IF you are planning to attend a Malay wedding one of these days, expect some surprises. The ceremony, from A to Z, has been trimmed of glitter and gold. What remains is simplicity, never before seen in this most important day for couples starting a life together.
The choice is to keep the trimmings to a minimum. This does not match the pomposity and splendour of days of yore when couples would ascend the dais and become “king” and “queen” for the day. Gone are the luxurious invitation cards, elaborate arrangements of the wedding dais, seating plan and guest list. Instead, we get a WhatsApp invite and look for seats ourselves and eat a buffet spread. But, there is gaiety and joy.
The event begins with the host and hostess welcoming the guests. There is usually one main table for the bride and bridegroom and special guests. Other guests include siblings, relatives and friends. There are no gifts or flowers.
The highlight is when the couple sit in state on the dais. Again, there is only a divan for two on the stage minus all the bouquets of flowers, lighting, the bunga telur and tray bearing the items for the menepung tawar ceremony (blessing of the couple). Guests are no longer required to perform the blessing. Instead, parents on both sides will officiate the ceremony.
Dinner is not sumptuous but tasty nevertheless, and filling, depending on the menu.
Speeches will then follow and well wishes are exchanged.
What comes next will be the show-stealer of the afternoon or the evening. “Photogravanza”, or the endless rounds of photo sessions, will ensue. Everybody wants to be photographed with the couple. The facility of photography is stupendous as there is no stopping the array of photo opportunities: selfies, stills, videos and group photo sessions.
There is, of course, at the end of it all, the fun. And the fond memories that guests take with them. This is a family get-together one would want to miss on any account.
Among the takeaways after the farewell will be how fortunate the guests have been to be able to meet their kith and kin at an event like this.
The most significant moments will be the creative and entertaining montage screened for the guests. At every wedding, family ties and bonds will be freshly revived and renewed.
The popularity of such weddings among our youth is on the rise. Many prefer this approach as this is less expensive and easier on the pocket.
Dr Azhari-Karim, Kuala Lumpur