Sundanese Wedding

Recently I had the privilege to attend a traditional Sundanese (the local people group) wedding.  I didn't actually know the couple, but had befriended the bride's sister and her husband (pictured below).  The entire event, ceremony and reception, was held at the bride's family's house.  Therefore, many days of preparation were necessary leading up to this Saturday celebration.  I was invited to come early so I could see all that would take place.  When I arrived, chairs had been put set out for the guests, the food was cooked and waiting, and decorations were up.

Around 9am, the bride and her family were ready and awaiting the arrival of the groom and his family.  They seemed to be a little nervous, especially after he came a bit late, probably because of traffic.  

Eventually the groom and his family arrived with a line of family and friends behind them.  They were greeted by the family of the bride.  Both sets of parents were wearing similar clothing as can be seen in the photo above.  The mother of the bride placed a necklace of sorts made of flowers around the neck of the groom (wearing white).  After the "welcoming ceremony" the guests who followed the groom and his family seated themselves in the shade of a nearby building for the next half hour, as they listened as I think was a blessing and prayer was given for the new couple.

Following the ceremony outside, the event moved inside, where the groom was now joined by his bride.   They were seated side-by-side in front of a table with the village leader seated on the opposite side of the table and their families seated behind them.  There they completed what I would call the paper work, were prayed for once again, and made their vows.  After this ceremony, the reception began!  The bride and groom changed into red clothes instead of the white they were previously wearing and began to receive the guests.  They, along with their parents, greeted every person who attended, like a receiving line.  Some guests stopped for a picture too!

After greeting the bride and groom, people walked through the house to the dining area and enjoyed some delicious food!  This meal included a salad, potatoes, a mixed salad of meat and vegetables, and of course rice.

The reception lasted until about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.  Afterwards, the family relaxed together and the couple got a chance to eat.  Some of the family helped clean up, but the majority of the work was left for the newly married couple, who I was able to snap a couple of shots of afterwards.  They didn't have a honeymoon to hurry off to, but were washing the dishes from about 200 guests.