It's graduation season, and there is a new class of graduates who are basking in the glow of their incredible accomplishment and deserve to be celebrated! Whether you’re a graduate looking to treat yourself, or you want to congratulate a loved one with a special gift – we put together this guide to help you get started! 

Chiffons Take You From Student to Professional

With a shift from studying to focusing on your next career move (if you’re graduating from college), a closet refresh is always a good idea! Our 

 make for a simple update with a substantial impact. Providing a crisp and polished look with a wrinkle-resistant finish, they are perfect for professional settings and the interviews that will get you there!

 takes all the guesswork out of choosing the right colors! Specially curated for both warm and cool skin tones, it features four of our most coveted neutral shades that make for excellent foundations. And, our must-have 

If you love to shop and want to make the most out of your experience, customize your gift! Browse all of our chiffons and handpick your favorite neutrals, pastels and rich jewel tones to curate a personal selection for that special someone.

A good hijab day starts with the right foundations and go-to hijabs. We recommend our 

, which features these best sellers: Premium Jersey Hijabs in Jet Black, Rose Quartz and Light Mink. Give the graduate in your life the VIP treatment and save $5 when you purchase this elite set!

Another ideal gift idea is to gift a graduate superb foundational pieces to help them have the best hijab day every day. Start by choosing an underscarf: Select the 

 if you’re gifting a graduate with natural hair.

. Make it extra special and add a hijab of your choice for a gift that will be loved and appreciated over and over again.

Former HH Sport Ambassador Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir in the FlexFit Sport Hijab

Give your graduate the perfect sport hijab to help keep her cool and comfortable in her active lifestyle! Our HH Sport Hijabs combine high-performance design and sleek silhouettes that don’t compromise aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with our 

If you’d rather choose from among the entire collection, our sport hijabs are available in four different styles. The 

 are feather-light, no-fuss pull-on styles that stay in place. 

 is another great option that can be worn alone or with the 

! Pick your favorite or mix and match for the ultimate HH graduation gift.

There's no time like graduation to gift a graduate something that brings a little glitz and glam to her life. The 

 includes two of our Perfect Satin Hijabs in Gold and Silver featuring an elegant shine and a liquid drape accentuated by a pair of our sparkling Pavé Crystal Hijab Magnets in 14k gold plating. This versatile set is essential for special occasions and makes for a breathtaking gift. Plus, you'll save $10 when you purchase these items as a set.

If you waited too long or you simply want to give the gift of choice, our 

 are always on stand-by! Choose any amount from $25 up to $250. Seriously, who doesn’t love getting a gift card?!

If you choose to purchase a hijab set, foundation set or anything else from our online store catalogue, we also offer gift wrapping in an elegant reusable gift box or a beautiful dust bag. Include a personalized message and have your gift shipped directly to you or your recipient!

Congratulations to the resilient graduates of 2023! You overcame challenges and successfully made it to the finish line. We wish you a bright future full of purpose and meaningful accomplishments, 

HH's Graduation Gift Guide – 5 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Graduate!

Are you a parent who hasn't had a break in years – or even decades? I know the feeling. My husband and I just took our first couples trip in 20 years; we just never felt comfortable leaving our children behind. But those few precious days were worth it. I finally had time to reconnect with my spouse and rediscover some of our unique qualities as a couple.

As parents, we know how hard it is to find peace and quiet in our hectic lives. But did you know that taking time for yourself and your partner can positively impact your mental, emotional and physical health? And it's even in line with Islamic values. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of alone time for couples and remember that a strong, healthy and loving marriage is beneficial not only for you and your spouse, but your whole family!

Setting aside time to connect with your spouse can deepen your emotional bond and promote overall marital harmony. Islam places great value on love and companionship within a marriage, making it crucial to nurture these relationships regularly.

2. Reduce Stress and Promote Mental Wellness

Parenting can be stressful, and taking time for yourself and your partner allows you to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. By seeking peace and tranquility within your marriage, you can enjoy better mental and emotional well-being as Islamic teachings encourage.

The author and her husband on their recent first getaway without their kids.

In our busy daily lives, communication can suffer. Alone time provides an environment where both partners can engage in meaningful conversations and be more open and honest. This fosters understanding, unity and emotional support – all values that Islam emphasizes in marital relationships.

4. Grow Spiritually and Faith(fully) Together

Alone time with your spouse can also nourish your spiritual connection. By engaging in acts of worship together, you can deepen your bond and strengthen your individual faith and mindfulness. This as an integral part of marital life and so important for our 

Intimacy (both physical and mental) is vital to a healthy marriage and promotes physical and emotional well being. And we all know that once children enter into the picture, finding time to be fully present and intimate with your spouse can be challenging. By prioritizing intimate time with your partner, it makes for a healthier and more fulfilling marital relationship, which aligns with Islamic values a strong marital partnership.

Time alone with your spouse also enables you to pursue personal interests and self-reflection, promoting personal growth within the marriage. Islam emphasizes the importance of self improvement and self care for overall well being.

Investing in your relationship and creating a nurturing environment for your entire family can be accomplished by prioritizing alone time for yourself and your spouse. This practice offers numerous benefits to your life and aligns with so many of our Islamic values.

We recognize that not everyone has the wherewithal and privilege to be able to spend apart from one’s children. Some of us live far away from extended family who could help, or we have extenuating circumstances or maybe not the financial means to get away. If you can’t manage a few days away with your spouse, maybe try just for an evening or one night.

So, try and take some time for yourself and your partner! Doing so will help ensure your marriage's health and strengthen your connection with your spouse. May Allah (S) bless us all and guide us to find precious moments of solitude and connection with those we love.

Zaiba Hasan is part of the dynamic duo behind the award-winning podcast,

. She is the founder of and a spiritual parent coach at

, an interfaith mediator and sports mama extraordinaire. Look for her on the baseball fields and basketball courts in the DMV (Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) area cheering from the sidelines.

6 Health (and Islamic) Benefits of Prioritizing Couples Time With Your Spouse

There’s searching for your marital partner the first (and hopefully only) time around, And then there’s searching for a marital partner after you’ve gone through a divorce. The two, while they share similarities, are often very different processes.

Divorce is a significant life event that can bring emotional challenges, and starting the process of finding a new partner can add additional complexity and concerns. After experiencing a divorce, it's natural to feel hesitant about trusting and opening up to a new potential partner. The fear of getting hurt again or encountering similar issues in a future relationship can be daunting. Taking time to rebuild trust in yourself and others is essential.

When you’re ready to meet and consider someone else for marriage, where do you start? How do you meet someone? And how do you know when you’re *really* ready?

Divorce is hard (no matter how amicable it may have been). Period. It's important to allow yourself time to heal and process your feelings before embarking on a new search for a spouse. Taking care of your emotional well-being is crucial.

Consider therapy to explore your feelings. Talking to a therapist can be beneficial if worrying thoughts or emotions keep you from connecting with others. It's important to find someone who is understanding and non-judgmental so that it feels safe enough for you to explore the topics at hand.

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family or professionals, such as therapists or counselors. They can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings, offer guidance, and help you navigate the emotional challenges of divorce.

Prioritize self-care activities that promote your emotional well-being. Think about exercising, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, journaling, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Taking care of your physical health, such as getting enough sleep and eating well, is also important for your emotional well-being.

Once you feel that you have reached a point of emotional stability and are ready to explore the possibility of a new relationship, it is perfectly acceptable to re-engage in the Muslim marriage scene. You deserve love and companionship!

There are many different ways to meet new people. One option readily available is to explore Muslim matrimonial apps and sites, which has grown in popularity in recent years. These platforms provide a convenient and focused way for Muslims to connect with potential partners who share similar values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds. They have their downsides as well, but there is potential to find a match!

Muslim matrimonial platforms are designed to help individuals find partners who align with their religious and cultural values. They provide detailed profiles and search filters that allow users to specify their preferences and find compatible matches within the Muslim community.

Using matrimonial services is not compulsory to get married, but it can be a beneficial and efficient way to find your life partner. Muslim platforms provide an organized and (mostly) respectful environment (you can’t always avoid undesirable people) for users to interact with potential partners. These services facilitate the process of finding suitable matches, making it easier for individuals seeking marriage to connect with like-minded people.

Here are some popular Muslim matrimonial apps and websites that you can explore:

Image source: Pexels; Photo by Mikhail Nilov

 (formerly Muzmatch) is a widely recognized app that focuses on helping Muslims find their ideal partner for marriage. It offers a user-friendly interface, advanced search filters, and a verification process to ensure a safe and secure experience.

 is a global matrimonial website that has been in operation for over 20 years. It caters to Muslims seeking marriage partners and offers a vast user base and comprehensive search options.

 is a popular dating and matrimonial site in the Cupid Media network. It connects Muslim singles worldwide and provides convenient features such as advanced search, instant messaging, and a mobile app.

 is a Muslim matrimonial site that emphasizes privacy and compatibility. It promotes long-term relationships and offers features like private messaging, personality matching, and a comprehensive profile builder.

 is a personalized matchmaking service that caters to Muslims seeking marriage. It offers one-on-one consultations with matchmakers who work to understand individual preferences and facilitate compatible matches.

 is a Muslim dating app inspired by other dating apps' popular swiping features. It aims to create a safe and inclusive space for Muslims to meet potential partners.

Remember to research and evaluate these and any other platforms to find the one that aligns with your values, goals and individual needs. Talk to people who have used some of these apps to gauge their experiences, but realize that yours can be different. Remember that while these platforms can be helpful, it's important to approach them cautiously and prioritize your safety and well-being.

Uncharted Territories – Tips for How to Use Muslim Marital Apps

Muslim matrimony apps are a new and exciting thing to explore for women who have previously found spouses through traditional means. These apps can also be a great option for anyone who has gone through a divorce after a long-term marriage and those who may not be tech-savvy. When using a Muslim matrimonial app, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Create a complete and authentic profile:

 Take the time to create a detailed and authentic profile that reflects your personality, values and what you are seeking in a partner. Provide accurate information about yourself, including your background, interests and religious beliefs. A well-crafted profile helps attract individuals who are genuinely compatible with you.

 Communicate your intentions and what you seek in a partner. Whether looking for marriage, companionship or friendship, being upfront about your goals is important. This helps ensure that you are connecting with individuals who share similar intentions.

 Most matrimonial apps offer search filters that allow you to narrow down your search based on specific criteria such as age, education, religious practice and more. Use these filters effectively to find potential matches that align with your preferences and requirements.

 When you encounter profiles that interest you, initiate conversations with genuine and thoughtful messages. Take the time to get to know the person, ask questions and share information about yourself. Meaningful conversations can help gauge compatibility and establish a connection.

 While using any online platform, it's important to prioritize your safety. Be cautious about sharing personal information too quickly and avoid engaging with individuals 

 or make you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts and report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to the app's support team.

 Building a strong foundation for a potential relationship takes time. Take time to make decisions or commitments (like setting intentions) and thoroughly get to know the person as much as possible, Insha’Allah. Invest time in conversation, ask important questions, and consider meeting in person when both parties feel comfortable.

7. Seek offline support and verification:

 While apps provide a platform to connect, seeking offline verification and support is essential. Involve your wali, trusted family members, friends or religious leaders who can guide, advise and support you throughout the process.

When using these services, remember that it's important to keep an open mind and remain patient throughout the process. Don't rush into things or settle for someone who isn't right for you – take your time.

Finding a compatible partner takes time and patience. Use Muslim matrimonial apps as a tool to initiate connections, but also be open to other avenues of meeting potential partners, such as through community events or introductions from friends and family. Ultimately, the goal is to find a partner who shares your values, understands you and contributes to a fulfilling and loving relationship. 

Have you ever used a Muslim matrimonial/dating app? Share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!

Seeking Marriage? Here are 6 Muslim Matrimonial Apps to Try and How to Navigate Them

 These responses have been lightly edited for clarity and structure.

When it comes to building a life with a partner, we often spend a lot of time planning for the wedding and surrounding events. But it’s the “ever after” that is really the crux of the life we build together with our spouse.

Marriage isn’t easy – that’s the understatement of the millennium. However, it can be so, so worth it. We asked married (and divorced) women what advice they have to share when it comes to creating a respectful, happy, loving marriage. And while there’s no standard or secret formula, many of you had great things to share, some of which were repeated multiple times! 

Accept each other for who they are. DO NOT TRY TO CHANGE one another. That is when disaster strikes. Especially when marrying into another culture. Allah (S) put those characteristics in that person for a reason. If you try to break it, you will break the person and the marriage. If Allah (S) is not the lead and 

is not first in your marriage, it will fail.

Safia Dahhan – Respect is Most Important

I have been happily married for 10 years, 

. When I look back at the naive young Safia who was about to get married in 2013, I think of how different I feel now to that person now. I think as young women, we [often] go into marriage thinking it'll be a fairytale, oblivious to the ups and downs of what "real" marriage is. We all want that happily ever after, which is quite understandable.

When it came to deciding whether I should marry my now husband or not, I got caught up in what people would think. Does he match up to me in looks, status, heritage and so on? However, what was essential and what has kept our relationship strong for the past 10 years is RESPECT. I felt that from day one, and I often follow my intuition.

Make sure the person you choose as a life partner respects you, first and foremost. Everything after that – be it wealth, kids, career or owning a house – comes in due time. But make sure the foundations of marriage are built on respect.

I was married for 13 years. One piece of advice I would give newlyweds [and married couples in general] is to not sweat the small stuff and know which battles to fight. Not everything is worth an argument. Also, try not to involve others in your marriage. You may resolve things, but the person you complain to [about your spouse] will always see [him or her] as what you said about them, so it’s better to try and not to at all.

Also, surround yourself with people who will call you out on your wrong doings, not those who will support everything you do or say. Take marriage counseling before marriage if needed, and remember to have faith in Allah (S) first and foremost. Base your marriage around Allah (S).

Nozrin Laskar – Show Kindness & Grace to Each Other and Yourselves

1. It’s not you versus. him, but rather you AND him versus the problem at hand. Learn to fight together as a team. It will take time and skill to get to this point. But when you do, conflict and resolution will be smoother.

2. We are constantly evolving and maturing as we carve out our time on this Earth. Your partner is too. You will learn to fall in love with new versions of your spouse, as they will with you. You won't like them every day. And that is normal and okay.

3. Marriage is incredibly beautiful, but it is not easy. It requires hard work and commitment. Every day you will learn something new about your partner. They, too, will learn about you. Show them kindness and grace. Don't forget to also show yourself kindness and grace.

4. Listen to and respect each other. Honor each other's space. Lead by example.

5. It’s OK to financially contribute to your household or even be the sole bread earner. Do not forget who Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was and how she used her finances to aid those around her.

6. If your spouse is a revert, be patient and supportive. The best thing you can do is encourage their journey and celebrate their victories. Allah (S) is Creator and Turner of hearts.

premarital couples therapy or couples counseling

 to optimize communication skills in your relationship.

Maryam H. – Set the Standards & Expectations From the Beginning

My one marriage advice would be to set the standards and expectations from your husband and for yourself from the very beginning of marriage. This saves a lot of miscommunication and headaches later on.

I think the key is, aside from being romantic partners, being best friends with your husband, because romance is only like 5-10 percent of your marriage. The rest is day-to-day management, and sometimes can get mundane as you go about your daily routines. Find something that’s your thing, that you both do together and look forward to. Bonus if you try new things together; the excitement of something new is always so fun and brings people closer!

At the same time, make sure you have time for yourself and your friends once in a while too. Let each other miss each other. Distance, even if for a few hours, can make the heart grow fonder.

This piece of advice was given to me by a friend of mine when I got married and has stuck with me since: Always remember, at the end of the day, that you are both on the same team.

Learn how to fight. You WILL fight. And sometimes, you will fight often. Learning how to fight maturely can turn those moments into learning and growth opportunities for your relationship. If you’re really in the heat of it, keep your language about the problem and don’t take digs on each other as people. Words aren’t easily forgotten.

Also, never stop working on yourself. Be so secure in who you are that your husband only compliments you and adds to your life, he shouldn’t be the keeper of your entire value (as perceived by you). A woman who knows who she is is worth more than gold.

And finally, no one changes unless they want to and are motivated to. Don’t expect to change your spouse. This is something to think about when making your choice for your life partner.

What marriage advice do you have to share? Share with us in the comments below!

6 Women Get Real on What it Takes to Navigate 'Happily Ever After' in Marriage

Marriage plays a significant role in the lives of many Muslims. A loving and functional spousal relationship is highly valued to fulfill religious and emotional needs, establish a family unit and uphold the teachings and principles of Islam.

Marriage allows Muslims to form a deep bond of love, companionship and emotional support with their spouse. It is seen as a means of finding comfort, solace and a lifelong partner to share life's joys and challenges. So as parents, how do we go about helping our children find their partners in life, or even just provide them with the proper guidance in their own search? How do we know when they are ready?

We often feel a sense of responsibility to guide our children on the path of marriage. Equipping them with the necessary means to select a suitable spouse when the time comes is crucial, requiring many conversations from when they’re young and starting to mature to the stage in their life when they are ready to search for a spouse.

We may start instilling Islamic values, principles and teachings related to marriage from an early age. We should introduce basic concepts of marriage, such as the importance of finding a compatible partner with similar values and beliefs. These discussions can start during the teenage years,when parents may discuss the purpose of marriage, the importance of developing a strong Islamic foundation, and the significance of making wise relationship choices.

(How do we help our youth prepare for marriage? 

We can address dating, modesty and the Islamic perspective on love and attraction. (

!) As their children reach adulthood and express an interest in marriage, Muslim parents often engage in 

more focused conversations about the practical aspects of marriage

. We may discuss the process of finding a suitable partner, the importance of compatibility, the significance of pre-marital counseling or education, and the responsibilities and expectations associated with marriage.

Muslim parents understand the importance of discussing marriage with their children, and these conversations are tailored to each 

child's age, gender and readiness to find a spouse

. Muslim fathers will talk with their sons differently than with their daughters. Likewise, Muslim moms will have conversations with their daughters similar in some ways but also distinct from those with their sons.

When Muslim mothers talk to their daughters about marriage, several important aspects must be considered. Mothers should talk to their daughters openly but confidently about modesty and respect for themselves while emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions when selecting a partner. Conversations must be conducted positively and in an empowering way so she feels secure in her decision-making abilities.

Here are some points that might be discussed during conversations:

1. Understanding the purpose of marriage: 

Muslim mothers often emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose and significance of marriage in Islam. They may discuss how marriage is seen as a means of companionship and love, mutual support and family building based on Islamic principles.

: Mothers may emphasize the importance of seeking a partner with similar Islamic values and beliefs. They may encourage their daughters to consider potential suitors' religious devotion, character, moral values and compatibility in terms of goals, aspirations and lifestyles.

3. Balancing personal choice and parental guidance:

 If you as a parent are actively involved in your daughter’s search for a spouse and marriage decisions, make sure to encourage your daughters to participate actively. They may discuss the importance of open communication, getting to know potential partners, and ensuring that the decision is ultimately based on mutual consent.

4. Importance of education and personal development: 

As mothers, we should emphasize the importance of education and personal growth for our daughters before and after marriage. We should encourage our daughters to pursue their educational and career aspirations, develop their talents, and become independent individuals who can contribute positively to their families and society.

 Muslim mothers may discuss cultural and family considerations that play a role in marriage decisions. They may discuss maintaining familial ties, respecting traditions and balancing cultural and familial expectations and personal preferences. These are extremely important discussions to have, especially if there is a possibility of joint family living.

 Muslim mothers should discuss practical aspects of married life with their daughters, such as financial responsibilities, household management and raising children. What are their expectations? What should they expect from a husband? What are they willing to take on or give up to help build a family life? What 

questions are they willing to ask a potential spouse

? Mothers may share their experiences and guide them in navigating the challenges and joys of married life.

 If a Muslim daughter expresses her desire to stay single, her mother needs to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding and respect for her daughter's choices. Staying single is a personal choice that shouldn't be tied to religious guilt. This desire is not un-Islamic, and they don't have to feel ashamed for wanting to remain unmarried. Empower your daughter by acknowledging and validating her feelings and experiences.

Society can put a lot of pressure on young women when it comes to marriage, but it's important to let her know that she has the right to make her own decisions. Give your daughter the tools to navigate this challenging time confidently and independently.

Conversations about marriage between mothers and daughters should consider cultural backgrounds, personal beliefs and unique family dynamics. The goal is to foster open communication that supports both individuals' well being while staying true to Islamic principles.

Muslim moms should strive for open dialogue with their daughters about marriage so they can make informed decisions about their future. By emphasizing the importance of education and values, mothers will be able to provide respectful and supportive guidance. 

Ultimately, it's up to each Muslimah to decide what path is best according to her feelings while remaining true to Islam’s teachings on marriage.

Have you ever talked about marriage with your daughter (or son)? Share with us in the comments below!

Talking To Your Daughter About Marriage? Here are 7 Things to Consider

The end of spring time typically kicks off celebration season throughout the summer months for many of us. With graduations, bridal parties and weddings, let the festivities begin! If you are a maid of honor of a bridesmaid for a wedding this year, whether that’s official or in an unsaid capacity, I am here to help you with some tips on how to be the best maid of honor there is and help your bride to feel as stress-free as possible!

If you’ve been a bride before, you know that it is not all glitter and glam. Planning a wedding can actually become a very stressful undertaking. Having someone help take off some that load will go a long way and help the bride relax and enjoy the process leading up to her big day.

What your bride needs more than anything is a second set of hands. This applies whether or not she has chosen to hire a wedding planner. While a wedding planner is a huge help, it is also costly, so your bride will rely on you to take on some of her wedding planning responsibilities. There will still be some follow up with the wedding planner, if that is the path she chooses to take. It’s always a great idea to sit down with your bride and make a to-do list and plan on how to tackle it.

Being her right hand may take on many forms. Physically, she will need help with ideas on where to begin contacting vendors such as the venue, photographer, videographer, decor, florist, dress shops, bakery and so on. The list is endless. She will also need someone to go on these appointments with her to help get second opinions and make decisions.

Don’t forget that she will also need you on her big day! Helping her get ready, holding her dress and bouquet, and grabbing her a drink. Basically making sure the bride is taken care of and has back up at all times!

The author Danah Shuli and her family helping her sister on her wedding day.

Securing dates and mapping out what your bride’s timeline will look like is another huge undertaking for which she will need your help. Being her right hand also means being there for her emotionally. Sometimes what we want and what is realistic do not align, and that can cause a lot of emotions and stress.

Being a bridesmaid is no easy task. It is a lot to take on and there is no need for you to feel the pressure of doing it all yourself. Reel in the rest of the bridal party, the bride’s closest friends or her sisters to help you with some of these responsibilities. If the bride has chosen you as the main lead, remember that and consult with her (as needed) as you delegate tasks. 

With the right intention your help can be transformed into a form of 

, helping your friend in need as she embarks on one of the most important phases of her life! Remember that you can only do your best and don’t over-stress about all of the details and to-do’s. You are here to help the bride de-stress after all!

Regular Check-In’s and Being a Listening Ear

The months leading up to your bride’s big day can be an emotional rollercoaster. Not only is she planning her wedding and dealing with all the logistics but she may be preparing to leave her parents’ house (or if she has already moved out, readying to share space with her husband) and in some cases, move to another city, state or even country.

Your friend is going through a lot of emotions and being pulled in all different directions. What she needs from you is to sit down and listen. Sometimes all you need is for someone to hear you out who is not part of your immediate family, someone on the outside. Bring a favorite drink, or take her out on a coffee date, and let her spill her heart out.

It’s also a good idea to regularly check-in with your bride on the latest with her wedding planning details, but also life and how she is coping with it all. Sometimes all you need is to think out loud and have a listening ear. Maybe she needs a hand with starting to pack her things or just someone to remind her of the to-do’s of that week or month. Being that person she can lean on will help her feel at ease and supported.

Capturing the perfect photo is great. But in my opinion, there is something special about looking at all that happened behind the scenes. Consider being your bride’s unofficial behind-the-scenes photographer by always having your camera or phone ready to capture her in the moment. Whether that’s during your planning sessions, appointments, party prep or even while she gets ready for her big day and any events leading up to the wedding.

Or, if this is too much to handle with your other responsibilities towards your bride, loop in another trusted friend and assign them behind-the-scenes photo-snapping duties! So many fun and poignant moments can be captured this way.

There is so much you can do with these candid photos that will make a beautifully sentimental gift. Take videos along with photos and combine your snippets into a montage for an emotionally-wrenching gift before her wedding. Get crafty and create a scrapbook with your favorite behind-the-scenes photos for her to look back on and remember all that went into planning this day.

This part of the wedding process is definitely a maid of honor task with the help of the bridal party. There are so many ways you can go about this, and just a quick search on Pinterest will unlock so many possibilities for you in terms of theme, game ideas, decor and set up. Previously, I’ve written a post on 

. You can use this post as a guide and switch all things baby to all things bridal!

It’s also fun to think outside of the box. You can host a bridal brunch at your bride’s favorite restaurant or even at home. Instead of a traditional party or get together, plan a fun activity that your bride enjoys for everyone to do together. A guided painting class with light snacks and drinks, or an outdoor adventure – like canoeing with a picnic on the lake – if your girl is the outdoorsy type.

Even going out to a flower-picking field and hiring a photographer to snap photos of your bride and her besties is another great way to celebrate your special girl and have memories captured.

I hope this post has got your juices flowing on how best to support your bride-to-be as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. Having loved ones around us to support us in our most joyous occasions is truly an honor, so own that title and be the best maid of honor you can be!

Were you ever a maid of honor, whether officially or unofficially? What did you do to help support your bride? What did she especially appreciate? What would you not do again? Share all your tips in the comments below!

How to Be the Best Maid of Honor or Bridesmaid & Help Reduce Your Bride's Stress

Planning your wedding, no matter how heavily or little you are involved in the planning process, is a real roller coaster of a ride! Accommodating the input, wishes and needs of the bride’s and groom’s families, executing bridal vision, incorporating families and guests, planning however many events go along with the wedding - it can be overwhelming. Even if you choose to keep things simple and streamlined, there is still plenty to think about.

Amid all this, we want to focus on the bride: What tips and tricks can help brides manage everything that happens on their big day and help them to enjoy the wedding experience unfolding around them? We took this question to you – past brides – and you had some great advice to share! Here are 17 great tips to help you have the best wedding experience!

Omneya Said – Practice Wearing Your Wedding Hijab & Roll with the Punches!

1. If you' wear hijab, get your hijab as soon as you can and practice how to wear it! I added a crystal headband and veil but wasn’t sure how I’d attach them, so practicing ahead of time helped! Also, it’s important to know what you’re going to do with all the extra fabric if the hijab is on the larger side. Don’t experiment with something new the day of.

2. If you’re having a cocktail hour, make sure to have food brought up to your bridal suite and eat, because the rest of the night flies by and you will not have time to eat. People will come up to you during dinner for pictures, and before you know it dinner is over and you haven’t eaten.

Image source: Qamarah Hayes. Qamarah is wearing our 

4. Things will go wrong (not to be a pessimist). Let it. Know that you’ve done all you could in your power but sometimes things out of our control happen, and that’s okay! Roll with the punches! Chances are your guests won’t even notice.

5. Smile! All eyes, cameras and phones are on you today.

6. My favorite thing that I did was to create a Google photos shared album. I shared the link with our guests and asked them to dump their photos from the night into it. This gave me and my husband something to look through while we waited for our professional portraits. It also gives you a glimpse of your guests! Your photographer is so focused on you and your bridal party that he/she may not catch photos of the guests.

7. Don’t do mail-in RSVPs. Chances are people will lose them or forget to send them back. There are so many great websites now that allow your guests to login and RSVP right from their phone. You can even add a QR code for them to scan to direct them to the website for easy access.

8. Have fun! You made it! The day you dreamt of is finally here. Enjoy it and take it all in. It goes by so quickly!

Noor Suleiman, HH’s Marketing Manager – Don’t Wear Anything For the First Time

9. Don’t wear anything for the first time on your wedding day. Let me explain: Break in your wedding heels to avoid unnecessary blisters, try on your hijab and veil/dupatta before, and make sure you perfect the styling. If you can, do a makeup and hair trial. If you can’t, stick with tried and true colors – you don’t want to try anything you’ve never done before and end up hating it.

Image source: Farah Mahmood. Farah is wearing our 

10. This is YOUR day. Stop worrying about everyone else and family politics and what not. When you look back on your wedding in 10 or 20 years you want to have the best memories! Party it up, girlfriend!

11. Have a designated wedding planner or point person for the day of. This person doesn’t have to be hired, she could be a hyper organized friend of yours or a family member. This person should be the contact point for all the vendors and be the director, if you will, of the wedding. She should be the person who knows where and what is happening at all times, in the correct order, with the correct people ;)

12. Don’t go crazy spending. That money is better spent on your first home or your first travels together as a couple. Invest in key, non-negotiables for you and your hubby (for some that’s flowers and photography, for others it’s venue and food, others it’s the dress, etc).

Umber Siddiqui – Get Yourself a Skin-Colored Turtleneck

13. I bought a skin-colored, sleeveless, fitted crop top turtleneck off Amazon that is a gem for hijabis! It covers my chest, neck and back, and so I was able to also place jewelry on top to cover it. I wear it all the time even now when I have a low cut top or low cut back.

Danah Shuli, HH Blog Writer – Keep Your Hijab On

Image source: Chasity Zwicker Photography; Recreate her look with our 

14. If you’re planning to have a split wedding at any point, where the men and women will be separated, don’t bother taking off your hijab when you’re in a women-only space unless you have a stylist there to fix your hair. And even if you do, I’d recommend keeping your hijab on because it takes time to go upstairs or to a private space and have your hair fixed, and meanwhile your guests are waiting around for you to come.

And then after you put your hijab on at the end of the night, it’s usually wrapped kind of messy and not polished like when you started the wedding. For me, personally, it wasn’t worth the hour that I had my hijab off. We did take photos at home without my hijab, but the photos my husband and I took at the wedding venue without my hijab, I just did not like them. I felt my hair looked like a hot mess.

Mona Mostafa, HH Influencer Manager – Keep Two Hijabs Handy

I remember getting so many pieces of advice before my wedding day. One of them was about the art of saying hello. Since I’m of Egyptian descent, we culturally say hello to our guests by kissing both cheeks, and your wedding day is no different. One thing I hadn’t thought of before was makeup. What if someone kissed you who had red lips or a lot of makeup that rubbed off on your white/ivory (or whatever color) hijab? Sounds like a disaster, right? Doesn’t have to be if you come prepared. So with that, I’d advise two things:

Image source: Mona Mostafa; Mona is wearing our 

15. On that particular day, try to only do air kisses – no need to get so close, especially with Covid being so common now. That’s the last thing you need on your honeymoon.

16. In the event of an accident happening (ie. something spilling on your hijab, someone getting a little too close with their makeup, etc.), it’s best you come prepared with two wedding hijabs, just in case! The last thing you’ll want is to step away from your wedding to remove your hijab and wash it when you can just replace it with another identical one. Better safe than sorry!

Fatima M. – Keep a Lot of Straight Pins Handy (in Addition to Other Pins & Magnets)

17. My biggest piece of advice is to prepare yourself with straight pins! I only had safety pins to make my turban hijab, and it was a bit of a disaster. 

(Here at Haute Hijab, we'd also recommend having some of our 

 at the ready as well to help you style your hijab) 

My maid of honor ended up cutting a piece of my hijab off to cover the safety pins. 

What are your best tips (or things you'd advise avoiding or not doing) when it comes to your hijab, wedding gown or other things on your wedding day? Share with us in the comments below!

17 Essential Tips from Past Brides to Help You Have The Best, Most Fun Wedding Day!

In all my years of being married – and there have been a lot of them – I’ve often pondered this one question about intimacy, building trust and one’s wedding night: How can a Muslim woman (I can only speak from a woman’s perspective) who has followed the teachings of her faith and has kept a respectable distance from the non-mahram boys/men she has met in her life be comfortable engaging in sex with her husband on her wedding night?