Just like every other marriage in all religion or culture Pakistani Weddings, in its way, has something to be anticipated to. I once was a footage on an online media site on how the festivities happen when the people celebrate after the wedding. Also like any other marriage the spotlight is trained on the bride and groom. There is also mystery and a certain thrill you get when up until the end of every procedure –to the courtship till the wedding- you get that feeling upon waiting for the bride to show her face. Somehow, in a way, many may also find that so romantic. And upon that day, hopefully love is sprinkled upon everyone most especially to the couple who should prosper under their vows like every married couple should in this world.

But that is not all there is to the wedding. There are certain rules that should be applied through culture and in law. Some laws in other cultures and religions differ depending on what the higher ups think is fit in terms of being moralistic for the believers of that religion. In this case, in Pakistani civil law under the Marriage Act of 1965, it is alright for men to have a total of two wives with the added rule that the first wife gives attested written permission. Therefore, they practice Polygyny. However, Polyandry, the act of one woman having a set of husbands is not permitted. Also if the first wife does not provide the husband a child then some members of his family may advice him to remarry. In this day and age, you might still be surprised to find that some cultures still practice arranged marriage. Arranged marriage has played an important role to Pakistani society for many years and up till now is still practiced. Pairs are mostly arranged by the families or the community most especially if the arranged pair plays or is part of a very important role to the society. It does not come as a shock to most people that have long since practiced arranged marriage that these practices have certain leverage in not only in modern society but also before, most notably with a member of a royal family. In this case, marriages arranged between families are important especially in forming alliances through this matrimony. Power play is not uncommon also in these marriages, even before matrimony was seen as no more than a business transaction.

Somehow, it sounds a bit cold when you view it that way, but on the contrary both pairs are given time to get to know each other since this mating dance last at least about a year to finalize. The total span of time from the beginning to the wedding day may even take more than a year, and there are some stages couples need to undergo in order to finally be wedded. Also, at this modern age, love matches have also been acknowledged. Either way, every vow should not be taken lightly, since even in this culture this binding has been taken to heart like every other religion and belief.