In the eastern part of the world, where the Asian countries are located, weddings are also a very significant event, just like in the West. When a wedding in the family has been announced, family, friends and colleagues become very excited. The first thing they do is to congratulate the couple. Next, they go forward and ask if there is any way in which they can help the couple with the wedding plans. Sometimes, a rich aunt or uncle steps forward and offers to pay for the couple’s wedding reception. Though this is not done often, there are times when it has happened.
Asians as a people and race are known to be accommodating. In view of this, wedding plans are made in respect of elders, especially the parents of the bride and groom. It is quite common for the Father of the Bride to pay for the wedding, but as times have changed and society has progressed, the couple to be married usually saves up for their big day and pays their way through the entire occasion.
In Malaysia for example, Malay weddings are a great time for rejoicing and all and sundry are invited for this joyful occasion. Muslim is the official religion of the Malays in Malaysia and the wedding ceremony is held following Muslim rites. Once the religious aspects of the celebration are over, the families of the bride and groom usually have a great feast for the neighbors, friends and family. As the climate is warm and sunny all year round, garden parties during the day and night are quite common. The couple would have chosen a theme color they like and this color can be seen in the bride and groom’s attire, bridal bouquets and decorations.
Today’s couple seems to enjoy choosing pastel colors as a theme. Lavender or lilac, pastel green and blue are common choices. However, the color gold is reserved for royalty. Pink would be the bride’s choice, yet is not chosen often as the bridegroom would not look good in a traditional pink outfit!
In terms of wedding party favors, after a traditional Malay wedding, one can expect to return home with a boiled egg that is wrapped elegantly in little satin or lace pouches. The egg is seen as a symbol of fertility and when the couple shares it with their guests, it symbolizes the fact that the couple hopes to have a fruitful life together and want their guests to wish the same for them.
An interesting aspect about wedding guest favors among the Malays is that the couple usually prepares more than enough egg tokens. This is because some families are very big and very often it is not enough to give eight family members just one token. Hence, you will find the favors being prepared in large quantities and amazingly, every one of them will be given away.
Besides Malay weddings, Indian, Chinese and other weddings are a common feature in Malaysia. At traditional Indian weddings, guests can expect rich and tasty Indian sweets as favors. Chinese couples however believe in giving their guests Oriental bookmarks, cherry blossom photo frames and personalized chopsticks which can actually be used for a meal.
Now that you know about the different types of favors that are given at certain Asian weddings, you will know what to expect if you happen to attend one of these events.