Malay Weddings: What to wear as a guest?
updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:53
Don’t panic if you realise you have no idea what to wear to your first Malay wedding. Whether traditional or modern, you’ll be sure to fit right in!
Somewhere along our nation’s move from being a fishing town village to becoming a modern cosmopolitan, we may have lost some traditions here and there. Things just aren’t quite like they used to be, and dressing up for weddings is no different. Although we try our best to bring about the kampong days by holding weddings at void decks – which is akin to having a wedding right outside a village home like the old days – guests are not as enthusiastic about dressing up traditionally the way they used to.
In the past, getting dressed for a Malay wedding was a lot like dressing up for the first day of Hari Raya. Guests would not hesitate to arrive in their best traditional clothing. These days, that kind of attire is reserved for the families organising the wedding (especially the parents of the bride and groom) or the older folk.
THE GO-TO UNIFORM
For the veteran Malay wedding-goers, there’s almost a uniform that they gravitate towards and think of the moment they have an invitation card in their hands. Men would make do with well-fitting jeans and pressed shirts (long or short sleeves doesn’t matter) while the ladies might put on a comfortable baju kurung, loose-fitting abaya or even simple, modest clothing they would wear if they were just going out to town.
GO TRADITIONAL
If the thought of dressing traditionally for your first Malay wedding interests you (you might even impress some makciks and pakciks while you’re at it!), go ahead and pick a simple baju kurung in a timeless print or colour. The cut and silhouette of baju kurungs are often universally flattering, so you won’t have to worry about it looking costumey.
Another interesting approach would be to look for an abaya, kaftan or loose-fitting maxi dress. These are great options to look ethnically-appropriate and can even serve you well for other casual occasions!
MODEST SMART CASUAL
However, do not feel the need to purchase your first baju kurung or abaya for the reception if you’re pressed for time. Even Malay guests are getting away with wearing contemporary clothing nowadays, so you definitely won’t look out of place. Just keep in mind to be modest with your clothing and dress appropriately – no shorts, crop tops or anything too skin-baring. There aren’t any banned colours either, so don’t be afraid to wear anything from loud brights to the darkest of blacks.
Nur Syazana H.
