How the traditional ceremony is conducted
The newlyweds visit the salon, here they are prepared for the upcoming event. After the bride and groom put on festive outfits — national or European. Now it’s time to start the celebration.
Young people are met by dancers and musicians, they accompany the wedding throughout the evening. The sounds of drums, accompanied by the ringing of bells, give the holiday a special atmosphere of solemnity and magic. According to the scenario, the national Kandyan dance is performed in honor of the newlyweds.
Traditionally, the solemn place is decorated with snow-white jasmine and lotus flowers. In some hotels the platform for the newlyweds is made of huge palm leaves, the construction is complemented by vases with coconut flowers and traditional for Buddhist style oil lamps. The road on which the newlyweds walk down the aisle is covered with white cloth and sprinkled with rice and coins, which symbolize wealth and prosperity.
The ceremony begins with a solemn song asking for blessings for the newlyweds. The singing continues for about 30 minutes, followed by a message to the newlyweds from the event coordinator and the exchange of rings.
The host is sure to call on the light forces to bless the young ones. To do this, seven grape leaves are thrown in front of the entrance to the platform and the same number in front of the altar.
Interesting fact! When the young ones come down from the platform, they must step on the ground with their right foot only and then crack a coconut. On the island, the coconut is a symbol of protection from bad luck and evil forces. According to Sri Lankan traditions, the newlyweds should eat rice porridge boiled with coconut milk and drink water after the ceremony.
Afterwards, the young couple go to a pre-prepared place decorated with torches. This is another ancient, local tradition, according to which the light of the fire blesses the couple. The newlyweds light the lamp together, and its light symbolizes the beginning of a happy, long family life.
The solemn part of the event is completed, the names of the newlyweds are entered into the registry, and the bride, groom and witnesses sign in a special wedding book. Now guests can congratulate the newlyweds on their new, official status — spouses. In honor of the new family, champagne is opened and the cake is cut. The spouses return to the hotel on an elephant, which is decorated with flowers and ribbons. The celebration continues at the hotel or in the open air. As a rule, the hotel provides DJ services and a sumptuous dinner can be ordered. The colorful end of the evening — fireworks in honor of the young ones to the sound of the waves of the Indian Ocean.
What documents will be required
- Documents confirming the identity of the newlyweds.
- Passports.
- Birth certificates.
- Relevant documents when the bride or groom has already been married, changed surname or widowed.
- If the young people are under 18 years of age, they need parental consent to get married.
Cost of the event
An off-site ceremony on the ocean beach begin from $4500. Additional services can be ordered if desired:
- chants;
- gifts;
- elephant rides;
- boat rides.
If you want to organize a luxurious Buddhist-style wedding with photography and videography, you will have to pay from $10,000
This is important! You can save the wedding budget if you take care of hotel reservations in advance and discuss the nuances of the event with the coordinator.
