An important part of the Muslim wedding contract is the meher...
The Islamic faith spans across many different cultures and continents so wedding traditions vary. The main differences between a Muslim and a Western wedding is that strict gender separation laws are enforced at some ceremonies - meaning the bride may have a male "proxy" standing in for some ceremonies. Also, there is no ceremony as such, rather a contract signing which occurs in an office. The contract signing takes place in an office rather than a Mosque.
An important part of the Muslim wedding contract is the meher, which is a formal statement setting out the conditions of the wedding and offers details of what is the male version of a dowry, in which the bride receives the gifts. Often the meher requires an offer of money or a gift before the marriage is consummated and then a continuing contribution throughout the marriage.
The real celebrations begin after the ceremony at parties and feasts which are similar to Western wedding receptions. The first celebration that the bride attends after she is married involves her female relatives and friends. The women dress her in a special kaftan and her hands are painted with henna. There is a separate feast for the bride and one for the groom and then one where the married couple come out together in public. After this night's feast the couple are expected to consummate their marriage.
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