THE A-Z GUIDE OF PLANNING A WEDDING (MALAYSIA)
Where it all begins MUSLIM WEDDINGS
1. Attend a Marriage Course. Marriage courses are conducted by Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) and Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) under specific scheduled dates, so do check out www.islam.gov.my/program/kursus_perkahwinan.htm for the course schedule and the printer-friendly application forms.
2. Once you’ve completed the necessary marriage course, proceed to JAIS to obtain original 1C and 1D forms. These forms are to be completed and submitted to PPN along with the following documents:
a) Copy of your IC/Passport (Applicable to foreign applicants)
b) Copy of two(2) witnesses’ IC/Passport (Applicable to foreign witnesses)
c) Copy of Pre-Marriage Course Certificate (Endorsed by JAKIM/JAIS/JAWI/JAIN)
d) Copy of application form 1C. (Applicable to marriages out of the district/State/Country)
e) Applicant’s proof of residence from the village chief, nazir masjid (supervisory representative of the mosque), village safety and development committee chairman, residents’ association chairman or residents’ association chairman
f) Marriage approval form/Letter of approval of marriage for groom
g) Letter of declaration / confirmation / parents’ marriage certificate (if bride is the eldest daughter or the eldest brother of the bride is the wali (male relative giving bride away)
h) Letter confirming place of residence by the local authority where home is
i) Wakalah letter (Applicable only if the guardian is unable to be present during the marriage ceremony)
j) Death certificate of the father, if the father is not the wali
k) Letter or card of faith declaration, and duplicate (if applicant is a new convert)
l) Approval form from KAGAT / PDRM (applicable to members of the Army or Police force)
m) The original and a copy of the letter of acknowledgement of divorce/ death of spouse (applicable to divorcees, widows and widowers)
n) Letter of permission for marriage, to be obtained from the consulate or embassy / high commission or immigration (applicable to foreign applicants)
3. Be sure to obtain authorisation for those forms and documents by PPN and don’t forget to also get your marriage permit from PAID.
4. After completing all necessary documentations, both you and your spouse need to run a HIV test and book a date with the kadhi within the vicinity of your residence. The wedding ceremony can take place only after the kadhi confirms and checks all necessary documents and has your husband-to-be sign on the documents, on the spot.
5. You can collect your legal wedding certificate two weeks after PPN registers your documents with PAID.
6. The focus of a traditional Malay wedding is the marriage vow, which is overseen by the imam in front of witnesses. MALAYSIAN WEDDINGS
1. Decide when you want to solemnise your marriage. Book a date with the National Registration Department of Malaysia (NRD).
2. Register your marriage with NRD. Log on to www.jpn.gov.my/main.htm and click on Registration of Marriages and Divorces for application procedures.
For Church Ceremonies
3. Set an appointment with your local church pastor and meet with him, as a couple, for a marriage preparation course that would get you ready for the journey ahead together.
4. The essential parts of a Christian wedding are the vows which you would make to each other and the wedding prayer. You may write your own vows with the help of your pastor or search through the Internet for examples to be made your own.
For Hindu Ceremonies
3. Do not forget that wedding customs require the bride and groom to keep to a strict vegetarian diet several days before the wedding.
4. The central part of a Hindu wedding is the agni parinaya. Agni parinaya – the circumambulation of fire, which symbolises divine witness to the marriage, while all the time reciting a Vedic chant.
For Chinese Ceremonies
3. Traditional Chinese weddings encompass the three letters (betrothal letter, gift letter and wedding letter) and six etiquette (proposal, divination of birth dates, confirmation, presentation of gifts, choosing of wedding date and acceptance of marriage) between the two families.
4. The central part of a traditional Chinese wedding is the tea ceremony, which symbolises respect. The tea ceremony between the newlyweds and the groom’s parents basically completes the wedding. FIRST THINGS FIRST
1. Decide on a date that will give you enough time to plan and prepare for your wedding.
2. Decide on the kind of wedding you’d like to have: Traditional, casual or formal, followed by a theme. Be inspired by theme ideas from Style Weddings.
3. Confirm and prioritise your budget. Refer to Style Weddings for an idea on who pays for what. Ideally, discuss with your families and partner on the list of who pays for what.
4. Check for available venues. Keep in mind the number of guests you’ll be inviting as well as your preferred wedding theme when deciding on wedding venues. THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS
1. Start shopping six months before.
2. Be sure to try on as many different styles as possible, and flip through Style Weddings for design ideas and recommendations.
3. Take a camera along, just in case permission is granted and you can take a photo of the gowns you like. Having a picture in hand will be helpful in making your final choice.
4. You'll want to bring along two people you trust, as well as a bag of the following essentials: a strapless bra, control-top pantyhose, a slip and shoes similar in height to the ones you plan to wear on the day of the wedding.
5. When you find the “perfect gown”, buy it. Period. OTHER ESSENTIALS
1. Bouquets: Browse the Internet and learn the language of flowers for a more meaningful combination for your hand bouquet. However, be thoughtful of the color combination and know that it should compliment your wedding décor theme.
2. Invitations: Don’t forget to include the essentials – names of host/hostess, place, time, date, dress code and RSVP information. If necessary, include a site map to your wedding venue.
3. Wedding Gifts: Source ideas and inspirations from Style Weddings but stay within your budget.
4. Decorations: Add a touch of personality by including touches of things you love in everything, from the décor to the menu and even the invites. Think of all the things you love (eg. fabric, ambience) then find a theme that flows with your ideas.
5. Music: Music may or may not be included as part of the ceremony site fee. Be sure to check with your ceremony site about restrictions pertaining to music and the availability of musical instruments for your use. If you need a large variety of music to satisfy all your guests, consider hiring a DJ.
6. Food Galore: Ask for recommendations. Begin by sampling menus and remember to offer options for guests with certain preferences, for example, vegetarian or halal dishes. PICTURE PERFECT
1. Have in mind your preferred style of photography – formal or journalistic. Once decided, it’ll be easier to find the right photographer.
2. One of the best ways to find a good photographer is through word-of-mouth. You’ll want to consult relatives and friends who have just got married recently and find out who they used.
3. Alternatively, use the Internet to your advantage by searching for online portfolios.
4. It is vitally important that you and your fiancé are comfortable with the photographer you choose. Remember, you’ll be spending a great deal of time with this person, so it’s important that you find someone you like, and think would work well with your guests. HONEYMOON SPECIAL
1. The planning of the honeymoon is a joint decision and should reflect the special interests you share as a couple. It should be the vacation of a lifetime for the both of you.
2. Start planning your honeymoon months before your wedding. Many locations that are popular with honeymooners tend to book fairly quickly, so the earlier you plan your trip, the better values you'll usually find.
3. The vacation of a lifetime doesn’t necessarily mean spending your life’s earning. Stay within your budget by surfing the Internet for prices and information on available travel packages.
4. Keep an eye out for all-inclusive packages that have airport transfers, meals and activities. Alternatively, opt for cruises if you crave the luxury of a hospitable resort with the added benefit of visiting one or more new areas. 
Related Articles:
• A Modern Fairy Tale - Create your own personal wedding website.
• Truly Original - Tips on how to create a celebration that you can call yours!
• A - Z of Planning a Wedding - Everything you need to know about planning your celebration.
• Love Songs - Find the perfect love song for your wedding.
• Uniquely Yours - We suss out the best and bring you the coolest ideas!
|
