You never know what to expect when you're invited to a Khaleeji wedding. Far from being simple, celebrations are all about being EXTRA.
It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Here's what it usually involves:
1. The Invitation Card
If sold on the black market, it can usually pay off all your bills and buy you a seat at a five-star hotel restaurant.
Most of them incorporate pieces of gold or some fancy wood. In all honesty, standard paper has no place here.
2. The Bakhoor
Its worth is about $100,000 and is usually placed in a bakhoor (incense) holder made of gold.
You smell each dollar burning under your nostrils as you know this is just the start of a rich night (both with its surprises and the hefty sum invested in it.)
3. The Hall
After you've been blessed with the over-the-top bakhoor, you're guided to a hall of fame type of chamber that can accommodate 2,000 plus invitees.
You might start doing the math, considering the high amount of attendees and the expensive invitations.
4. The Artist
The performer alone has a magnificent entrance; you'll wonder what the bride has prepared for hers.
The more the singer is known, the better the celebration, the tighter the competition.
5. The Throne
From a tale of one thousand and one night comes the throne destined for the newlyweds to be positioned on. It is the centerpiece of the whole wedding, drawing all attention to it.
You gaze at its splendor as you feel like a peasant meeting the king of the village.
6. The Zaffa/Show
The zaffa storms in welcoming and introducing you to the most adored Arabic tradition.
Gold is definitely a much-loved color here.
7. The Return Gift
The return gift you are given in appreciation of your attendance is another bill-payer. It varies from gold dipped donuts to custom made travel luggage.
Nothing out of the ordinary, really.