After the nikah comes the walima, a joyful feast that publicly celebrates the marriage and brings together family, friends, and community. For many Muslim families in the US, the walima is the biggest event of the wedding, often an elegant dinner reception. This guide explains what a walima is, who hosts it, when it's held, and invitation wording in English and Arabic.
What is a walima?
The walima is the wedding banquet in Islamic tradition, a sunnah practice of sharing a meal to celebrate and announce the marriage. It expresses gratitude and generosity, and it's an occasion for family and friends to congratulate the couple and make du'a for them. The format varies widely by culture, from a simple meal to a formal reception with hundreds of guests.
Who hosts the walima?
Traditionally, the groom and his family host the walima. Today, families often share hosting, especially when the walima is combined with a reception. The invitation should name whoever is hosting.
When is the walima held?
The walima is held after the nikah, often on the same day, the day after, or within a few days. Some couples hold it after the marriage has been consummated, following one traditional view; customs differ by family and community. In the US, many families schedule the walima for a weekend evening to accommodate guests' work schedules.
What to include on a walima invitation
- Bismillah or a short greeting (optional)
- Hosts (often the groom's family, or both families)
- The couple's names
- "Walima" or "Walima dinner"
- Date, time, and venue
- Dress code (formal, cultural attire welcome)
- Seating arrangements, if separate
- RSVP details
Walima invitation wording in English
Traditional
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim. Mr. and Mrs. Omar Malik cordially invite you to the walima of their son, Yusuf Malik, and his bride, Amina Rahman. Saturday, May 22, 2027, at 7 PM, Lakeview Banquet Hall, Oak Brook, Illinois. Dinner will be served.
Both families
The Malik and Rahman families joyfully invite you to celebrate the walima of Yusuf and Amina.
Couple hosting
Alhamdulillah, we're married! Please join us for our walima dinner as we celebrate with family and friends.
Simple
Walima dinner in honor of Yusuf & Amina. Saturday, May 22, at 7 PM. Formal or cultural attire.
With a du'a
Please join us in celebrating the walima of Yusuf and Amina, and in making du'a for their life together.
Walima invitation wording in Arabic
Common phrases (please have a family member or imam review final Arabic wording):
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)
يسعدنا دعوتكم لحضور وليمة زفاف
(We are pleased to invite you to the wedding walima of...)
Planning tips
- Halal catering and a no-alcohol event.
- Prayer space and a note about prayer times during the evening.
- Seating: mention separate seating if planned.
- Stage or sweetheart table for the couple, where guests can offer congratulations.
- Gifts: gifts or envelopes are often given at the walima. A card box is helpful.
- Program: a short Quran recitation, speeches, and dinner.
A burgundy and blush walima invitation
Our Walima Night reception invitation is designed in ivory, burgundy, and blush: a hand-drawn golden arch framed with blush and burgundy blooms, a hanging lantern at its center, a row of roses and sage leaves, and petals drifting down once guests open the envelope. An original oud-inspired melody plays in the browser; guests can mute it, or you can choose no music.
The Signature version is a private link with an envelope and wax seal, falling petals, music, an English/Arabic switch, a live countdown, the evening's schedule, map and directions, add-to-calendar, 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). Our Arabic wording is drafted by us and checked before delivery, and Urdu or another language can be added on request. We can match your colors and add both families' names. See pricing.
Related designs
- Barakah, a nikah invitation.
- Noor, a nikah and walima invitation.
- Eid Mubarak, an Eid party invitation.
Browse all walima invitations.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the walima?
Traditionally the groom and his family, though many families now share the cost.
When is the walima held?
After the nikah, often the same day or within a few days.
Can I include both families' names?
Yes. We can add both families' names and match your colors.
Can I preview Walima Night?
Yes. Open the Walima Night live demo on your phone.
Celebrate with a feast
The walima is a joyful celebration of your new life together. View the Walima Night demo and explore the design.