Wolfn:
Actually, I admit that I went crazy with posting. Sorry about that. Sometimes I'm just excited about something and need to share.
Another reason why I'm asking this thread is because I have a friend my age who's planning to get married now (1-2 months) so I'm just looking to see what to do.
Lol, you OD on the posting.
I admit, you had a cute reply, so I'll give my take.
I met my fiance online...it was total random and unintentional. My friends actually set it up after hearing me complain about the selection of men in my community. The young men in much community leave much to be desired. Anyway, a matrimonial site isn't something that I would suggest doing, I just Alhumdulilah lucked out. Who knows, maybe you will too, just don't invest a lot into it eh.
You can also meet girls through your Masjid community and through your Muslim friends. In the Masjid, keep it real and be yourself. People are watching you, if you conduct yourself in a respectful manner in and out of the Masjid, they are going to see this and take note. Next thing you know, they are talking about you to others who are interested in getting married.
Just know, with marriage comes responsibility, so make sure you are in the position, financially/emotionally/mentally, that can shoulder the responsibility and CHANGE, eh.
Marriage wise-- tomorrow we're signing the contract in front of my community. My extended non-Muslim family isn't attending [actually, I do have one of my cousins coming
]and instead is going to witness us doing the legal paperwork next year. Them not attending was their own choice for I did give them that option. Will tomorrow be similar to a Christian wedding? Well, I'm wearing the traditional white dress with a tiara.
Lol. We're doing the 'vows' in front of everyone and there will be the 'reception'. The only big difference I see is that everyone tomorrow will be sitting on the ground compared to sitting on wooden benches.
But please, in the future, do read some books. Reading is the first commandment of Allah, swt, don't sabotage yourself eh. The most important book to read about marriage in Islam is the Qur'an. Wallahi, I have read and read and read the verses of marriage in the Qur'an so many times and with each time I have a better understanding and appreciation for why Allah, swt, said such.
EDIT: And no, Christian marriages and Muslim ones are not at all similar IMO. There is a lot more that is expected of Muslims and just the general whiff of things are different, especially roles and responsibilities.
shadha-