How we verify vendors
Our badges exist to help Muslim families make confident decisions. This page explains exactly what each badge means, how we check it, and (crucially) what it does not guarantee.
The journey every listing takes
No listing appears on PlanMyNikah without passing through this pipeline, and it keeps applying after a vendor goes live.
- Step 1
Vendor applies
The vendor submits their business details, services, photos and every badge they want to claim, from halal certification to prayer facilities.
- Step 248-hour review target
A human reviews it
A PlanMyNikah team member reviews the listing before it goes live. Listing approval and the separate identity-evidence decision are never automatic.
- Step 3Applies to “Reviewed” badges
Evidence is checked
Private identity documents, insurance evidence and halal evidence each go through a dedicated review queue. Expiry and re-review dates are recorded with the decision.
- Step 4Edits re-reviewed too
Approved and live
A listing can go live without a Verified badge. The green badge appears only while approved identity evidence is current; insurance and halal checks remain separate.
- Step 5Re-reviewed at least annually
Held accountable
We investigate every report from couples. Identity and insurance approvals are re-reviewed within 12 months and badges are removed when evidence expires or cannot be substantiated.
Two verification tiers
Every badge on PlanMyNikah falls into one of two tiers. We show you which is which so you can calibrate your own due diligence accordingly.
We have reviewed documentation or taken additional steps to verify the claim before approving the listing. Examples: HMC certificate reference checked, female photographer portfolio verified.
The vendor selected this attribute in their application. We have not independently verified it with third-party evidence. We still review applications before approval, but these claims rest primarily on vendor honesty.
The green Verified badge means a PlanMyNikah team member has approved current identity evidence for that vendor. It is separate from listing approval and insurance checks, and does not mean every other badge on their profile has been independently verified. Check the tier on each badge below.
Badge-by-badge breakdown
Every Muslim-specific trust badge that can appear on a listing, and exactly how far we go to check it.
Vendor claims to hold a current Halal Monitoring Committee certificate covering their kitchen or supply chain.
How we check: We request the certificate reference and expiry date. You can independently verify any HMC certificate at hmc.org.uk.
Vendor operates a halal-only kitchen but is not HMC-certified. They may hold a certificate from another recognised body (e.g. HFCE, HFA) or operate under owner-managed halal practices.
How we check: Self-declared at application. We recommend asking the vendor directly which certifying body, if any, they use.
The venue or caterer does not serve or allow alcohol on site.
How we check: Self-declared. Confirmed with venue during application review for approved listings.
The venue offers separate seating arrangements for male and female guests on request.
How we check: Self-declared. We ask venues to confirm the physical layout and whether barriers, separate rooms or timed seatings are available.
A designated prayer space is available on site for guests.
How we check: Self-declared at application.
The venue is equipped and willing to host a nikah ceremony on site.
How we check: Self-declared. We confirm during the application review that the vendor understands what a nikah ceremony requires.
The lead photographer is a woman, suitable for brides who require female-only coverage.
How we check: Portfolio reviewed at application. We verify that photos credited to the vendor are taken by a female photographer.
The business is owned or led by women.
How we check: Self-declared at application.
Female staff are available for bridal or couple-facing interactions.
How we check: Self-declared at application.
The venue permits couples to bring in their own halal caterer.
How we check: Self-declared and confirmed in writing at application.
What verification does NOT guarantee
- Ongoing compliance. Certificates expire. Vendor practices can change after their listing goes live. We do not conduct real-time re-checks. Always confirm critical requirements directly with the vendor before booking.
- Independent food testing. We do not taste-test or visit kitchens to verify halal practices. HMC certification (where shown) is issued by HMC, not PlanMyNikah.
- Unannounced audits. We rely primarily on vendor honesty and review documentation at application. We are a marketplace, not a certification body.
- All badges on all listings. “Verified” means current identity evidence was approved. Listing approval, insurance evidence, halal evidence and self-declared features remain separate decisions.
How often do we re-check? For an approved application, identity and insurance evidence is reviewed again within 12 months; insurance is due sooner when its policy expires. Halal badges follow the reviewed certificate expiry. We remove an affected approval when evidence expires or can no longer be substantiated. Always confirm requirements that matter to your booking directly with the vendor.
Spotted something wrong?
If you believe a vendor’s badges are inaccurate (for example, a caterer claiming HMC certification that you cannot verify), please report it. We investigate every report and will remove badges or suspend listings where claims cannot be substantiated.
Report a concernLast updated July 2026. Questions? Contact us.