Planning A Simple Malay Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a Malay wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a memorable and budget-friendly experience. From conducting detailed research on diamond rings and wedding biscuits to exchanging trays of gifts during the akad, there are many traditions to consider. Some couples choose to hold the wedding at home, saving on venue costs and allowing for more time to focus on decorations. Others opt for a combined reception ceremony to split the costs. Regardless of the approach, keeping door gifts simple and practical is essential.

Budgeting

When it comes to gifts, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, wedding favours for guests should be kept simple and you should try not to spend too much on packaging. Secondly, during the akad (solemnisation), trays of gifts are exchanged between the bride and groom. While there is no limit to the number of trays, you can keep the number to a minimum. For example, if the groom gives five dulang of hantaran, the bride will exchange them with seven dulang of hantaran.

You can also save money on the wedding rings. Instead of buying a ring from a retail chain, you could custom-make one according to your specifications from a local jeweller. They will usually have good knowledge and can offer a better price compared to retail chains.

Finally, you can save money on your wedding attire by renting instead of buying.

Wedding rituals

Malay wedding rituals include Merisik (Visit and observe), Meminang (Proposal), Bertunang (Engagement), Adat Berinai, Akad Nikah (Ijab & Kabul/ Offer & Acceptance), Bersanding (Enthronement) and Kenduri (Wedding Reception). Before the wedding, the couple will go through Islamic Pre-wedding Preparation and Marriage Application, and submit an application to register their marriage.

During the wedding, the couple will exchange trays of gifts called hantaran during the akad (solemnization). The number of trays exchanged is usually odd, with the bride giving more than the groom. For example, if the groom gives five dulang of hantaran, the bride will exchange them for seven dulang of hantaran. There is no limit to the number of trays of gifts exchanged, but you can keep the number minimal.

Other Malay wedding rituals include the hair dressing ritual, door games, and the tea ceremony. Wedding favours are also given to each guest as a token of appreciation.

Wedding attire

Malay wedding attire is an important part of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom will need to rent or buy their wedding attire and accessories.

The bride will typically wear a lace gown, and the groom will wear a suit. The couple may also choose to have their wedding attire custom-made to match their specific style and preferences.

It is also important to consider the wedding attire for the wedding party. The bridesmaids and groomsmen should wear coordinating outfits that complement the bride and groom's attire.

For a simple Malay wedding, it is recommended to keep the wedding attire classic and elegant. This can help to create a timeless look that will be remembered for years to come.

Wedding favours

If you're looking to save money, you could consider having the wedding at home, which will also give you plenty of time to do the decorations yourself. You could also combine your reception ceremony and split the cost.

Hantaran is the name for the trays of gifts exchanged between the bride and groom during the akad (solemnisation). The number of trays is usually odd, with the bride giving more than the groom. There is no limit to the number of trays you can offer, but you can keep the number minimal.

Venue

Malay weddings can be held at home, which is a budget-friendly option as you won't have to worry about expensive rates or booking in advance. You will also have plenty of time to decorate the venue.

If you would like to hold your wedding elsewhere, there are many attractive and spacious wedding venues in Kuala Lumpur, some of which provide high-end wedding packages. Venues in Kuala Lumpur include Glasshouse at Seputeh, Bayswater KLCC, The Seavoy House, Cornerstone IPC, The Diplomat KL, Brick House, Duchess Place Kuala Lumpur, Manor House of Event, The Luna, and Arina Skyview KL.

If you are looking for a garden wedding, The Saujana Hotel is a popular choice. The hotel has a large, well-maintained garden with two large trees providing shade, and a lake view at the end, which makes for the ideal spot to place an archway for the exchanging of vows. Another option for a garden wedding is EQ Hotel, which can accommodate 60-70 people for the ceremony.

If you would prefer an indoor wedding, The Conservatory is a good option, as it has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light for photographs. The Conservatory's diamond ballroom can be booked with a minimum of 30 tables.

If you are looking for a venue in Singapore, Malay Wedding Venue Singapore offers 10 wedding venues with ballrooms that can accommodate up to 1000 people. The venues are halal-certified and suitable for engagements, corporate events, birthday celebrations, and more.

Frequently asked questions