Sunday, August 22, 2010

Malay Wedding Dress Code

Written by Nadhirah
Proof read by Fozz whilst at an exhibition in Delhi, India

Malay Wedding Dress Codes

After more than 15 people asking me what to wear during a Malay wedding over the spread of 3 months, I thought, alright it’s high time I find something I could copy and paste.
So off I went googling “Malay Wedding Dress Codes” (yes I love Google, more than Facebook or any other internet tools out there!) and what a lot of nonsense did I FIND!
YES, this is one of those moments where you can say, ‘can’t trust everything you find on the internet’!

Nonsense No 1
Do not wear green as this is a Malay funeral colour.
Nadhirah’s Respond
ERM?? HELLOOOO?? Since WHEN? There is no such thing as a ‘pantang’ (superstitious) colour for Muslims and Malays! Black is discouraged ONLY because it is a joyous occasion and some people  would prefer ‘colour’ as Malay weddings are quite colourful compared to a Western wedding but that’s about it! In fact Green is a LOVED colour by Muslims! Most Muslim websites, logos and all tend to have green incorporated but it is unclear why green has manifested to be associated to Islam.

Nonsense No 2
Tux are advisable for an outdoor Malay wedding
Nadhirah’s Respond
OK say it with me “TROPICAL COUNTRY”. Malaysia & Singapore being so close to the equator is humid and sweltering. Most Malay weddings (including my Ipoh one) is at home, outdoors in the afternoon, so I can assure you suits and tuxes are not needed!

Nonsense No 3
Most Malay men like bright green and pink thus this is encouraged
Nadhirah’s Respond
OK, first green is a funeral colour and now it is encouraged!? Honestly. *scratches head* And what’s with the green and pink combination?! Odd, I don’t know if this is a new trend in Malaysia/Singapore, but I don’t think there are such things!

So here are our own thoughts on this matter:

Akad Nikah
If you’re invited to an akad nikah/solemnisation, which is often a sacred event, small and usually only a small number of family and friends are invited too, it is advisable that you observe a conservative dress code. The religious celebrant would be there and so would many older relatives who would tend to hold to traditional values.
For the ladies, dresses need to be lower than knee length and cleavages needs to be out of sight!
Akad nikah/solemnisations are semi-formal and traditional wear from your respective cultures are highly encouraged, but if you don’t have a set of traditional wear from the country you’re from, for men, pants and collared shirt, for ladies, lovely summer maxi dresses are good.
For Muslim ladies, headgears, scarfs, veils are encouraged.

Afternoon receptions/luncheons
If you’re invited to an afternoon luncheon/reception which has no set itinerary, it is usually a food fest that runs for a set period. The Ipoh wedding is outdoors, whilst Singapore wedding is thankfully in an air-conditioned venue.
Again traditional wear from your respective cultures are encouraged otherwise semi-formal, pants and collared shirt for men, lovely summer dresses which are knee length or pants and tops for ladies are encouraged.  In saying that, it is encouraged to apply a certain amount of conservatism in your dressing. Do watch the necklines, strapless and spagetthi strap dresses/tops may be deemed disrespectful. So adorning a simple bolero, scarf or light cardigan or even a translucent overcoat is encouraged.   

Night Receptions
If you are invited to a Malay wedding reception which is at night and it has a set itinerary. DRESS to IMPRESS codes applies. Again traditional wear from your respective cultures are highly encouraged, but similar to the above, whilst adorning beautiful dresses, do try to be slightly modest in your dressing.

If you still have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask questions!

On a side note:
Some Malay weddings, theming is a large part of the reception, so you may get requests from the bride or groom to dress in a certain colour. We however appreciate all your efforts to make it and welcome you to come dressed in your finest and most comfortable and let’s just enjoy the day! 

Monday, August 09, 2010

9 August 2010

As of today, we have been together for:
5 years 4 months
or
1948 days
and its
145 days to our wedding!