Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

Pre-wedding photos are always a delightful sight. This one in particular features the iconic Abang-None look from Jakarta's native Betawi culture.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

These traditional attires come from West Sumatra. Look at how vibrant the couple looks in black-and-red attires! Simply ravishing.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

Even in a black-and-white photo, traditional attires will always stand out and make any couple look fabulous.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

For a different approach, take some cues from this couple. Making use of tenun fabrics, the photo looks modern yet somewhat traditional at the same time.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

Notice how this two made use of batik fabrics to incorporate just the right amount of traditional touch.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

Lately, more couples have chosen vintage-inspired looks for their pre-wedding pictures. Neutral-colored attires and a washed color tone make this photo look so magical.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

A sepia wash can make modern-day photos look as if they were taken right out of an antique photo album.

Tradition-inspired pre-wedding photos

Inspired by classic Javanese portraits, this couple’s engagement photo looks so elegant and timeless.

Makeup session

Compared to regular bridal makeup, traditional Indonesian makeup is a lot more intricate and laden with meaning. The paes, a Javanese makeup placed near the hairline, is deemed so sacred that it must be done with absolute precision.

Makeup session

In fact, applying makeup on a traditional bride involves plenty of steps that it can involve several people aside from the main makeup artist.

Makeup session

And when everything is done, what’s left is a flawless complexion that will amaze the guests and of course, the groom.

Traditional wedding attires

Pictured above is a Javanese groom in his white beskap suit and batik, looking dapper as ever.

Traditional wedding attires

Here’s the complete set that includes the blangkon headdress and the keris ceremonial knife, both essential elements for a traditional Javanese groom.

Traditional wedding attires

For the traditional Indonesian bride, hair accessories have important meanings. Clusters of jasmine and jewel-crusted hairpins adorn the hair of Javanese brides.

Traditional wedding attires

In different regions, though, the headpiece can be very different. Larger in size and bolder in color, this Balinese headpiece creates a strong statement

Traditional wedding attires

This shot should not be missed when documenting a traditional wedding. Embroidered or beaded, red or white, your kebaya reflects your personality and will be admired by every guest on your wedding day.

Traditional wedding attires

An intricate kebaya looks so harmonious paired with traditional wedding accessories; like a match made in heaven.

Hand shots

Although it seems trivial, a manicure should not be missed as all eyes will lay upon the bride's wedding ring. This bride chooses 3D nail art and silver polish to complement her silver-beaded black kebaya.

Hand shots

Gold nail polish adorns this bride's fingers, which has such a fabulous wedding ring. A foolproof way to look elegant without overdoing it.

Hand shots

This bride chooses red nail polish to suit the already glamorous gold accessories and traditional dress.

Hand shots

Looking for something simpler? Trust us, a French manicure works every time

The bride

After all the preparation is finished, it’s time to strike a pose. We simply adore this bride’s black-and-gold kebaya that matches the gold headpiece,

The bride

And this bride’s softer look with a pink kebaya and silver headpiece.

The bride

This bride had a more festive look and all the gold accessories adorning her clothes, necklace, hair, and arms make her look so glamorous.

The bride

Don’t forget to take pictures with your traditional wedding decorations as Kirana Larasati did during her beautiful Minang wedding.

Couple shots

You are getting married to the love of your life, so couple shots are not to be missed. Take one before you head to the venue,

Couple shots

One right before you enter the reception site,

Couple shots

Another one as you walk into the party area,

Couple shots

And of course, one while you’re standing side by side at the stage. Your matching traditional attires will look great on these photos.

Bridal Party

Another great thing about traditional Indonesian weddings, the bridal party can also get creative with their attires. These girls cleverly matched their purple dresses with brown batik, while still letting their own personality shine.

Bridal Party

Meanwhile, this pack has a calmer color palette, mixing together light blue kebaya and light-colored batik fabrics.

Bridal Party

For a thicker traditional feel, have your bridesmaids wear matching Javanese dodot attires like these lovely ladies did.

Bridal Party

And when you’re all dressed to impress, strike a fancy pose to remember the day by.

Decoration

Decorations are an indispensable part of any wedding, so make sure to have yours well captured. Incorporating jasmine and tuberose, this stage decoration stands out while looking so simple. The batik screens on the back also add a more traditional feel to the whole setting.

Decoration

If you prefer richer colors, use a combination of red, gold, and marsala like this setup. Surely, it will evoke a royal atmosphere about the wedding.

Decoration

Another beautiful décor inspiration for a Javanese wedding; those strands of hanging jasmine are simply to die for.

Decoration

And finally, who can say no to all-gold wedding decorations adorned with colorful flowers? Just perfect.

Couple Entrance

Traditional Indonesian weddings have always had grand entrances. Many couples even have parades welcoming them to the reception hall.

Couple Entrance

The parade usually consists of traditional dancers who create a pathway for the newlyweds to walk through.

Couple Entrance

There is also the Pedang Pora ritual, which is done in military weddings.

Couple Entrance

Some couples are even paraded through the streets, along with traditional music players and dancers. Such a feast for the eyes.

Cultural Processions

Wedding rituals are the highlight of any Indonesian traditional wedding. Prior to the wedding, Javanese couples go through siraman, a bathing ritual that is believed to cleanse them before entering the sacred marriage.

Cultural Processions

Meanwhile, this ritual is called sawat gantal. In this procession, the couple throws betel leaves at each other, with the bride aiming for his feet as a sign of devotion, and the groom aiming for her chest to get her heart.

Cultural Processions

This one is called wiji dadi, in which the groom breaks an egg with his right foot, followed by the bride cleaning his feet. This represents a husband's readiness in becoming the head of the family as well as the wife's dedication to her husband.

Cultural Processions

Pictured above is kacar kucur. In this ritual, the groom pours uncooked rice and coins to signify that he will entrust all his belongings to his wife.

Cultural Processions

The wife, on the other hand, has to catch everything that her husband pours. Some say that if she spills, she won’t be thrifty in managing the household finance

Cultural Processions

Hand-feeding rituals are also common in Indonesian weddings. Some require the couple to feed each other,

Cultural Processions

While other cultures require the couple to be fed by their parents.

Cultural Processions

To close the wedding rituals, the bride and groom serve tea to each other and drink it together.

Cultural Processions

Meanwhile, there is a procession called mangulosi in Batak culture. In this procession, elders of the family wrap ulos fabric around the bride and groom to tighten their emotional bond.

Sungkem

In every wedding, parents of both the bride and groom play important roles.

Sungkem

Which is understandable, since they will remain an important part in the couple’s life as well.

Sungkem

Javanese weddings have a custom called sungkem, in which the bride and groom bow before their parents’ feet, asking forgiveness for past mistakes and blessings for married life.