How is a Balinese wedding reception different from those in other countries?

In traditional Balinese society, there was no such thing as a wedding reception, but today the Balinese have created their own version influenced heavily by other Indonesian, Asian and Western traditions. There is in fact no word for reception in Balinese – they borrow the Indonesian version of the English word: resepsi. A wedding reception in Bali is a large affair with more than 100 invited guests and wealthier families will not think twice about inviting thousands of people. Invitations cards are sent and are almost always artistically designed, complete with photos and elaborate packaging – more creative couples may make their invitations out of handicraft products such as fans, doubling as souvenirs for the guests. The traditional way to invite guests to wedding ceremonies is the same technique couples use for the reception: family and friends in the same village are sent food including sate, lawar and rice, with the invitation is passed on verbally.
 
The reception itself may be held at the man’s family home or at another perhaps more public venue such as a villa or a hotel. At large receptions, guests are welcomed by the sounds of a gamelan orchestra. Inside the entrance, young women dressed in traditional dress -normally family members - serve drinks and snacks and ask the guests to sign the guest book. Some receptions will be more formal, decked out with large dining tables and chairs and guests will sit down for dinner; others are less-so with only chairs provided, encouraging the guests to mingle. Food is almost always buffet style, offering mostly traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine, but more modern families will also provide pizza, pasta and even tubs of ice-cream and beer for the guests. Later in the evening, entertainment may take the form of a traditional dance performance or a modern pop or dangdut concert.
 
Unlike Western receptions, there are no long-winded speeches – perhaps only a short welcome by the head of the family. Sitting nonchalantly on their bridal sofa, the newly weds give no speeches and spend the entire night greeting guests who queue to wish them happiness in their lives together.
 
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