The Arabs are very traditional and culturally sophisticated people. This sophistication reflects in their modern wedding traditions. Arab weddings are known for their color and delicacies, and Islam has heavily influenced them.
Because the Arabs place a big premium on family and marriage is often a family affair, the Tulba is usually the first stage of every Arab tradition. Tulba is a formal request for the bride's hand in marriage. It is a smaller gathering with only the couples' relatives invited. When both families have approved of the union, the Tulba takes place. In the Tulba, the groom and his family formally request the bride's hand in marriage from her family.
The couple's impending marriage is then formally acknowledged by both families. In Egypt, some of Palestine, and portions of Jordan, the bride's family arranges a celebration at which the groom and his family formally inform the bride's father or the family's oldest man of the marriage proposal. Once the father gives his consent, both families read the Fatiha, and they eat sharbat.
After the Tulba, the Radwa follows. This often occurs a day or two before the wedding. A modest congregation of the groom's and bride's male relations exists. Typically, the Radwa is held at the residence of the bride's family. The groom's family men at the Radwa see that the bride's family is happy with the union. They ensure the bride's parents enjoy themselves during this ceremony. The in-laws of the groom make care to settle any disputes before the nuptials. The oldest man on the groom's side extends congratulations and best wishes to everyone.
The most typical wedding custom in the Middle East and the Arab world is henna. The bride's female companions play Arabic music and decorate her hands and feet with henna. Henna is the equivalent of a bachelorette party for women. The bride and her friends sing and dance to songs about her promising future. After serving visitors sharbat, or sweet beverages, they eat a proper meal.
The main attraction of the gathering is henna or mehndi. A close female companion applies mehndi on the bride's feet and hands. Mehndi is a skin adornment that is used to distinguish the newly-married bride. It is applied to the hands, feet, and palms. The males also hold separate parties where they also dance to Arab music.
Mahr is the dowry the husband and his family must offer the bride. It is an essential Islamic custom. The mahr is expressed as a value in gold. In this situation, the husband presents the bride with gold or mahr. Mahr is usually offered to the bride as a sign of politeness, regard, and love. Mahr is seen as the bride's entitlement.
After the couple has officially been joined, some Arab traditions, particularly Lebanon, conduct the traditional dance known as zaffe at weddings. It resembles a spectacular entry party for the newlyweds. The bride's father introduces his daughter to the groom to start the ritual. A group of drummers performs traditional Arabic music throughout this to help the bride. Some traditions switch rings to the hands on the opposing sides. To greet the wedding, men and women perform the unique dance in distinctive attire.
