Wedding Tents

A few weeks ago we noticed a large tent going up in an empty lot. We talked to a friend and found out that this is most likely a tent for a tradiational wedding. I don't know a lot about how weddings go here but will let you in on what I found out.  Most families have their wedding in tents randomly set up in the city or outskirts of the city. It took them weeks to set up the tent. In the picture it looks like a building but the whole unit is a tent. When we would drive past on the weekends I would see them carrying in AC units, really large Persian rugs, huge red velvet chairs, tables, all kinds of fancy things. They also put rugs outside in front of the tent and lined up the red chairs along the edges. There were huge stadium lights all around the outside. I am not sure if there was to be entertainment outside or the ceremony would take place there. I wasn't holding my breath for an invitation, unlike the royal wedding where I was just waiting by the mailbox! (OK, I am just kidding) The tent is more than likely just for the men. The women will go to a special house or hotel and have their own private party. This way, with no men around they may dress as they please, without the black abayas. I have heard their parties are very nice as well. I was trying to understand if there was an actual ceremony in the tent. I am not sure where the women and men do converge for a wedding. I think the tent isn't the only place they celebrate as they might go to several locations throughout the city before it is all complete. I was hoping to get a picture with everything set up but as it took them weeks and weeks to prepare for the wedding festivities it only took a day or two to return it to an empty, dusty, lot again.