Malay Wedding

I had a chance to visit our relatives wedding in the city called Kuala Pilah, about 70 km from Kuala Lumpur. The wedding was at the family house, huge mansion in the late 19th century style. 

Usually there are a lot of guests invited for malay wedding and this one is not exception as well (around 1000 guests). 

Akad Nikah or solemnisation is usually in the morning. Imam, local religious leader solemnised couple and bride and groom exchange the gifts. Reception is later in the afternoon or in the evening like the one we are attending.

So we arrived around 19:30hrs.

There was a buggy that brings you from the parking as the house is on the top of the hill.

Greeting relatives. Need to say that here in Malaysia their greeting is special and very interesting. When you meet your family member who is older than you, need to take ones hand and kiss it or just touch it with your nose. Really good tradition to safe respect for elder people.

And of course makan, what stays for eat. The favourite activity of malay people. The first question when you meet somebody is: 'Have you eaten'. So you will never be hungry in Malaysia. 

Buffet style, food is simple but very tasty. I like this concept rather that set menu. You can invite more people with less cost, people are not just sitting at the table but moving around, talk, congratulate, find out that they have the relatives which they didn't know they have.

Seats are on first come first serve basis, just choose free space and enjoy food and meet people next to you or just find out that they are also your relatives. 

All Malay weddings are without alcohol. Need to say Malays are religious people and follow the rules. Compare to Russian weddings... omg... better not to mention it.

                                                                                               

Moving inside the house we can find a stage called Pelamin. It is the place where bride and groom sit and get blessings from close relatives.

I love this stairs, reminds me scene from the movie Titanic. 

 Walking around, taking pictures and here the bride and groom arriving with the escort of pretty girls and two 'guards'. My nephew is so serious though...

 
Bride and groom are wearing traditional dress as well as most of the guests.

So cute girls.

So now everybody is inside, bride and groom are ready for blessings.

After that we are moving back outside. Newly married and close relatives have special table. I like decorations, lots of flowers, cake is cute.

Life music.

Panoramic shot. Nice house, lot of people, good atmosphere.

 We ve been there for four hours, got tired and decided to leave. Honestly do not know till what time the event was going on, but I ve been told that later karaoke and dancing are going to be.

While walking to the parking, fireworks time, right on time.

Based on my experience average Malay visits 2-3 weddings a month. Need to say that was second wedding I visit today. 

Here are some pictures from the wedding I visited earlier same day in Kuala Lumpur

 Groom was in suit which was surprise for me, usually they wear traditional clothes.

Malay wedding is a display of Royal family appearance. Bride and groom are treated as the King an the Queen. Decorations, seats as thrones etc. everything is to make newly married to feel like royalties. For me this is a tribute for institution of the family; to show that marriage is to make couple's life easier and get more barakat (blessings from the God).

There is a Hadith (saying) from our Prophet (s.w.s) : 'When a man marries he has fulfilled half of the religion; so let him fear Allah (the God) regarding the remaining half'.

Peace to everybody.