A Malay Wedding

This day was another milestone in my life – I was invited to a Malay wedding for the very  first time.A Malay wedding is a great cultural experience. It is a grand affair..I  attended the  post wedding lavish Feast called the  Makan beradab .

A Malay wedding begins with the akad nikah ceremony. The groom signs the marriage contract and agrees to provide the bride with dowry. Yes you heard me right! Gold and gifts are given to the bride!

The Bride looked radiant and stunning in the traditional attire, alongside the handsome groom.

The highlight  of a Malay traditional Wedding is the Bersanding ceremony. The Malays usually call the wedded couple as "Raja Sehari" or "Royals for the Day". During the Bersanding ceremony as is the Malay custom, the bridal couple is sprinkled  with yellow rice, fragrant potpourri, and scented water by  family members, relatives and guests, as a sign of blessing.

   A traditional Malay wedding is  pretty informal too.Guests can arrive at anytime they please given a time frame.Food is an important part of the celebration; The food is served buffet style so everyone can help themselves to what they want.The Feast Fit For a King! Different types of rice, plain, biryani, flavoured, cooked with coconut milk and spices and herbs. Variety is the spice in Malay food. Various dishes are served and cooked on the spot! Hot and fresh!

The guests and well-wishers, while feasting the special food and dishes, are treated by a live music band. They sang a  delightful number of Malay songs. After all What is a wedding without music!

You will see that guests and well-wishers come and go, bringing their gifts and presents for the bridal couple. . Relatives and friends are usually clad in colorful Malay attires, to add sparkle to the event.Women are in traditional gear whereas men are usually more casual in shirts and trousers.

The mood is simply festive. Many guests come along together to cheer and congratulate the newly wed.. Malay weddings are usually lively,  noisy and full of laughter, fun and frolic..

Wishing the happy couple many years of wedded bliss !
( Sincere thanks to the couple HANISAH & RIDZWAN and their family for giving me the opportunity to record this event)