invitation wording in Arabic
These phrases are often used. Have a family member or imam review final Arabic wording before sending.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)
بارك الله لكما وبارك عليكما وجمع بينكما في خير
(May Allah bless you both, shower His blessings upon you, and unite you in goodness), a well-known du'a for newlyweds.
يتشرفان بدعوتكم لحضور حفل زفاف
(They are honored to invite you to attend the wedding celebration of...)
Why a bilingual invitation helps
Many American Muslim families have guests who prefer English and relatives who prefer Arabic, Urdu, or another language. A bilingual digital invitation lets each guest switch languages with one tap, and the Arabic displays right-to-left as it should. It avoids crowding two languages onto one card and keeps every event detail consistent.
Practical details to include
- Separate seating or gender-separate halls, if applicable.
- Prayer space and prayer times during long events.
- Dress code: modest attire, or cultural dress welcome.
- Children: whether they're invited.
- Halal catering and a no-alcohol event, if guests may be unfamiliar.
An emerald arch invitation for your nikah and walima
Our Noor Muslim wedding invitation is designed for your nikah and walima in deep emerald and gold: a hand-drawn arch with hanging lanterns and a crescent, a geometric star, and softly glowing lanterns that float up the screen once guests open the envelope. Guests can switch between English and Arabic with one tap (Arabic reads right-to-left), and an original oud-inspired melody plays in the browser; guests can mute it, or you can choose no music at all.
The Signature version is a private link with an envelope and wax seal, animation, music, a live countdown, schedule, map and directions, add-to-calendar, an English/Arabic switch, and online RSVP with a guest list you can export. The Essential version is a print-ready 5×7 PDF and phone-ready PNG (a still image). The Arabic wording is included in your proof so you can check it before anything is sent; Urdu, French, or another language is available instead. See pricing.
Related designs
- Barakah, a nikah invitation.
- Walima Night, a walima reception invitation.
- Mehfil, a multi-event wedding invitation.
Browse all Muslim wedding invitations.
Frequently asked questions
How should a Muslim wedding invitation begin?
Most begin with "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim," often in Arabic calligraphy.
Should the nikah and walima be on one invitation?
Either works. One invitation can list both events, or you can send separate invitations if the guest lists differ.
Can I check the Arabic before sending?
Yes. The Arabic wording is included in your proof for review.
Can I preview Noor?
Yes. Open the Noor live demo on your phone.
Begin with blessings
Your wedding invitation is the first step in a blessed celebration. View the Noor demo and explore the design.