Walimatul Urus

Just got back from a cousin's wedding in Penang. Like his other siblings' weddings, throngs of friends and relatives came. My Uncle and Untie are very very very nice people. Therefore, they are liked by many and have many friends.

Several things I've noticed about weddings nowadays compared to the olden days:

Buffet lunch is the way to do it now. I have not been to a wedding for a very long time where the dishes are laid out for 4 people . Even one wedding I attended deep inside a jungle in Selama, Perak served the meal buffet style. I assume it easier and less costly to do it that way. Definitely less plates to wash and less food wasted. Another thing, 'kuih-muih' are served with teh tarik. Not too long ago orange or pineapple was the only dessert. If I were ever to get married I would like to serve something light and cooling like Ceasar's Salad especially if the reception is held under the tent.

Long time ago a majority of the quests would bring presents for the bride and groom. Now a majority of them would give money instead. I personally prefer giving money since I hate shopping for gifts that people might not like. Giving money is the best solution and it helps the parents, the bride and the groom with the cost of the wedding.

I don't know about other weddings, but several weddings I attended recently give out gifts instead of 'bunga telur'. I'm not sure what's the story behind giving out 'bunga telur' at weddings but now people give out bags with goodies inside like picture frame, pencil, chocolates etc. My uncle and auntie gave out ceramic napkin holder. Very practical. People use to give hardboil eggs in ceramic basket shaped into swans, plastic basket, copper wire shaped into a basket, paper boxes etc. At one wedding I attended the egg was wrapped in a cheap waxy red napkin. If I were ever to get married, (I think not) I would give my male guests a drill set each and the females a hair dryer each. For the kids I'll give them cheap toys.

I found out the story behind 'bunga telur' from wikipedia versi Melayu.