Walima: who gives it, when, and who to invite
The walima is the wedding feast of the Sunnah. What the hadith say about it, when it is held, and how families plan it today.
Who gives it
The groom. When Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf married, the Prophet ﷺ said to him: "Give a banquet, even if with one sheep" (Bukhari 5167). In Britain the groom’s family usually hosts it and sends the invitation.
When
After the Nikah. In the Hanafi school the best time is after the couple have come together, and holding it before is also valid (SeekersGuidance). Many families hold it the day after the wedding, or a few days later.
Who to invite
Family, friends and neighbours, and not only the well-off: "The worst food is that of a wedding banquet to which only the rich are invited while the poor are not invited" (Bukhari 5177).
Those invited are asked to come: "If anyone of you is invited to a wedding banquet, he must go" (Bukhari 5173).
How much
Within your means. The finest walima the Prophet ﷺ gave, when he married Zaynab, was one sheep (Bukhari 5168).
Planning it
The invitation names who invites, usually the groom’s parents, then the couple, the day, the time and the hall. If seating is separate, say so on it, and count replies for men and for women and children apart, so each hall is laid for the right number.