Marriage is an important social event in contemporary society. It is a way to create new bonds between two individuals and their subsequent families. The foundations of memorable weddings are those that bring together often-distant family and friends for the occasion, dressed in their most sophisticated outfits, 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 marriage customs share some comparable elements, as do most other cultural wedding ceremonies. In both religions, they devotedly obey religious and cultural practices during their marital ceremonies. Weddings are an important rite of passage for these two religions and both Hindus and Muslims place great importance on their wedding ceremonies. Another similarity these two contrasting faiths share in terms of marriage customs is that both Hindus and Muslims spend extravagant amounts of money to ensure a high level of entertainment, fun and inspiration at their weddings. Additionally, Hindu and Muslim ceremonies are family oriented, resulting in large weddings. Furthermore, like any marriage, regardless of faith, the lavish nature of the wedding and its cost depend on the social class of the family. Generally, wealthier families spend excessive amounts of money to have a wedding that is both extravagant and highlights the family's wealth. While lower class families generally tend to meet the minimum requirements needed to hold a wedding. Hindus and Muslims commonly use live instrumental bands as musical entertainment for their weddings and usually incorporate...... middle of paper ...... different religions, they are also very similar when it comes to their rituals of marriage and embrace various customs in their weddings. Works Cited Alkoutali, C. (2007). Islam. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark. CONCEPT OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM. (nd). Retrieved April 28, 2014 from http://www.islamawarness.net/Marriage/marirage_article001.html Hinduism. (nd). Retrieved April 29, 2014 from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hinduism-serinity-young/1007459510?ean=9780761421160 Islams Women – Introduction to Marriage in Islam. (nd). 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: MarshallCavendish Benchmark.8 Types of Hindu Marriage. (nd). Retrieved from http://hinduism.about.com/od/matrimonial1/a/typesofmarriage.htm