Wedding Dress | Wedding Ideas

fter an epoch of sexual revolution and at all does not remain any treasured secret places on a body of the modern woman, looking on which, the man something could to itself romantic think. All for show, all to openly sight. And nevertheless the world of Haute couture does not surrender and tries to offer in each season any new variation on this theme.

Especially it should be expected from a summer fashion, calculated on hot weather, frivolous walks, resort novels, solar violence. Sections, cuts, a decollete in sexy dress - all this a classical set of directly killing weapon in struggle of floors. And in the summer we receive the maximal opportunity at last to start up it in business.

We even shall try to take also a part of this arsenal on arms. As a choice, in general, the broadest. However, on all things offered today obviously extend some the common rules which can be designated as the tendency of a season in this delicate sphere of sexy dress.

sexy dressFirst, having proclaimed the main motto of a summer season romanticism and sentimentality, designers do not recede from it in what. So the sexuality concentrated in open dresses, is absolute this summers is deprived of aggression. Even very open things (for example, from D&G) are filled more likely by young sensuality, than erotizm.

Secondly, use of transparent fabrics and a lacy sexy dress has led in this season to very interesting combinations. There are multi-layers which sometimes looks even more excitingly, than usual deep decolletes. At Alessandro Dell ` Acqua, Blumarine, Collete Dinnigan, Chanel, Fendi, Moschino, Versace and many other things of known Houses of a fashion sexy tops, sexy blouses, sexy skirts, sexy dresses from a black transparent lacy grid are put on directly atop of that looks as quite sexual complete set of underwear of the same black color.

And still today the set of traditional decolletes in sexy dresses - both in front, and behind is offered to us. It is necessary to orient in time only in these riches of a choice and to stop that to you is the closest. For example, in actual collections it is possible to see a lot of traditional coctail dresses which now in general are deprived shoulder straps.

sexy dress Narrow sexy dresses fitting on a figure from D&G, Valentino, Lanvin, Narciso Rodrigues; sexy dresses with fitting or hardly flared skirts and more rigid bodices-semi-corset from Stella Mccartney, Giambattista Valli, Bill Blass; straight lines or And-shaped sexy dresses without the accented waist with assembly on a line of the underestimated decollete from Barbara Bui, Gui Laroche, Marni - all of them are incorporated by the open shoulders.

Similarly at the same designers many look also tops which are offered to be carried with narrow trousers or shorts. However, such tops basically look as coquettish corsets and consequently are not a novelty, travelling on world podiums any more the first season. However involves that circumstance, that such tops it is possible to carry with jackets and jackets even in business conditions. And it is easily possible to transform the order in sexual and intended for more intimate dialogue in the evening. And all this - not coming at all home to change clothes.

Why designers today so have taken a great interest in the open shoulders? Thus in most cases they at all do not use any ornaments. Probably, the solution consists in how touchingly look naked collar-bones, a graceful line of a neck, rounded shoulders. It quite corresponds to a spirit of the majority of designers on a romantic wave.

If you do not love absolutely open shoulders and feel uncomfortable in clothes without shoulder straps try to put on a dress or top with wide crew neck which in this season also is recommended to be lowered a little from shoulders. Thus the image turns out not simply romantic. And romantic with a shade of a retro.

sexy dressAs to usual decolletes too it is a lot of them. And it is natural in a summer wardrobe. Their most widespread form today - deep enough V-shaped cut both in front, and behind. Rounded cut too are widespread, but they so chaste, that somehow language does not turn to name their sexual word of a decollete.

This form of a decollete, probably, is caused this summer by an abundance of sexy dresses with the overestimated waistline in style an empire style. Here the silhouette of model inevitably means V-shaped cut. A difference only in approaches. For example, at Oscar de la Renta to such low decollete it is added also a large ethnic necklace, and at Donna Karan it gets married a contrast bow on color.

In collections of the House of fashion Paco Rabanne in general inclined to geometrical forms and constructivism, a sharp corner of a V-shaped decollete it is cut simply off, and it represents more likely the turned trapeze. And the House of fashion Luca Luca gracefully beats motives black-and-white schedules, in addition drawing of attention to such decollete.

But the special sight by all means should be thrown and on a back it is modern the young lady going in holiday or on a friendly party. Deep cut on this place, generally, today you will surprise nobody. Therefore it is necessary to find any different ways to draw attention and simultaneously to show graceful lines plain a sunburnt back.

This summer in a role of those various tapes, the bows, the bound cords, crosspieces from a fabric of the same or contrast color, even metal chains act first of all. By the way, thus as an additional element of a decor can act distinction of textures of those fabrics, which are used (we we we shall tell, a sexy dress from the atlas, and crosspieces on a back - from a velvet), and prints (for example, a monochrome basic fabric and tapes in a fine floret). Well works here and a combination of dense fabrics with transparent. It gives an additional piquancy.

fter an epoch of sexual revolution and at all does not remain any treasured secret places on a body of the modern woman, looking on which, the man something could to itself romantic think. All for show, all to openly sight. And nevertheless the world of Haute couture does not surrender and tries to offer in each season any new variation on this theme.

Especially it should be expected from a summer fashion, calculated on hot weather, frivolous walks, resort novels, solar violence. Sections, cuts, a decollete in sexy dress - all this a classical set of directly killing weapon in struggle of floors. And in the summer we receive the maximal opportunity at last to start up it in business.

We even shall try to take also a part of this arsenal on arms. As a choice, in general, the broadest. However, on all things offered today obviously extend some the common rules which can be designated as the tendency of a season in this delicate sphere of sexy dress.

sexy dressFirst, having proclaimed the main motto of a summer season romanticism and sentimentality, designers do not recede from it in what. So the sexuality concentrated in open dresses, is absolute this summers is deprived of aggression. Even very open things (for example, from D&G) are filled more likely by young sensuality, than erotizm.

Secondly, use of transparent fabrics and a lacy sexy dress has led in this season to very interesting combinations. There are multi-layers which sometimes looks even more excitingly, than usual deep decolletes. At Alessandro Dell ` Acqua, Blumarine, Collete Dinnigan, Chanel, Fendi, Moschino, Versace and many other things of known Houses of a fashion sexy tops, sexy blouses, sexy skirts, sexy dresses from a black transparent lacy grid are put on directly atop of that looks as quite sexual complete set of underwear of the same black color.

And still today the set of traditional decolletes in sexy dresses - both in front, and behind is offered to us. It is necessary to orient in time only in these riches of a choice and to stop that to you is the closest. For example, in actual collections it is possible to see a lot of traditional coctail dresses which now in general are deprived shoulder straps.

sexy dress Narrow sexy dresses fitting on a figure from D&G, Valentino, Lanvin, Narciso Rodrigues; sexy dresses with fitting or hardly flared skirts and more rigid bodices-semi-corset from Stella Mccartney, Giambattista Valli, Bill Blass; straight lines or And-shaped sexy dresses without the accented waist with assembly on a line of the underestimated decollete from Barbara Bui, Gui Laroche, Marni - all of them are incorporated by the open shoulders.

Similarly at the same designers many look also tops which are offered to be carried with narrow trousers or shorts. However, such tops basically look as coquettish corsets and consequently are not a novelty, travelling on world podiums any more the first season. However involves that circumstance, that such tops it is possible to carry with jackets and jackets even in business conditions. And it is easily possible to transform the order in sexual and intended for more intimate dialogue in the evening. And all this - not coming at all home to change clothes.

Why designers today so have taken a great interest in the open shoulders? Thus in most cases they at all do not use any ornaments. Probably, the solution consists in how touchingly look naked collar-bones, a graceful line of a neck, rounded shoulders. It quite corresponds to a spirit of the majority of designers on a romantic wave.

If you do not love absolutely open shoulders and feel uncomfortable in clothes without shoulder straps try to put on a dress or top with wide crew neck which in this season also is recommended to be lowered a little from shoulders. Thus the image turns out not simply romantic. And romantic with a shade of a retro.

sexy dressAs to usual decolletes too it is a lot of them. And it is natural in a summer wardrobe. Their most widespread form today - deep enough V-shaped cut both in front, and behind. Rounded cut too are widespread, but they so chaste, that somehow language does not turn to name their sexual word of a decollete.

This form of a decollete, probably, is caused this summer by an abundance of sexy dresses with the overestimated waistline in style an empire style. Here the silhouette of model inevitably means V-shaped cut. A difference only in approaches. For example, at Oscar de la Renta to such low decollete it is added also a large ethnic necklace, and at Donna Karan it gets married a contrast bow on color.

In collections of the House of fashion Paco Rabanne in general inclined to geometrical forms and constructivism, a sharp corner of a V-shaped decollete it is cut simply off, and it represents more likely the turned trapeze. And the House of fashion Luca Luca gracefully beats motives black-and-white schedules, in addition drawing of attention to such decollete.

But the special sight by all means should be thrown and on a back it is modern the young lady going in holiday or on a friendly party. Deep cut on this place, generally, today you will surprise nobody. Therefore it is necessary to find any different ways to draw attention and simultaneously to show graceful lines plain a sunburnt back.

This summer in a role of those various tapes, the bows, the bound cords, crosspieces from a fabric of the same or contrast color, even metal chains act first of all. By the way, thus as an additional element of a decor can act distinction of textures of those fabrics, which are used (we we we shall tell, a sexy dress from the atlas, and crosspieces on a back - from a velvet), and prints (for example, a monochrome basic fabric and tapes in a fine floret). Well works here and a combination of dense fabrics with transparent. It gives an additional piquancy.

Cheap Wedding Dresses
Finding cheap wedding dresses for your big day absolutely positively does NOT mean you have to sacrifice any aspect of what you want and are looking for in a dress. Selecting your wedding dress may be the most exciting part of planning your wedding, and when you find out how to get yours for super cheap, it will become even more exciting. Believe it or not, it is possible to find and purchase your dream dress on your budget. And there are endless possibilities to finding and buying "The One" without spending half your wedding budget in order to do so!

http://www.big-wedding-tiny-budget.com/cheap-wedding-dresses.html

Many have origins across the globe and are ancient, but wedding traditions evolve over time and new ones co-exist with the old. One lovely wedding tradition is the wearing a tiara and is taken from ancient times where there was a white ribbon worn around the shoulders and head of a king, which signified his power and wealth. Often the bride’s attendants like bridesmaids, flower girls and maid of honor are presented with rings shaped like miniature tiaras which can make really beautiful wedding favors for those directly involved in the wedding.

Today you will find a number of wedding nuptials incorporating the groom taking the garter from the leg of his bride and then either tossing the garter over his shoulder or snapping it with his fingers to fly threw the air for his single groomsmen or male wedding guests to catch.

Customized wedding dresses with your size
wedding traditions
Previously, when you are in plus sizes and are about to be married, your wedding dresses should be customized with your size. Most wedding dresses are designed for women that are small to large. Rarely does a bridal salon have plus sizes. This is because mot salons find only a minority of women in plus sizes. Plus sizes represent only a small portion of the total population of women. But that was the old times.

In the latest fashion, plus sizes has already been recognized. There have already been quite a number of bridal salons offering wedding dresses in plus sizes. This makes the women in full figures happy with the availability of their size. In fact, they are not just offering it as a customized wedding dress. Salons offer it as part of their ready-to-wear categories. Now, women in plus sizes can already buy wedding dresses that fits them right

Wedding is a special occasion where the bride becomes the heroine and she is the star of the event. Wedding gown is undeniably a special attire that every women wishes to have in her wardrobe. As you will be the center of attraction in your wedding, you have to be careful in choosing your wedding gown such that it matches your style. The gown that you select should make you look extremely gorgeous and should fit you correctly.

You can enjoy your wedding only if you are comfortable in your wedding attire. Though you may find different styles of wedding gowns, you have to select the one that that suits you. Choosing the wedding gown is often a tough decision to make as every woman want to look great on their special day.

If you take some time and plan perfectly, you can arrive at the best wedding gown for yourself. Here are some tips for you that will help you to decide on your wedding gown:

1. Understand that the cost of the wedding gown does not determine your look. If you are able to spend time in choosing your wedding gown, then you can find an inexpensive gown that looks spectacular when you wear it. Your wedding budget is very important. Choose the gown that fits your budget. Splendid wedding gowns are available at different price ranges and you can choose the one you like that fits your budget. If you have a good budget for your wedding gown, you can get a designer to design a wedding gown exclusively for you. Designer celebrity gowns are often expensive but always try to strike a balance between the budget and the pattern of your wedding gown.

wedding gown
photo from foreverafterimage

2. Search for as many places as you can to get your wedding gown. You can approach a professional designer to design your wedding gown if you are on a high budget. The internet has made life simple and you can find a professional designer at an affordable price when you look at the number of wedding websites that are available online. Expert advice is always preferable, as the designer will definitely know more about fashion. They will guide you to select a pattern and style that will suit your physic.

3. Don�t postpone the purchasing of your wedding gown. Start the shopping as early as possible. Plan your shopping for wedding in advance so that you can try different patterns and designs and choose the best one for you. As you start your shopping earlier, you can look at various shops and try different styles to choose the best style for you. Since your wedding gown is very special, spend more time to get one exclusively designed for you. You just need to have a basic knowledge about your body figure, size and your complexion. When you have dressing sense, you can easily get a wedding gown for you without spending so much time.

4. While choosing the style of your wedding gown, you have to match it with the style of your wedding. If your wedding is traditional, then you can choose a traditional dress and use your creativity to make it more special. Rather, if you have planned for a themed wedding, your wedding gown should go with the theme.

wedding gown
photo from savoir

5. Depending on the type of the wedding ceremony, you have to decide on the length of the gown. If it is a formal ceremony, floor-length wedding gowns will be suitable. For ultra formal weddings, you have to add a cathedral train to your gown. Casual outdoor weddings demand travel and movements and hence you can choose hemline that augments your looks.

6. The location of your wedding and the corresponding season has to be considered for choosing a wedding gown. If you are getting wedded in a cool place in winter, your clothing should keep you warm and if it is a hot place, your gown should make you stay cool. The pattern along with the fabric should also be chosen to match your level of comfort.

7. The fabric of your wedding gown is very important to make you feel comfortable. Organza is a strong fabric and best for weddings in winter, Chiffon is a delicate fabric that will suit on all outdoor weddings. The fabric you select should hide the flaws in your shape and size. Free flowing fabric is generally great for brides with moderate figures. If you are too thin, you should go for a stronger fabric that will make you look moderately sized.

8. The pattern of your wedding gown should show off your figure to its best advantage. You can expose your figures at your level of comfort. If you have wider hips, your gown should hide the lower body and should boost your bust and shoulders. On the other hand, if your upper body is wide, the gown should emphasize on your lower body. You should first understand the shape of your body before finalizing the pattern of your gown.

wedding gown
photo from savoir

9. Your age should also be considered while choosing the best wedding gown for you. Don�t opt for a design just because your friend looked great in that gown on her wedding. Strapless gowns will look gorgeous on young brides, but they will not be suitable for middle-aged persons. Also, when you become older, your body shape will undergo changes and something that looks great in the photos of magazines may not actually suit you.

10. The color of the wedding gown should be picked up wisely matching the skin tone. Only when you get this match you can have a great appearance in your wedding gown. Traditional wedding gowns are designed in white or off-white colors. But these days, themed weddings are popular and you can choose any color that fits your complexion. If you are light skinned, white or dark colored gowns will look great on you. If you are dark complexioned, you have to take your make up also into account for deciding the color of your wedding gown.

11. The fitting of the gown is very important. You have to determine the appropriate sleeve length and the most flattering sleeve patterns. The neckline that is suitable for you will make your wedding gown more attractive. Deep v-necks are very common among people who are highly confident about the shape of their breast. You actually have a number of necklines and ask the expert opinion to choose the best neckline for you. The design of your wedding gown may be simple, but if it fits you properly, you will definitely catch the eyes of your groom as well as the guests.

wedding gown
photo from mr_mrs

12. You can add any types of embellishments to your wedding depending on the time of the wedding and the fabric of the gown. Crystals, fabric ruffles, flowers, ribbons, pleats and anything that will make the gown attractive will do well. Your designer will help you to embellish the wedding gown to get the most attractive look. You can also embellish your wedding gown based on the theme of your wedding.

13. The body shape and the figure differ with different women. Before choosing the wedding gown, it is better to try it atleast once to check the fitting. While you try your wedding gown, wear the shoes and the bra that you are going to wear on your wedding. Sometimes, the shoes and the accessories may look pretty when you purchase them but they may not suit your wedding gown. By rehearsing, you can check your looks and change the accessories you want so that you look bright and comfortable.

14. When you go for shopping your wedding gown, take somebody else with you and take photographs at different angles to identify if the design and the style look flawless when you wear your gown. If the groom has knowledge about dress and designs, you can take him along with you. Otherwise, you can choose a female companion
who can help you in making a final decision.

wedding gown
photo from foreverafterimages

15. Try out different veils while you are out for purchasing your wedding gown. Sometimes, long veils may make wonders for you while they may not suit others. If you have planned to lose or gain weight during your wedding, keep that in mind to choose the wedding gown. Otherwise, the fitting may not be proper, and it will spoil your looks.

16. The accessories you wear during your wedding should also be considered before picking your wedding gown. You don�t want your accessory to take the fame during your wedding. Your accessories should make your wedding gown complete and should augment your look. Everything including the neckpiece, bangles, studs and the shoes must match your wedding gown.

17. Before selecting your wedding gown, refer a few magazines that talk about the different types of wedding gowns like A-line, ball gown, dropped, basque, empire, sheath and mermaid patterns. If you don�t have knowledge about these patterns then you can ask your designer to try the different patterns on you before finalizing the best pattern for you.

While you plan for your wedding, take some time to look at the different magazines that contain pictures of different wedding costumes. Fashion is changing everyday and if you locate the recent fashion magazine, you will find the hot pattern that is commonly chosen by celebrities. It is always better to get a professional designer to design your wedding gown. A lot of research and expert advice along with the above tips will help you to choose the best wedding gown that will make you look pretty on your special day.

http://www.romance-fire.com/2008/06/04/17-smashing-tips-on-choosing-your-best-wedding-gowns/

Traditional Javanese wedding Ceremonies

The wonderful and mystical sound of Javanese music gamelan instruments accompanies a traditional sacred Panggih or Temu (means meeting) between a beautifully make up bride with her handsome bridegroom in front of a house decorated with "Tarub" plant decoration. The bride with traditionally make up with special gelungan (hairdo), wearing shining brilliant and golden jewelries and special dress for this occasion.
The bridegroom also wears special dress for this ceremony. The couple have to appear in their best, the are treated and honored by those who present in this wedding party as King and Queen of the day. As a traditional rule, the happy party takes place in the house of the bride's parents. The bride's parent are the ones who organize the marriage ceremony. The gate of the house must be decorated with Tarub consist of different Tuwuhan (plants and leaves). Which has symbolic meanings.

2 Banana Trees with stem of ripe bananas meaning:

* The husband could be a good leader of the family in the society.
* As banana trees which could grow well easily everywhere, the pair could also live well and happy everywhere, in good terms within the environment they live.

A pair of Tebu Wulung / Reddish sugar cane meaning : They build the family whole heartedly. With determination and wise mind they should never surrender the family life.
A cengkir Gading (young yellow coconuts) meaning: The couple loves each other decisively and should always take care of each other.
Different fresh leaves such as of beringin (banyan) mojo-koro, alang-alang, dadap srep, meaning: the couple should grow strongly to protect the family, always be in safety.
On top of this, on the gate must be hung bekletepe, ornaments made from plaited coconut leaves to drive out evil spirits and as a sign that a wedding ceremony takes place in this house.
Before the installation of Tarub and Bekletepe, a special Sajen offerings must be made. It consist among other of: Bananas, coconuts, rice cones, different kind of fruits. Dishes, cookies, different kind of drinks, flowers, jamu (herbal medicine), lantern, buffalo meat, tempe (a kind of tofu) coconut sugar etc. The sajen (offering) has symbolic meaning to get blessings from the ancestors and as a means of protection against evil spirits. The sajen should be placed in several places where the process of ceremonies take place such in the bathroom, kitchen, gate, under the Tarub decoration, in the street nearby the house etc.

PEMAES
A complete Javanese wedding ceremony has several complicated traditional rituals. In that event, the role of a Pemaes, a traditional make up woman who should lead the complete set of the whole ceremonies is very important. She would take care of the make up and dressings of the bride and bridegroom, different kind of offerings, different kind of ceremonies during the event etc.
(Go to Pemaes page)

A well qualified-expert-Pemaes usually she could lend complete wedding dress, ornaments and equipment necessary for a wedding party. A wedding party should be prepared carefully as it contains a lot of things to do. Usually a small wedding committee consist of close relatives and friends is setup. It depend also to the size of the ceremony, but whatever is the party, a special pattern of wedding procedures must be followed.

The Panggih or Temu manten ceremony (meeting of bride and bridegroom)
At a time set for this occasion, the bridegroom accompanied by his close relatives (but not his parents who are not allowed to present during the ritual traditional ceremony) arrive in the house of the bride's parents and stop in the gate of the house. The bride accompanied by two elderly women on the right and left side walk her out of the bridal room. Her parents and close relatives walk behind her. Preceding the bride are two young girls. PATAH, each bringing a fan. Two elderly women or two young boys bringing two Kembar Mayang, a bouquet ornament, about one meter of height. A women from the bridegroom family walks forward and gives a Sangggan, (a gift in the form of banana fruits and flowers put in a winnowing tray covered with banana leaves) to the mother of the bride, as a sign of appreciation to the hostess of the ceremony.

Kembar Mayang is a kind of bouqet made of different kind of leaves mainly coconut leaves and others stuck into a banana trunk. According to wayang kulit (shadow puppet) story, kembar mayang ornament was the wish of King KRESNA during the marriage between Princess Sembadra and HARJUNA of PANDAWA family. It is indeed a very beautiful decoration with a broad symbolic meaning.

* It has a mountain like shape
A mountain is high and big, symbolizing a man should have a lot of knowledge, experience and patience.
* Keris like ornaments
Depicting the couple's carefulness in life, clever and wise.
* Whips like ornaments
Means the couple should not be easily desperate, must be always optimistic with strong desire to build a good life.
* Umbrellas like ornaments
Means they must be the protector of the family and society.
* Grasshoppers like ornaments
They should be energitic, quick in thinking and taking decisions to safe the family.
* Birds like ornaments
They should have a high life motivation.
* Beringin leaves
The couple should always protect strongly the family and other human beings.
* Kruton Leaves
Meant to protect from evil spirits.
* Dadap srep Leaves
The leaves could be used as a cold compress to lower fever, symbolizing the couple should always have a clear mind and calmness to solve any problems. (calm down the feeling and cool down the head)
* Dlingo Bengle
These herbs could cure infection and other desease, they use to protect from evil spirits.
* PATRA Manggala flowers
Used to beautify the bouquet and against evil deeds.

During the Panggih ceremony, the Kembar Mayang are brought outside the house and thrown out in a crossroad nearby the house, depicting all evil spirits should not disturb the ceremony in the house and its surrounding area. A pair of Kembar Mayang put in the right and left side of the couple's chair during reception as a decoration. Kembar Mayang used only if the couple were unmarried before. The bride then is meeting the bridegroom. The couple approaching each other, when they are about three meters facing each other, they stop to start with Ritual of BALANGAN SURUH, throwing to each other seven small bundles of betel leaves with lime inside tied with white yarn. They do it eagerly and happily and also everyone is smiling happily. According to ancient belief, betel leaves have power to chase away bad spirits. By throwing betel leaves to others, it should be proved that the couple is really the genuine persons not a ghost or other person who pretends to be the bride or the bridegroom.

The Ritual of WIJI DADI
The bridegroom crash a chicken egg with his right foot and then washed by the bride using water mixed with several kinds of flowers. It depicts that the bridegroom is ready to become a responsible father and the bride should faithfully serve her husband.

The Ritual of KACAR KUCUR or TAMPA KAYA
With the help of the Pemaes, the couple walk arm in arm or more precisely holding each other with their little finger to the site of Kacar Kucur or Tampa Kaya ritual in a chair in front of the house's KROBONGAN. It depicts that the husband should give all his income to his wife. The bridegroom gives to the bride some soybeans, peanuts, paddy rice, corns, yellow rice, Dlingo bengle herbs, flowers and coins of different values, the quantity of coins must be even. The bride carefully receives these gifts in a small white cloth, above an old mat which is put on her lap. She should be a good careful housewife.

The Ritual of DAHAR KLIMAH or DAHAR KEMBUL
They are eating together, feeding each other. The Pemaes as a leader of the ceremony gives a plate and a napkin to the bride and yellow rice, side dishes as fried eggs, soybean, tempe, sliced of fried meat (abon) and chicken's liver. The bridegroom makes three small balls of rice and dishes with his right hand. The bride shall eat first and then the bridegroom, after that they drink sweet tea. The ritual depicts the couple should use and enjoy their belongings together. Krobongan or Petanen is a special room located in the centre of Dalem Javanese joglo house, in front of the room stand two wooden statues called Loro Blonyo. This is symbolzing prosperity (kindly click:symbolic meaning of Joglosemar for detail). Nowadays, as many houses have no krobongan room, the place where these rituals conducted is decorated with krobongan like ornaments. The same if this party is held in a hotel or public building,

MERTUI
The bride's parents pick up the parents of the bridegroom in front of the house. They walk together to the place of ceremony. The mothers walk infront, the fathers accompanied from behind. The parents of the bridegroom should be seated in the left side of the couple. The parents of the bride sit in right side of the couple.

The Ritual of SUNGKEMAN
The couple should kneel and asks a blessing from their parents. First to the parents of the bride, then to the parents of the bridegroom. During the SUNGKEMAN, the Pemaes takes out the KERIS from the bridegroom. After the Sungkeman, the bridegroom wears again his KERIS. It should be noted that the couple's parents are wearing the same design of Batik Truntum meaning the couple should always have enough fortune for a living and they are wearing also SINDUR as waist sash. The red drawing in the Sindur with its curved edges would like to say that life is like a river winds thru the mountains. The parents are escorting the newlywed to walk in the real life to build a strong family.

Other Rituals
The above rituals are Yogyakarta's pattern. In Surakarta and other regions of Java, there are additional rituals.

SINDUR BINAYANG
After the ritual of Wiji Dadi, the father of the bride leads the couple to walk to the wedding chair in front of the Krobongan, the mother of the bride covers the couple's shoulders with SINDUR. Symbolizing the father shows the way of happiness. While the mother gives a moral support.

TIMBANG
Both, the bride and the bridegroom sit on the father's lap and he would say that they have equal weight, that means that he loves them both equally.

TANEM
The father seats the couple in the wedding chair. It depicts that He has approved the marriage and gives his blessing.

TUKAR KALPIKA
Exchange of wedding rings as a sign of love. Then followed by the rituals of Kacar Kucur and others.

The Reception
After the wedding rituals are completed, then follows the reception. The newly-wed flanked by their parents should receive blessing and greeting from the guests by shaking hands. In the meantime, one or two Javanese classical dance could be performed. The favorit show is the classical dance of GATOTKACA-PERGIWO a fragment from wayang story or more modern classical style dance KARONSIH, both are love dance. While all the guests are enjoying the party by tasting lunch or diner offered, the sound of gamelan music echoes beautifully thru the reception hall. The wedding ceremony ends safely and satisfactorily and everyone is happy.

Today, for practical reason, many wedding receptions are held in the banquet halls of hotels on convention halls, beautiful decorated for the specialist event. The traditional ritual ceremonies attended only by families, close relatives & friends of the bride and groom. The reception is a party, where lunch or dinner is served after the invitees have congratulated the newly wed couples, flanked by they parents.

Before congratulation, where many guests are already in the party hall, there is a bridal procession entering the hall. Accompanied by live gamelan music, a master of ceremony announces that the bride and the groom are entering the hall. The procession is led by cucuk lampah - a man in Javanese costume walks rhythmically toward the chairs where the newly wed couples are going to be seated in front of the "Krobongan - Style" decoration . Behind him are two Patah - little girls specially dressed, who are going to sit in the right and left side of the newly wed couple. Followed by some dancers in their marvelous costumes, they are going to entertain everybody attending the party with their traditional dancers.

Then, the newly wed couple, walk hand-in-hand in their most elegant appearance as the queen and the king of the day. They are flanked by two elderly ladies, holding their hands. Followed by their mothers and then their fathers. In the last row are the sisters and sisters-in-law and the brothers and brothers-in-low of the bride and the groom.

With tender magical gamelan music accompaniment, the MC in a soft and magnetic voice makes some comments of the procession with poetic refined Javanese words. The bride and the groom are seated on the disignated chairs, flanked by the Patah and the parents of both side. The reception begins amidst a happy atmosphere. In a bridal procession in the Royal Palace/Karaton of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, there is an additional attraction. The joyful and jokingly appearance by a group called "edan-edanan" (edan means crazy), consist of same dwarfs with glorying dresses and make-up, dancing, wildly, laughing moisely accompanied by a load and quick rhythm of gamelan. This attraction symbolizes…….

THE PREPARATION OF A WEDDING CEREMONY
A sincere and mutual love between a woman and a man should end in marriage. In places like Java, the marriage occurred due to the decision by a loving couple. This is a matter of principle since the ancient time. It could hoppened due to the wish of their parents. A Javanese proverb says: "'Tresno jalaran saka kulino" means "love grows when you are get used to each other". Up to now, a Javanese always stays close to the family. Family solidarity is of prime important. The loving couple should inform their parents accordingly and several steps should be taken to prepare the wedding.

The Proposal
The parents of the man (would be bridegroom) should send an envoy or envoys to the parents of the woman (would be bride), proposing that their son is willing to marry their daughter. Nowadays, for practical reason, the parents of both sides could talk directly. The parents of the couple should approved the planned marriage. They should fix convenient and good days of wedding procedures which must be followed such as Peningsetan (traditional engagement), Siraman (holy bathing), Midodaremi (ceremony in the eve of the wedding day), the Panggih and other traditional rituals.
Usually, the parents of the would be bride have a greater say as they are the ones who organize the ceremony. It should be decided also what kind of marriage pattern is chosen, among other Paes Ageng (great make up) or Kesatrian (knight's make up which is simpler). Every marriage pattern differs in make up and dresses for the bride and bridegroom.
It should be decided also what kind of dresses the parents should wear, what kind of Batik pattern and shirt/coat design, which color etc.

The Pemaes and the wedding committee
A complete traditional Javanese wedding ceremony is involving several kind of activities. One of the most important things is the ritual. In that case, service of a Pemaes is of top priority. There are a lot of Pemaes, but favorite Pemaes, they have also a tight schedule. It must be made sure the engagement of a Pemaes long time before the wedding. She should be entrusted to make up the bride and bridegroom and dress them properly, she should take care the ritual offerings and lead the ritual ceremonies.
A small committee consisting of close relatives and friends from both families is set up. The size depends to the size of the party, how many guests should be invited,300, 500, 1000 or more guests. In fact a wedding ceremony is a big show. Really the committee should work hard on voluntarily basis. The most important thing here is the execution of IJAB, the religious and civil registration, which should legalize the wed couple as legitimate husband and wife before the law. The committee should appoint people in charge of different jobs such as: protocol, food and beverage, art performance of the gamelan music group and the dance, setting up the reception hall complete with decoration, the appointment of master of ceremony, the appointment of some elder distinguish women to do the siraman (holy bathing), the appointment of who should be witnesses for IJAB, the appointment of who should deliver the welcome speech during reception, the appointment of who should be responsible for transportation, communication and security matters etc. This is the manifestation of the spirit of Gotong Royong/ Mutual Cooperation.

Peningsetan
Peningsetan derives from the word singset means to tie up. It is commitment that a marriage should be implemented, the families of both sides have agreed. The parents should become "in-laws". On the peningsetan occasion, the family of the would be bridegroom visit the parents and the family of the would be bride. They are bringing some gifts as follow:

1. A set of Suruh Ayu (Suruh: betel leaf, Ayu: beautiful), betel leaves with the necessary supplement, wishing for a safety.
2. Several Batik cloths with different patterns, wishing happiness and the best things in life such as the patterns of sidoluhur, sidomukti etc. (please click article of Batik)
3. Materials for KEBAYA (women shirts)
4. White waist sash for women as a sign of a strong willingness.
5. Some fruits, wishing a good health.
6. Rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil etc symbolizing the basic foodstuffs need in life.
7. A set of ring for the couple.
8. Some money, a contribution for the wedding ceremony.

Tarub Decoration
Usually one day before the wedding party, the gate of the bride's parents should be decorated with Tarub as has been described above.

SIRAMAN Ceremony
Siraman means to take a bath. The Siraman in the wedding ritual is meant to clean the couple to become clean, their bodies as well as their souls. The Siraman ceremony usually should be organized one day prior to the IJAB and Panggih rituals, in the afternoon. Siraman of the would be bride should be conducted in her parents' residence as for the would be bridegroom in his parents house.
For this ritual some preparations have to be made, such as:

1. The place of the Siraman, in the family bathroom or in a place specially designed for the purpose. Nowadays the second alternative is more common.
2. The lists of persons who should bath the couple. Instead of the parents, some elderly distinguished women should be invited among other their grand mothers. They are selected due to their good moral behavior. The numbers are limited usually to seven. Seven in Javanese is PITU, so they should give PITULUNGAN means help.
3. Items which must be prepared.
* A big bowl for water, usually made of copper or bronze.
* Water from a well or spring
* Setaman flowers, consist of rose, yasmin, magnolia, cananga, to be put in the water.
* Wet powder-five colours, should function like a soap.
* Traditional shampoo and conditioner such as ash of rice straw, coconut milk and tamarind juice.
* 2 coconuts, tied up together
* a small chair, covered with:
Old mat
White cloth
Several kind of plant leaves
Dlingo Bengle herbs
Bango tulak cloths (4 patterns) against evil deed.
Lurik woven pabrics with design YUYU SEKANDANG and PULA WATU.
* White cotton cloth to be wear during siraman
* Batik cloth of Grompol and NAGASARI design
* Towel
* Kendi - earthenware flask with a neck and spout.
* Gayung - a water dipper.
4. Sajen / offering for SIRAMAN
Traditionally sajen/offering in Javanese ritual is considered very important. It has a deep symbolic meaning, in short:
* Requesting protection from God, the Creator
* Remembering the ancestors, so their souls live in peace in eternal world and hopefully got a blessing from them.
* Avoiding evil deeds from spirit and human being.
* The ritual should be safe and successful.

5. Siraman's sajen among other consist of:
* Tumpeng ROBYONG; a decorated Robyong rice cone, with the wish to be in safety.
* Tumpeng GUNDUL; rice cone with no decoration.
* Cold food
* Bananas and other fruits
* A chicken egg
* A Peeled coconut
* Coconut sugar
* A latern
* Telon flowers (cananga, yasmin, magnolia)
* Seven kinds of porridge
* Sweet cookies
* Cookies made of glutinous rice
* A cock

The family of the would be bride should send envoys to the family of the would be bridegroom, a small bowl of holy water, consists of water and flowers. This holy water, called banyu suci PERWITOSARI (banyu: water, suci: holy, perwitosari: essence of life) should be pourred in the water in the bridgroom's house.

The execution of SIRAMAN

1. The would be bride/bridegroom, with hair hung loosely picked up from her/his room by the parents. She/he is escorted to the place of siraman. Some people bring a tray of batik cloths, towels etc walk behind them. These things should be used after the siraman.
2. He/she should be seated on the chair.
3. A prayer is offered
4. The first person to bath her/him is the father and then the mother, countinued by others in the list.
5. The last person to bath her/him is the Pemaes or a special elder person assigned. She should use the traditional shampo, powder etc to clean her/him. He/she should sit, with both hands in front of the chest in praying position. The Pemaes pours water from Kendi to their hands and they use it to rinse the mouth three times. The Pemaes pours to their head, face, ears, neck, hands and feet three times each.
6. When the Kendi is empty, the Pemaes or person assigned should break the kendi on the floor saying: Wis Pecah Pamore' - meaning that he/she is handsome (beautiful, now is a grown-up) (ready to get married).
7. He/she should wear the batik cloth of Grompol design and cover the body with Nagasari batik cloth.
8. He/she should be escorted back to the wedding room.

NGERIK Ceremony
After the Siraman. The bride sits in the wedding room. The Pemaes should dry her hair by using towel and smoke of perfumed powder (RATUS) should be passed her hair. When the hair is drying, it is combed backside and strongly tied up in gelung hairdo style. The Pemaes cleans her face and neck and start to make up. Ngerik means to save unnessarary hairs on her face by using a Razor.

Sajen/ offering for NGERIK
The sajen for Ngerik is the same with the sajen for Siraman. For pratical reason all sajen for siraman brought to the wedding room and function as the offering for NGERIK RITUAL.

The execution of NGERIK
The Pemaes should carefully and skilfully doing her make up of the bride. The face should be make up in accordance with the marriage pattern. At the end, the bride should be dressed with Kebaya (woman shirt) and Batik cloth with design of SIDOMUKTI or SIDOASIH symbolizing, she would have a prosperous life and adored by other people.

MIDODARENI Ceremony
This ceremony takes place in the eve of IJAB and Panggih ceremonies. Midodaremi is derived from the word Widodari means goddess. The would be bride this evening is becoming very beautiful like a goddess, she should be visited by some goddesses from heaven according to ancient belief. She has to stay in the room the whole evening from 6.00 p.m. to midnight accompanied by some elder women giving her useful advice. The family of the would be bridegroom and her very close friends should also visit her for a while, all of them are women.
The bride's parents should feed her for the last time. As from tomorrow, she is in her husband's responsibility.

Sajen/offering for MIDODARENI

1. Rice cooked with coconut milk
2. Well cooked cock (INGKUNG)
3. Vegetable sauces
4. Telon flowers
5. Tea and coffee without sugar
6. Drink from young coconut meat with coconut sugar
7. Latern which is lighted
8. Bananas of Raja (king) variety
9. Flowers in water bowl
10. A baked glutinous rice, bread
11. Cigar and pipe made of papaya leave

Items put in the wedding room

1. One set of Kembar Mayang
2. 2 earthenware vases filled with spices, medical herbs, rice, peanuts etc covered with Bango Tulak cloths.
3. 2 Kendis filled with holy water covered with dadap srep leave.
4. UKUB- a tray with several kinds of perfumed leaves and flowers put under the bed.
5. Suruh Ayu- betel leaves with its supplement.
6. Areca nut.
7. Seven kinds of cloth with letrek design.

The offering could be taken out of the room at midnight. The family and guests could eat it.

Ceremonies outside the wedding room
Outside the room, there are the parents and the family or close friends of the would be bride meeting with the family of the would be bridegroom, eating and speaking to each other. Nowadays for practical reason, during the midodareni, other rituals could be conducted at the same time, such as:

Peningsetan or SRAH-SRAHAN
The family of the would be bridegroom gives some items to the parents of the would be bride (see Peningsetan Ritual). In this occasion both sides of families should make acquintance to each other in a more relax atmosphere. Then the family of the would be bridegroom (only women) visit the would be bride in the attractively decorated wedding room.

NYANTRI
In fact the would be bridegroom come together with his family, but he is not entitled to enter the house. While his family is inside the house, he sits in the veranda of the house accompanied by some friends or relatives. During that time he is only given a glass of water, and he is not allowed to smoke. He may eat only after midnight. It is a lesson that he must be able to resist hunger and temptation. Before his family left the house, an envoy of his parents tells the host and the hostess that he hands over the would be bridegroom to the responsibility of the host and the hostess, the envoy further says that the would be bridegroom is not going back home. After the visitors left the house, the would be bridegroom is allowed to enter the house but not the wedding room. The parents of the would be bride should arrange his lodging. This called Nyantri. Nyantri is done on purpose for safety and practical reason, considering that tomorrow he should be dressed and prepared for Ijab and other wedding ceremonies.

IJAB Ceremony As it has been described above, Ijab ceremony is the most important requirement to legalize a marriage. The implementation of Ijab is in accordance with the religion of the couple. Nowadays, the state recognizes five existing religions: ISLAM, CHRISTIAN and CATHOLIC, HINDU, BUDHA. Whatever religion they confess, they are wearing traditional dresses. In the place where the IJAB is conducted, a sanggan offering put there. After the IJAB, traditional ceremonies of panggih etc and a reception should follow to complete the whole wedding ceremonies.

The Art of Javanese Traditional Wedding
In Java people oftenly says that birth, marriage and death are the wish of God. It is easily understood that wedding rituals should be implemented accordingly. It grows to be an exhibition of traditional art and culture, an integral part of the Nation's Identity. Where the noble symbols of life exposed with pride and dignity.
This great tradition, inherited from ancient time, strongly preserved by the people. The Javanese selectively embraces modernazition but the root of tradition remains. The existance of Palaces/Karatons in Yogyakarta and Surakarta, as centers of art and culture plays a positive role. The most significant is the people's sincere care to conserve its own culture.
The hard work and determination to maintain traditional culture by the Karatons, related experts and all parties concern have flourished the culture in the pleasant direction. Some consistent efforts have to be made to improve the favourable trend.

Popularity of Javanese traditional wedding ceremony
In 1960's, some Pemaes had started to popularize this traditional wedding ceremony outside the Karaton ring. With the silent blessing of the Karaton, the four EMPU (great Guru) Pemaes from the Yogyakarta court families, namely:
The late Mrs. PRADJOKOHALPITO, the late Mrs. DONOLOBO, the late Mrs. SOSRONEGORO and Mrs. SARDJONO YOSODIPURO formed the first Association of Pemaes P.P. 16 to introduce and spread the art of traditional bridal make up and wedding ceremonies to the society outside the Karaton wall. They also improved their expertise by learning and adopting the pattern from Surakarta palaces.
The four EMPU Pemaes had their own forum of communication by the name of HASTANATA to intensify the spreading of this art. Although they are great artists but they worked untiredly and travelled a lot across the territory in different towns and villages by any means of transportation such as traditional becak (pedicab) or andong (four wheeled carriage drown by a horse) or public transport such as buses and trains. The private cars were rare and aeroplane was too luxurious for the early years of the pioneers. Mean while in Surakarta, Mrs. Dinar Woerjanto did almost the same. She and a few other Pemaes spread this art of classical bridal make up to every strata of society in different places. Along with the economic progress of the country, their fight gave a tremendous result in the art and culture and business related with wedding ceremonies, such as in the fields of:

1. Sajen/offering made and flower arrangements
2. Dresses, batik, keris, jewelries , ornaments and other items used in a wedding party
3. Food and beverages (catering)
4. Performing arts; gamelan music orchestra and classical dance
5. The service of photography (lately) video shooting and sound system.
6. Renting of public and hotel halls for wedding reception
7. Renting of tent, furniture, carpets and special decorated cars for the married couple etc.
8. The service of Masters Ceremonies
9. The service of some assistants to Pemaes. (in a complete ceremonies a Pemaes should not be able to work by her self)

In April 1978 in Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, for the first time a workshop on "Javanese traditional bridal make up" was organized. The four Empu Pemaes, with the help of other experts were given the opportunity to run the show, under the supervision of directorate general of Culture. This successful event brought a positive result of making uniformity for Yogyakarta and Surakarta patterns of traditional bridal make up.
Needless to say that as a result of their tremendous achievement by practising their profession with utmost devotion, in many places and occassions, in remote villages, different cities and in also in Karaton, they have received different Awards and Appreciation from government and private institutions.

Article Source :
http://www.joglosemar.co.id/wedding.html

Welcoming the bridegroom ceremony

* The bridegroom is welcomed with the umbul-umbul, a decoration indicating that a wedding ceremony is going on, which is also auspicious for the bridegroom.
* The welcome is followed by a procession of ladies with candles. They pray to the Almighty seeking His blessing in order that there maybe no hindrances in the ceremony.
* The showering of flowers by the dancers is symbolic of a fragrant future for the couple.
* The umbrella held over the couple's heads, apart from serving as a protective symbol, indicates esteem and respect.
* The mother of the bride gives the bridegroom a garland of flowers indicating his acceptability to the family.
* The mother of the bride gives the bridegroom a keris, a hidden message to the son-in-law not to be disheartened while toiling for his family.

Wedding ceremony

The bride and groom are seated next to each other with a selendang or veil covering their heads indicating two people but having one mind.

The bride and groom bend forward and kiss the knees of their parents, called sungkem, asking for forgiveness and blessing and reassuring them that they will continue to serve their parents.

Sawer

This ceremony should take place in front of the sawer or gargoyle. The water flowing from the gargoyle indicates the continuous flow of priceless parental love for their children.

The bride and groom are seated under an umbrella in front of the entrance to the house. There are two singers, a man and a woman, who sing on behalf of the parents. The song, called kidung, advises the couple to treat each other well, living in harmony, and serves as a prayer to the Almighty to bless the couple.

Then the sawer is showered on the couple. It consists of:

Source :

Turmeric rice Rice is a sign of prosperity and yellow stands for everlasting love

Coins Reminding the couple to share their wealth with the less fortunate

Candy Indicates sweetness and fragrance throughout their marriage

A betel nut set near the couple is a reminder that their different customs should not spoil their harmonious marriage.

Nincak Endog

This is the egg breaking ceremony. The couple are required to stand facing each other in front of the entrance of the house. The bridegroom stands outside the entrance and the bride is inside the entrance.

This ceremony is conducted by the lady in charge of the bridal makeup and serves as advice to the couple for their happiness and long wedded life.

The following items are used:

a. Harupat, seven broomsticks, are burnt and thrown away symbolizing the discarding of bad habits which endanger one. s married life.

b. An egg is broken, indicating that the groom will be the master of the house henceforth and the bride will serve him.

c. Ajug, seven candles, represents the direction the couple should follow to ensure a happy married life.

d. Elekon, hollow bamboo, which symbolizes emptiness.

e. Kendi, an earthen water jug filled with water, which stands for peace.

f. In the past, unmarried girls were not allowed to cross over logs. Here the bride is made to cross the log as a sign that she will always obey her husband.

The lady in charge of the ceremony gives the bride the harupat. The groom lights the harupat with the ajug. Then the flames are put out and the sticks are broken and thrown away. After the groom breaks the egg with his right foot, the bride cleans the groom's foot with the water from the kendi. Then the bride throws the kendi to break it.

Then the couple are escorted to the house. The bride crosses the log and enters the house while the groom remains outside to perform the buka pintu ceremony.

Buka Pintu

This is a dialogue between the bride and groom in front of the house. However, they are represented by a couple who also sings for them. First, the couple knocks three times on the door, then enters into a dialogue whereby permission is requested by the groom to enter the bride's house. The bride consents on the condition that the groom will say the syahadat (confirming his Moslem faith). The song also solemnizes the importance of the nuptial ceremony.

Huap Lingkung

Symbolic of the last time the parents of the bride will feed their daughter. This is also the first dish prepared by the daughter in her new home. The dish consists of turmeric sticky rice with yellow spiced chicken on top of it.

Patarik-Tarik Bakakak

The couple are given a barbecued spiced chicken. On hearing the word . go. from the lady conducting the ceremony, the couple has to pull the chicken apart. The one who gets the larger piece supposedly will bring in the larger share of the family fortune. This ceremony also serves to remind the couple to encourage each other to work hard together to gain good fortune.

The difference in the income level of the individuals will, needless to say, have a great bearing on the extent of the wedding celebrations. Weddings in Jakarta range from simple meals in the family home, to small receptions in community centers to grand extravagant affairs in the Jakarta Convention Center or 5-star hotel ballrooms.

At most wedding receptions, the guests arrive, sign the guest book, accept their thank you token, deposit their gift and enter the reception hall.

The path into the reception hall will be flanked left and right with members of the extended families, often dressed in similar traditional dress. A smile and nod to some of these people would be appropriate. Following the family members may be young men and women holding a chain of flowers. This is called the pagar ayu or 'fence of beauty'.

If you arrive on time you will be able to witness the procession of the wedding couple into the reception hall. Depending on the wealth, social standing or ethnic group, this procession can be quite impressive. The bride and groom may be proceeded by dancers who give a traditional dance performance before the wedding couple goes on stage. Or the performance may come after the bride and groom are seated. The parents of the bride and groom and other senior family members will follow the couple in procession into the room.

Then come the speeches! A representative of each family will address the crowd to thank them for their attendance and to give long, complex expressions of regret if any arrangements for the reception are lacking or found wanting. Depending on whether or not you have one or two representatives speak (thank goodness at some weddings there is only one person representing both families), the speeches can take up to half an hour.

After the speeches, the guests are invited to come to the stage and shake the hands of the bride and groom and their parents. Depending on the number of guests this receiving line can go on for hours. Traditional music may beplayed throughout the reception.

After going through the receiving line, the guests are invited to eat. The feast can be quite extensive and is a good opportunity to try cuisine from different regions. It could be as simple as nasi goreng or bakmi goreng, ikan asem-manis to the more elaborate where there will be food stalls with sushi, tempura, kambing guling, dim sum, beef Wellington and other western dishes. Once the speeches are complete, it is also acceptable to eat first and then join the receiving line after your meal if the line is quite long.

When should you arrive and how long should you stay?

While some attendees will arrive early, the timing of your arrival should be determined by whether or not you want to see the procession and hear the speeches. If you do want to, you should come on time. If you. d rather miss the grand entrance and speeches, you can come 30-60 minutes after the time noted on the invitation. Then you can enter immediately into the reception hall, shake hands and proceed to the buffet tables.

The length of time you spend at the reception is entirely up to you. Many Indonesians may only stay 15-30 minutes to eat a small snack after shaking hands, especially if they have another invitation to attend that night. Some people can even have up to 5 or 6 wedding invitations for one evening! If you are enjoying the splendor and the food, know lots of the attendees and enjoy the chance to chat, stick around and enjoy yourself. If, on the other hand, you don't know anyone who is there, it is acceptable to shake hands, eat and leave promptly (SMP-sudah makan pulang-when you've finished eating you can go home :). In a small wedding you will shake hands again before leaving.

Don't expect that alcohol will be served at the wedding reception or that there would be dancing, this is highly unlikely. Likewise, coming to a wedding after drinking would be considered very rude. Even if the groom is your drinking buddy, weddings are not an appropriate venue in which to be drunk.

Source : http://www.expat.or.id/info/weddings.html

Count yourself fortunate if you've had the opportunity to attend an Indonesian wedding. The fascinating wedding ceremonies and festivities give expatriates a unique opportunity to gain insight into Indonesian culture and social mores.

Given the broad diversity of ethnic groups in Indonesia, it stands to reason that wedding customs will reflect this diversity. Each ethnic group has different wedding dress and different marriage ceremonies and customs. Within ethnic groups, those of different religious backgrounds will have different practices as well.

As a expatriate living in Indonesia you may on occasion receive a wedding invitation. You may not know how to act, what to bring or what your role as a guest in the wedding should be. We'd like to outline what happens at most weddings in Indonesia to help prepare you. If in doubt, consult colleagues or friends that you know have been invited or ask colleagues or your secretary to determine what appropriate dress and gift would be.

Attendance is Important

One of the most important concepts at Indonesian weddings seems to be 'the more the merrier'. Literally every relative, acquaintance, colleague or business partner could be invited to the wedding. Joining a group of others that are invited, even if you did not receive an invitation personally addressed to you, is also okay (as long as it's not a sit down dinner -in which case the limit is clearly stated on the invitation).

Indonesians are truly honored by your attendance at a wedding. Attending shows that you care, that you respect the people involved and your relationship with them, that you honor the family and want to show your support of the newlyweds. Don't question the intent of colleagues or subordinates who, upon short acquaintance, invite you to their daughter's or son's wedding. They really do want you to come!

On the other hand, not responding to the invitation, or not attending can cause a significant insult and slight to the giver, which can cause problems in your relationship in the future. Having said that .. you are not obligated to attend every wedding that you receive an invitation for.

The Invitation

Wedding invitations in Jakarta and other urban centers can be very extravagant. The date on the outside of the envelope is very practical if you receive many wedding invitations. In rural areas, the invitation is done via visits from the family to neighbors and friends.

The sincere welcome extended to guests is noted on the invitation with wording such as "Merupakan suatu kehormatan & kebahagiaan bagi kami apabila Bapak/Ibu/Saudara/i berkenan hadir untuk memberikan doa restu kepada kedua mempelai" or "Tiada yang dapat kami ungkapkan selain ucapan terima kasih dari hati yang tulus atas kehairan serta pemberian do. a restu Bapak/Ibu/Saudara/i kepada putra-putri kami". Both of these phrases mean that you do the family great honor by attending and extending blessings upon the bride and groom.

On the invitation will be noted the date, time and place for the Akad Nikah, which is the actual wedding ceremony,as well as the Resepsi Pernikahan, which is the wedding reception. Even though both ceremonies are noted on the invitation, the majority of people will only attend the reception.

If you would like to attend the wedding ceremony, as this is when most of the cultural ceremonies take place, be sure to ask the person who gave you the invitation if this would be okay. They will probably say yes, but it's best to clear it first as usually a much smaller crowd or just close family members are expected to witness the actual exchange of marriage vows.

Appropriate Dress

For women, nice dresses, much as you would wear to a wedding at home. For men, a business suit or a long-sleeved batik shirt with slacks.

It would be appropriate to wear a long sleeved dress to a Muslim wedding reception. It is not necessary for an expatriate woman to cover her head, though many of the Indonesian attendees may do so.

The Gift

In the past (as in the mid-90s before the economic crisis), the grand, glorious, conspicuously extravagant weddings in Jakarta were gifted with large floral displays which were placed outside the reception hall. Or, wedding guests brought a wide variety of household goods as gifts. In a large wedding, to which thousands of people may be invited, there would be many duplications of gifts. It would not be unusual at avery large wedding for the wedding couple to receive, for example, 15 blenders, 20 mixers, 10 toasters, 25 rice cookers, 5 refrigerators, 3 cars, etc.

Therefore, a relatively new practice arose in the mid-90s whereby the wedding couple asks the attendees not to bring gifts or floral displays by the inclusion of additional wording on the invitation "Dengan tidak mengurangi rasa hormat dan terima kasih, akan lebih bermanfaat seandainya ungkapan kasih sayang yang mungkin akan diberikan kepada kami tidak berupa cendera mata atau karangan bunga" or "Dengan tidak mengurangi rasa hormat kami, akan sangat berterima kasih apabila tanda kasih yang akan diberikan tidak berupa cenderamata atau karangan bunga". This translates as, Without belittling your generosity, we'd appreciate it if you didn't give us flowers or a gift.

This is a nice way of asking for money instead of gifts. At the reception desk there will be a beautifully decorated box with a slit in the top into which you can insert an envelope with money. If you choose to give money and are uncertain of an appropriate amount to give, ask your secretary or Indonesian colleagues for their suggestions. Sometimes the hostesses will number your envelope as well as next to your signature in the guest book, so that the bride and groom know how much money you gave.

Having said this, you are not obligated to bring a gift to the wedding.

Thank Yous

Don't expect a thank you note after the wedding for your gift. In many weddings attendees are given a small token upon their arrival, a fan, key chain or other item. Attached to this item will be a thank you for your attendance.

Source : http://www.expat.or.id/info/weddings.html

Count yourself fortunate if you ever have the opportunity to attend an Indonesian wedding. The fascinating wedding ceremonies and festivities present a unique opportunity to gain insight into Indonesian culture and social mores.

Wedding customs in Indonesia reflect the broad diversity of ethnic groups within Indonesia. Each ethnic group has different wedding dress and different marriage ceremonies and customs and within ethnic groups, those of different religious backgrounds have different practices as wel.

Source : http://hubpages.com/hub/Indonesian-Traditional-Wedding-Dress

Whether you have just recently celebrated your wedding or you have just found the time to be able to scrapbook, creating a wedding scrapbook is a great way to preserve the memories of the day. However, taking on the task of scrapbooking your wedding can seem overwhelming. There are some things that you can do to take the stress and pressure that you might feel out of creating the scrapbook.

One thing you can do is to keep it simple. We all love scrapbook pages that are full of embellishments such as stickers or die cuts. However, if you have hundreds of photos to work with, it might be better to let the pictures do the talking. Instead of concentrating on embellishments, journal about the day on your pages. Journaling helps you to capture how you felt, special moments and amusing or unplanned events that happened during the day.

You can also break up the wedding and events surrounding the wedding into different albums. This helps you concentrate on one thing at a time. For instance, I have a shower and rehearsal album, a wedding album, a reception album and a honeymoon album. We had about 15 disposable cameras sitting around at the reception, so that is why I chose to do it separately from the rest. I also have a miscellaneous album that is filled with pictures that other people gave me after I had already completed my albums. This way I don't have to worry about adding pages to the other albums.

If you must give a wedding scrapbook to your parents, keep those simple as well. They don't need all the pictures. Just choose those that you think are the best or that would mean something special to them. This will probably mean using different pictures for each set of parents.

Creating a wedding scrapbook for friends and family members who are getting married is also an excellent idea. I recently did this for a friend. In addition to pictures and memos, I had everyone put their wishes for the bride and groom on acid free paper to add to the back of the scrapbook.

However you choose to create your wedding scrapbook, it should be fun, not stressful. You should enjoy reliving the day as you scrapbook instead of feeling overwhelmed at the pile of pictures laid out before you. You have already created the memories, the scrapbook is just a way for you to share them with others and to enjoy seeing them for years to come.


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Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Gee

http://ashleeweddings.blog.com/ http://betteswedding.livejournal.com/

http://www.weddingsbyashlee.com/ http://jewelrybyashlee.blogspot.com/

"Think On These Things"

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die
for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they
don't like you.

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you
probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and
wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something
better.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still
come from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a
look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the
rude remarks.

13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much
better when they know and you'll both be happy.

14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that
they are great.

Send this letter to all the people you care about, if you do so,
you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their
perspective on life...for the better

Copied from Dr. Frank ~ Nov. 26th issue of Wei.ght Loss God's Way Messenger
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Recently my sister-in-law's grandmother passed away and she was left with a rather large collection of antique silver jewelry. The collection included a number of different pieces that were considerably tarnished and while some were enhanced by the presence of the tarnish some needed to have it removed in order to shine up to their full potential. The pieces that were enhanced by the tarnish were those that had intricate engravings and etchings on them. These pieces needed only a quick polish to shine them up in order to look beautiful but the others needed something a little stronger to do the job.

So my sister-in-law searched the internet for products that would take away the tarnish on the silver pieces that she wanted removed. Upon searching Google and a number of different sites she found some companies offering these products.

Some of these products are Tarn-X, Silver Lightning, and Metallux. All of these products are said to work very well on silver and are fairly inexpensive as well but they all also contain harsh chemicals that for one may irritate your skin and second of all are dangerous to have in the house if there are children living there. And although my sister-in-law didn't have a child at the time she was expecting which was also another reason to not use harsh chemical in and of itself, so she decided to look into alternative ways to get rid of the tarnish marring up certain pieces of her collection.

So, we went back to Google and we did another search but this time for homemade tarnish removers for silver jewelry. We found a number of helpful sites that detailed exactly how to make homemade silver jewelry cleaners that were safe and lacking harsh chemicals but yet still would work good enough to remove the tarnish. These homemade cleaners may contain things such as salt, soap, baking soda, and/or water. As you can see none of these materials are at all threatening or dangerous and they work well too.

For one particular homemade cleaner you will need salt, baking soda, water, aluminum foil, soap, and a glass pan big enough to hold these materials plus your jewelry or other silver pieces that you are cleaning. First you will want to cover the bottom of the glass pan with the aluminum foil in order to prevent the bottom of the pan from darkening. After you do this you will boil a solution made up of one quart of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, along with one teaspoon of salt. While you are in the process of boiling the solution you may place your silver in the pan on top of the aluminum foil. After the solution is boiled pour it over the silver and let it sit for five minutes before washing it with warm, soapy water and let dry. This is a safe and easy way to clean silver jewelry and low cost as well.


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Jarrie Wilson is the manager of inexpensive sterling silver jewelry site, 925wholesale.com. For information about sterling silver jewelry visit love for silver jewelry site.

www.weddingsbyashlee.com, http://sparklingweddings.livejournal.com

Source:www.isnare.com