Re: Nikkah and Rukhsati
Well i dont know what reason its done for in other families but in my family we have the nikkah done before the other functions so that both the groom and bride can enjoy the celebration together. Its just more comfortable for them to be together when they know they are married, atleast thats how it works in our family. And we have had all my siblings nikkah done on fridays cuz we consider it very auspicious day, MasAllah.
And like someone posted above, some people have nikkah done instead of engagement cuz its a better confirmation that everything is final. They may want time for ruksati if they are not prepared for the wedding stuff.