Though it is desirable that a young man marries as soon as possible after puberty, some have to wait for many years before they can afford to pay labb. Although it is not the sole responsibility of the groom to arrange for the labb, it is he who suffers if his family is unable to raise the required amount. The amount of labb is decided upon by the fathers of the bride and the groom, keeping in view the family background of the bride and her physical attraction. It is the father of the bride who keeps the full bride-price. However, labb is not practised among Bahawalanzai Marris who do not give their girls to other Marris or to any other tribesmen except those who belong to families of a similar standing among the Mazari, Drishak and Dombki tribes. In rare cases the bride is given dowry from her parents which, in most cases, is not very expensive. Endogamy is a common practice and brides-exchange is also observed. Sometimes marriages are arranged to mediate a rivalry in which a girl from the aggressor’s family – who is considered the honour of the family – is given in marriage to a member of the victim’s family. Elopement is a taboo and both the girl and the boy are murdered if found by the relatives.

The process of marriage starts with the parents of the boy searching a suitable match for their son as soon as he is mature enough to get married. Mothers have a relatively small role in deciding about the marriage of their son or daughter. Neither the groom nor the bride is allowed to choose his or her life partner him- or herself. The decision made by the parents is considered final. However, sometimes the groom is consulted before the final decision. When the parents of the groom select a bride for their son, they make a formal proposal to the bride’s parents, who may accept or reject the proposal. If both parties agree, details of the marriage, including the amount of labb and dates of the wedding, are finalised. With the Marris the amount of labb is relatively small compared to that of the Zarkoons. A few days before the wedding the groom’s father sends some flour, ghee and gur (sweet) to the bride’s father and arranges a feast for his friends and relatives who contribute some money (mana mokh) for the marriage. On the wedding day the wedding procession, accompanied by the women of the groom’s family, moves off to the bride’s home where nikah is read by mullah. All the expenses for meals offered to the wedding guests are paid by the groom’s family. In case of re-marriage of a widow, no marriage ceremonies are observed.