This question is regarding Muslim weddings. I have recently embraced Islam. Previously I was Christian. I am curious to know how the muslim and christian wedding ceremony and celebration differ? Does the bride wear white? Does the couple exchange rings? Is dancing allowed? Please let me know as soon as you are able. I have not been able to find this information in any books, or at this site. Thank you!
Praise be to Allah.There are many differences between Muslim and non-Muslim
weddings, such as: the condition that the woman must have a wali or
guardian to marry her off, the condition that there be witnesses and that
the marriage be announced, that the woman cannot be a mahram (close blood
relative) of the man, and that the wedding does not have to take place in a
mosque.
The groom can wear any kind of clothing that has been
permitted by Allaah, and it does not have to be any specific colour.
It is not permitted for the couple to exchange rings,
because this is an innovation that has been newly invented in the religion,
and is even worse if the man wears a gold ring because gold is forbidden for
men in Islam. It is mustahabb (recommended) for women in particular to sing
at weddings and to use the daff (hand-drum), but not any other kind of
musical instruments.
It is not permissible for men and women to mix, at weddings
or at any other time, or for the groom to sit with his bride in front of the
women.
If the women are alone and no men can see them, it is
permissible for them to dance, so long as this will not cause undue
provocation of desires.
And Allaah knows best.