Planning A Sri Lankan Wedding: Traditions And Tips

Planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can be a daunting task, but with the right help, it can be a dream come true. Sri Lanka is one of Asia's top destination wedding hubs, offering couples the chance to get married in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. From white sandy beaches to five-star resorts and mangrove forests, the island has a variety of locations to choose from. When planning a wedding in Sri Lanka, it's important to consider the weather, as well as the usual details such as budget, guest accommodation, location, and entertainment.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing a venue for a Sri Lankan wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to book the venue well in advance, as this will allow you to send out invitations and give your guests enough notice. You'll also need to consider the location of the ceremony and the celebration, as well as the needs of your guests, such as accommodation.

Sri Lanka offers a variety of breathtaking locations for weddings, from white sandy beaches to five-star resorts and mangrove forests. If you're planning an outdoor event, it's crucial to consider the weather and ensure that it will be perfect for your big day.

When selecting a venue, it's also essential to keep in mind the number of guests you plan to invite, as well as any specific requirements you may have for the space, such as room for a dance floor or a specific theme or style you wish to incorporate.

Finally, don't forget to utilise online resources and wedding planners who can provide invaluable advice and assistance in finding the perfect venue for your Sri Lankan wedding. With their help, you can rest assured that your wedding will be a dream come true.

Invitations

Planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can be challenging, especially if you're organising it from abroad. However, there are many resources available to help you plan your dream wedding.

It is important to send out your invitations well in advance, especially if you are planning a destination wedding in Sri Lanka. This will give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and request time off work. When creating your invitations, consider including details such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any relevant information about accommodation and transportation. You may also want to include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find additional information and RSVP online.

When designing your invitations, you can incorporate traditional Sri Lankan elements such as vibrant colours, tropical florals, or even a touch of elephant motifs, which are considered a symbol of good luck in Sri Lankan culture. You can also include a small gift or favour with your invitations, such as a packet of Sri Lankan tea or a local sweet treat, to give your guests a taste of what's to come.

If you are planning a traditional Sri Lankan wedding, you may also want to consider including a special invitation for the Poruwa ceremony, which is a unique aspect of Sri Lankan weddings. The Poruwa ceremony is a symbolic ritual where the bride and groom exchange vows and blessings while standing on a beautifully decorated platform called the 'Poruwa'. This ceremony is often followed by a grand reception with music, dancing, and delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.

Remember to keep track of your RSVPs and follow up with any guests who have not responded by your requested deadline. This will help you finalise your guest list and make any necessary adjustments to your venue and catering arrangements.

Food and entertainment

Planning a Sri Lankan wedding can be challenging, especially if you're organising it from another country. But with the right help, your dream wedding can become a reality.

Sri Lankan weddings are known for their delicious food. The main foods you'll find at a Sri Lankan wedding are a variety of rice dishes, like rice fried with seafood or chicken and cashews, curries, and egg dishes. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, including rice and vegetable dishes.

Sri Lankan weddings also feature a massive dessert table. Traditional Sri Lankan desserts like puttu and kiribath (milk rice) are popular treats served on these occasions. Other sweets include watalappan, a cardamom-spiced coconut custard dish, and kavum, a fried doughnut. European-style cakes and candies are also common, introduced by Dutch and Portuguese colonisers.

While alcohol is generally forbidden within the Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities, local drinks like toddy (fermented palm nectar), arrack (distilled palm nectar), and kassipu (moonshine), in addition to beer, are common at all-male gatherings.

When it comes to entertainment, you'll need to find the right service providers for your big day. From securing the right caterer to booking a band, florist and decorator, there's a lot to think about. It's important to get an overview of possible inclusions so you can compose your perfect wedding event.

Budgeting

When planning a Sri Lankan wedding, it's important to consider your budget and the needs of your guests.. The location, format, and entire style of your wedding celebration depend entirely on your budget. It's best to determine your budget first and discuss it upfront with your wedding planner so that they have time to source the best combination of quality, luxury, and price for you. Wedding expenses can easily get out of control if you don't have experienced assistance working with you to coordinate and manage the event. However, with clever planning and working together, it is possible to keep within your budget while still having a beautiful and bespoke day.

When allocating your budget, the first priority should be given to high-priority requirements. You shouldn't spend too much money on specifics initially, but you should determine the general feel you want for your wedding. Both of you together need to plan the most required services and items for your wedding day and prioritize them from top to bottom.

Accommodation costs will also need to be considered when budgeting for a destination wedding in Sri Lanka. If you are inviting guests from out of town, they will need somewhere to stay while attending your event. Prices for hotels and guesthouses vary widely depending on location and amenities offered. It is also important to consider any additional costs such as transportation or meal plans if you plan on providing meals for your guests during their stay. Food is another major expense when it comes to hosting a destination wedding in Sri Lanka. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is very flavorful and often includes a variety of dishes such as curries, stews, and rice dishes.

Entertainment is another factor to consider when budgeting for your Sri Lankan wedding. The entertainment at your wedding is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your day! Depending on what type of entertainment you desire (live music or DJ), costs can range from US$500 – $2,000+. You may also choose to hire dancers or performers that specialize in traditional Sri Lankan dance forms such as Kandyan dancing or fire dancing—these will add an extra touch of culture to your celebration!

Timing

Planning a Sri Lankan wedding can be challenging, especially if you are organising it from abroad. However, with the right help and planning, your dream wedding can become a reality.

Frequently asked questions