Shadi card wording in Urdu and English

Most Pakistani wedding cards follow the same shape, whether they are printed or sent on WhatsApp. Once you know the pattern, writing your own card takes minutes. Below is the traditional layout, the Urdu words that carry it, and ready wording for every function — replace the words in brackets with your own names.

How a Pakistani wedding card is laid out

1. Bismillah at the top — and sometimes a Quranic verse about marriage.
2. The heading: the function's name, such as دعوتِ ولیمہ or Mehndi Night.
3. The occasion line: بسلسلہ شادی خانہ آبادی — 'on the occasion of the wedding'.
4. The couple's names, your own child first: عزیزم for a son, عزیزہ for a daughter, joined by ہمراہ ('with').
5. Parents' names: ولد ('son of') and بنت ('daughter of'), or S/o and D/o in English.
6. The details: بروز (day), بتاریخ (date), بوقت (time) and بمقام (venue).
7. A closing line, such as آپ کی شرکت ہمارے لیے باعثِ مسرت ہوگی — 'your presence will be a joy for us'.
8. منجانب ('from') with the hosts' names, and منتظر or RSVP with a name and number.

Example: a complete Urdu card

Dholki card wording

The dholki is the informal evening of songs and dhol in the days before the wedding, usually at home. Cards are simple and warm — often just for close family and friends.

Join us for an evening of dhol, songs and celebration as we count down to the wedding of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name].

The festivities begin! You are warmly invited to the dholki of our dear [Bride's name]. Bring your voices — we'll bring the dhol.

Make a dholki card

Mehndi card wording

The mehndi (rasm-e-hina) is the colourful night of henna, music and dance. Both families often hold their own, so cards are commonly sent separately by the bride's and the groom's side.

With joy in our hearts, we invite you to the Mehndi of [Bride's name] & [Groom's name]. Come dressed in colour and celebrate with us.

[Your family's names] request the pleasure of your company at the Mehndi ceremony of their beloved [Bride's name].

Make a mehndi card

Nikah card wording

The nikah is the religious marriage contract — the heart of the wedding. Cards are often more formal, frequently open with Bismillah and sometimes a Quranic verse about marriage.

With the blessings of Allah, [Your family's names] request the honour of your presence at the Nikah of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name].

Your presence and prayers are requested as [Groom's name] and [Bride's name] begin their journey together at their Nikah ceremony.

Make a nikah card

Barat card wording

The barat is the groom's procession to the bride's family, and the main wedding function. The groom's family invites guests to join the barat; the bride's family often sends its own card welcoming guests on the same day.

[Your family's names] cordially invite you to join the Barat of their son [Groom's name] with [Bride's name].

Please join us as we celebrate the wedding of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name]. Your presence will make our happiness complete.

Make a barat card

Rukhsati card wording

The rukhsati is the bride's farewell from her parents' home, hosted by the bride's family on the day of the barat. Cards from the bride's side are usually worded around the rukhsati of their daughter.

[Your family's names] request the pleasure of your company at the Rukhsati of their daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name].

With prayers and joy, we invite you to bless our daughter [Bride's name] at her Rukhsati.

Make a rukhsati card

Walima card wording

The walima is the reception hosted by the groom's family after the wedding — a sunnah, and usually the last big function. Cards are formal and often in Urdu.

[Your family's names] request the pleasure of your company at the Walima reception of their son [Groom's name] with [Bride's name].

Celebrate with us at the Walima of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name]. Your presence will be our honour.

Make a walima card

Keep it short. A WhatsApp card is read on a phone in a few seconds — the names, the date, the time and the venue are what people need.