Imma speak in Bohri terms, other sects of Islam do things slightly differently. I am Dawoodi Bohra, so I just have gone through my customs.
So, there are certain stages in a marriage for us. Roughly 3 major events.
- Khake Shifa
- Nikah
- Pannat
There are more rituals and events in the middle of these 3 things, but they revolve around each anyway. I’ll get into ‘em later.
Nikah can be performed by a certified Aamil (of course). That can be either your Jamaat Aamil, some other Aamil who’s been authorized to do so by Jamaat Aamil, Rasme Saifee, or “Private” Nikah. Essentially Nikah seals the deal between a couple. 2 factor authentication on top of Khake Shifa.
The Nikah Function then, is a small celebration of the happiness of the couple achieved 2FA. It involves a Bride Family Wadhavanu, Sehra Kholwani Rasam, Ring Ceremony (optional), and Jaman (fuck yea).
If the Nikah is done in any of first 2 options, the couple kinda have the date in their hands and the function can be done immediately after the Nikah.
If it’s either of the 2 latter options (Rasme Saifee/Private Nikah) the date of Nikah is not 100% sure. Coz for Rasme Saifee, while there are fixed time periods when the event is conducted, the exact date is not in your control much. For Private Nikah, it’s even more unsure. Whenever Maula is available, you will be called for Nikah wherever he might be. In such cases, some families do a very small Nikah Function and do a larger reception later (for Pannat, etc.). Some families also book Nikah function logistics and keep their options open. It’s upto mutual understanding.