As a Balinese I often attend friends’ Balinese wedding so more or less I know what to do and to expect at a wedding party. But for foreigners who are invited to a traditional Balinese wedding, they may have no idea about it.
The procession of Balinese wedding involves two parts. In the morning, the couples will be legalized as a wife and husband by the holy priest. This ceremonial event is attended by only family members and nearby neighbors. Soon after the wedding ceremony, usually in the afternoon, the new married couple will hold a reception at the broom’s house. The lovely couple will change their Balinese wedding costumes to modern design of traditional kebaya.
In the case that you would attend the reception, it is in your hand to wear kebaya or semi formal outfit. It is not an obligatory but if you see money-box picture on the invitation card, you may drop USD 3-5 in the box at the reception desk.
At the broom’s house you will be welcomed by young girls from broom’s family who will assist you to take snacks and drinks and maybe wedding souvenir. Then you can sit anywhere in the house yard enjoying snacks while waiting the couple comes to you. Don’t expect any emotional speech. The married couple will walk around and say hi to each of you. This is your opportunity to congratulate them and wish them happy. Walking around and say hi to each of the guest is intended to make the couple closer with their friends. The concept is to know broom’s friends for the bride and vice versa.
After having chit chat with you, they will invite you to take your meals on the buffet tables. In the meantime you are enjoying Balinese dishes, they continue walking and saying hi to others. Once you have done with your meals, you may take photo with the couple, go home, or have talk with friends whom you meet there.
source:http://blog.baliwww.com
