Traditional weddings in Bali are closely related to local religious, customary, and cultural arrangements. There are several stages that must be passed by the bride and groom. After that, a traditional ceremony is held, accompanied by written documents, including the ratification of the leader of the traditional wedding ceremony. After all these processes are passed, the couple is legally married. In terms of religion, law, and society.
In the case of marriage, according to Balinese customs, the marriage is carried out at the house of the prospective groom on a day that is considered auspicious by the Balinese Hindu priest.
The groom tore the mat held by the bride with a keris.
Marriage for the Balinese people is part of a sacred offering to God. Balinese culture also recognizes the type of Ngerorod marriage, which is a reflection of the freedom of Balinese women to choose and determine their mate. Balinese people also apply a patriarchal system because, in the implementation of the wedding ceremony, all costs incurred for the celebration are the responsibility of the male family.
Besides that, Balinese people are also still familiar with the caste system, where those from a higher caste will usually keep their girls or their young children from marrying a lower caste.
The main wedding procession is Widi Widanan, which is carried out according to the Mekala-kalaan ritual. Is a complement to a series of traditional Balinese wedding events, led by the leader of the ceremony (Sulinggih or Ida Peranda). After praying in front of the burden or sajen, the bride and groom pray at the family shrine or temple, led by the sanggah holder and escorted by the traditional elders. Guided by the priest, this procession is to convey to the ancestors, that there is one stone newcomer who will become a member of the family and will continue the descent.
The groom is signing the marriage certificate, witnessed by the family.
The uniqueness of the traditional Balinese marriage tradition can be seen from the various procedures and ceremonial facilities used. As well as traditional Balinese clothing used during the wedding ceremony. And the festive atmosphere at the ceremony and the party. Likewise, various traditional Balinese foods were served to invited guests.