Organising a wedding in Sri Lanka is not just about the breathtaking landscape and luxurious locations; it also gives a chance to celebrate the cultural heritage of the island.
Sri Lanka’s hospitality, rituals, and customs, deeply rooted in rich cuisine, captivate the heart.
It is a country where people are celebrating and are full of life! We can explore several cultural features about this island nation for those who want to add a touch of significance to their wedding.
The following are examples that will ensure every wedding is a unique and memorable experience.
Traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers
Regional dancers and drummers are another way of welcoming the wedding’s first guest. There is also another festivity to this.
Besides the wedding’s first guests, colourful singers and drummers also perform their dance.
This traditional performance is one of the most unique and captivating shows for wedding guests.
Geta Bera dancers and their drummers will give their full entertainment for the guests. Quite probably, this can be done inside or outside of the venue.
Poruwa Ceremony
The Poruwa ceremony is an age-old Sinhala wedding ritual performed on a decorated wooden platform termed the ‘Poruwa’. At this stage, the husband and wife perform several rituals, such as betel leaf exchange, tying their fingers up with a gold chain, and an outpouring of water that signifies blessing to the union.
Sri Lankan Wedding Dress
Incorporating Sri Lankan wedding attire is a beautiful way to embrace the local culture. The groom can put on a traditional nilame dress, which consists of an embroidered jacket, a cummerbund sash, and a grand rounded cap piece.
The bride may choose to wear the beautiful and intricately detailed Kandyan saree, more popularly known as Osariya. Both of these garments are customarily constructed of silk and embellished with gold and elaborate embroidery.
Including Traditional Sri Lankan Food
If you wish to provide your guests with an experience of Sri Lankan traditions, then adding the local dishes is very important.
Some popular dishes include rice with curry, hoppers, and kottu roti, accompanied by seafood cooked in coconut and spices.
There are also traditional sweetmeats which are kvum (oil cakes), kokis (fried batter), and wafers, fluent called pani walalu.
A live cooking counter for hoppers or kottu will give your guests a memorable culinary experience.
Coconut Breaking Tradition
In Sri Lanka, the coconut is considered important and is used as food and a service utensil as well as in ceremonial use.
This ritual is considered auspicious as it brings luck to the couple while warding off evil spirits. It can be performed right before the main ceremonial part of the wedding.
Incorporating Local Floral Arrangements
Sri Lanka is known for its exotic flowers, including orchids, lotuses, and frangipanis.
Part of the island’s natural beauty is its tropical flowers, which can be incorporated into the wedding decor.
Customary tropical flower arrangements are created with jasmine, banana, and coconut leaf garlands. These are perfect for decorating the mandap and other focal points such as entrance arches and dining areas.
Groom Elephant Procession
In some Sri Lankan weddings, the groom arrives riding on an elaborately decorated elephant.
This is more common in traditional ceremonies, but with careful consideration for the animal, the practice can also be incorporated into destination weddings as a bold and unique feature.
Buddhist Monks Blessings
An option to add a spiritual touch to the wedding is by inviting Buddhist monks for couple blessings.
The monks typically chant sacred verses while pouring holy water as a blessing.
The incorporation can add tranquil yet significant value to the ceremony, particularly in the context of a temple or a place of heritage.
Traditional Wedding Invitations and Favours
Make sure to include Sri Lankan culture with your wedding invitations and guest favours.
The invitations can include graphics of lotus flowers or traditional art patterns.
Thoughtful and culturally relevant gifts for guests include handmade batik items or tea packs, as well as locally sourced cinnamon sticks tied with ribbons.
These factors will not only add authenticity but also charm to the destination wedding in Sri Lanka.
A blend of natural beauty, rich traditions, and Sri Lanka’s endless inspiration makes for a remarkable celebration.
For those planning to get married in Sri Lanka, these suggestions can make the culturally touched wedding day unforgettable.
