The Son's Wedding -Part 1

In the Malay culture, when it comes to weddings ,most of the events and ceremonies are held on the bride's side and the groom would only hold a reception. So when my son was getting married, it was a much easier task for me as there were not that much preparation to make.

To begin with, at 8.00 am on 23 March my family members together with the groom gathered at a cousin's house in the city as that was the meeting place for the 30 of us in the entourage. After breakfast we convoyed in several cars to Damansara Heights mosque bearing gifts for the bride.

The first part of the ceremony was the Engagement ceremony which was conducted on a beautifully decorated dais set up on a stage in the dining hall of the mosque.The bride looking demure, sat on the dais while I put on the engagement ring on  her finger,witnessed by families of both side.

We then adjourned to the prayer hall of the mosque for the marriage solemnisation which was performed by the bride's father witnessed by the mosque's officials.Being the emotional me I couldn't help but became teary-eyed.The 7 trays of gifts that we brought were officially presented to the bride. They consisted of a betel nut set, a set of wedding ring,necklace and dowry, a set of shoes and handbag, material,cosmetics,prayer mat and Quran set, and chocolates.

The bride reciprocated by giving 9 trays of gifts consisting of a betel nut set,a wedding ring,a set of bag, wallet and belt,a set of shirt,tie and cuff-links,a Quran,a watch,a set of vinyl records,toiletries and a cake.My son then put on the wedding necklace around her neck and this was followed by exchanging of rings.

Everybody then adjourned back to the dining hall where the newly-wed sat on the dais for photography with family members ,after which lunch was served.

The next day,24 March was the reception dinner on the bride's side and our entourage of 30 family members attended the reception which was held at Sime Darby Convention Centre. Like all Malay weddings there was the "merenjis" (blessing) ceremony performed by close family members and cake cutting after dinner.