Marriage is a significant social event in contemporary society. It is a means of building new bonds between two individuals and their subsequent families. The foundations of memorable weddings are built on those that bring often distant family and friends together for the occasion, dressed in their most sophisticated attire, surrounded by elegant flowers, a night of dancing, captured through the lens of an exceptional photographer. Although Hinduism and Islam are two extremely distinct religions, their wedding customs share some comparable elements, like most other cultural wedding ceremonies. In both religions, they are devoutly obedient regarding religious and cultural practices in their marriage ceremonies. Weddings are an important rite of passage for both of these faiths, and both Hindus and Muslims place great emphasis on their wedding ceremonies. Another similarity that these two contrasting faiths share in terms of wedding customs is that both Hindus and Muslims spend extravagant amounts to ensure a high level of entertainment, fun and inspiration in their weddings. Furthermore, both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies are family oriented, resulting in large weddings. Also, like any wedding, regardless of faith, the size of the lavish wedding and the cost depends on the class of the family. Generally, wealthier families spend excessive sums to organize a wedding that is extravagant and shows off the family's wealth. While lower class families generally tend to meet only the minimum requirements needed to organize a wedding. Hindus and Muslims commonly use live instrumental bands as musical entertainment for their weddings and usually incorporate ... middle of paper ... different religions, are also very similar in relation to their wedding rituals and include various customs in their weddings. Works Cited Alkoutali, C. (2007). Islam. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark. CONCEPT OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM. (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.islamawarness.net/Marriage/marirage_article001.html Hinduism. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2014, from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hinduism-serinity-young/1007459510?ean=9780761421160 Islams Women - Introduction to Marriage in Islam. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2014, from http://www.islamswomen.com/marriage/into_to_marriage.php Young.S. (2007). Innovations and modern Hinduism. In Hinduism. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark.8 Types of Hindu Marriage. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://hinduism.about.com/od/matrimonial1/a/typesofmarriage.htm