Dawat-e-Walima in English: invitation wording you can copy

'Dawat-e-Walima' means 'the invitation to the Walima', the wedding feast the groom's family hosts after the Nikkah and Rukhsati. In English it is usually written as 'Walima Reception' or 'Walima Dinner'. Many families keep the words 'Dawat-e-Walima' as the heading and write the rest in English, which reads well for both elders and younger guests.

If you want the Urdu text, see Dawat-e-Walima card in Urdu; for ten complete cards written line by line, see Dawat-e-Walima card matter in English. Everything below works on a digital Walima card.

1. Formal, from the groom's parents

Dawat-e-Walima. Mr. and Mrs. [Name] request the honour of your presence at the Walima reception of their son [Groom] with [Bride], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [Name], on [Day, Date] at [Time], [Venue]. Awaiting your arrival: [Family name].

2. With an Islamic opening

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By the grace of Allah, the Nikkah of our son [Groom] with [Bride], daughter of [Name], has taken place. Following the Sunnah, we invite you and your family to the Walima, and ask for your prayers for the couple.

3. Short and modern

[Groom] & [Bride]. Walima Dinner. [Date], [Time], [Venue]. We would love to celebrate with you.

4. From the groom himself

Alhamdulillah, [Bride] and I are now married. I would be grateful if you could join us at our Walima on [Date] at [Venue]. Your presence would mean a great deal. [Groom]

5. For colleagues and clients

Dear [Name], I am pleased to invite you to my Walima reception on [Date] at [Time], [Venue]. Directions and timings are on the invitation: [link]. I hope you can make it.

6. A small family Walima

We are keeping the Walima small this time, just close family and friends at home, and we would love you to be one of them. [Date], [Time], [Address].

7. Baraat and Walima on one card

With the blessings of Allah, the [Family] family invites you to the wedding of [Groom] and [Bride]. Baraat: [Date], [Time], [Venue]. Walima: [Date], [Time], [Venue].

On Dawatnama each function gets its own block with a map and calendar button, and a guest invited only to the Walima can get a private link that shows the Walima alone. See how many functions to list.

8. WhatsApp message

Assalam-o-Alaikum! You are warmly invited to the Walima of [Groom] and [Bride] on [Date]. Your invitation, with the map and timing: [link]

Fifteen more messages for elders, friends and reminders are in wedding invitation messages for WhatsApp.

Spelling: Walima, Valima or Walimah?

All three are used. 'Walima' is the most common spelling in Pakistan and the one most guests search for, so it is the safest choice on the card. Write 'Dawat-e-Walima' with hyphens, or 'Dawat e Walima' without them; just be consistent.

Next steps

Pick a design such as Chandni, which suits English text, or Noor, paste the wording and try it with your own names. For the main wedding card in English, read shadi card matter in English. Wondering about price? What a digital wedding invitation actually costs. For the Urdu explanation of the word itself, read walima meaning in Urdu.