Ahhh, Pakistani weddings, what a wonderful and drama-filled four to five days. I can safely say that all Pakistanis love attending almost week-long weddings because they (talking about women) get to wear their nicest clothes, jewelry, and shoes. Aside from all this, there are things that go down, which can either ruin the wedding atmosphere or brighten it even more. I will list them, so next time you attend a Pakistani wedding, you can spot them right away.
1)The mother of the bride running around and making life hell for everyone.
2)Girls complaining that their mehendi (henna) is messed up or not satisfied with the color of it. (Dark=good, Light=bad)
3)Forcing everyone to dance even when they don't want to.
4)Making sure everyone is welcomed and participate in the rituals so they don’t get mad and leave right away.
5)Everyone running to eat the food and getting mad when you get denied your fourth khoncha (tray of food to be shared by more than 2 people). Khana kab shuru hoga? = When will the food be served?
6)Aunties looking for suitable girls/boys to set them up with their sons/daughters.
7)The family of the bride and groom looking to see who came and who didn’t so they can taunt the person who didn’t attend.
8)Some kid always ruining the pictures.
9)The cameraman zooming in on your face when you are eating.
10)The guests always covering their face, pretending to be on their phones, and/or glaring at the camera when the cameraman is going around filming everyone.
11)Everyone judging what everyone is wearing, internally.
12)At least one girl who looks more like a bride than the actual bride.
13)Some random aunty crying more than the bride during her ruksathi (bidding her goodbye).
14)Aunties complaining the bride's makeup is either too much, too less or not "natural".
15)The groom getting ambushed by the bride’s sister for salaamis (money).
Now that you have read this list, I am sure you will be able to spot these little things that occur during the wedding. I am sure some of the listed things might be negative but don't let that stop you from enjoying yourself and learning about the culture and customs.
