Lankan wedding packages marketed overseas

by Elmo Leonard

Most people want to fashion their wedding as an event to be reminisced all their lives. They also want their parents, relations and friends who attend the wedding ceremony to be part of their wedding remembrances. Catering to this human yearning, tourism has given young people the opportunity of getting married outside their borders and amalgamating the culture, customs and mannerism of another country and people into their nuptial celebration.

The diverse hotels, in Sri Lanka, make use of their location, landscapes, and other aspects of natural surroundings, when presenting their wedding packages, through their travel agents.

Taking one example, Taj Exotica, Bentota, markets their wedding packages overseas, with the promise of a union in paradise. If the couple prefers, they could decide on a location inside the hotel, where they, their family and friends can celebrate.

Some couples who choose to get married in some part of Sri Lanka's seashore, take advantage of the year round summer weather, the coast fringed with lush towering coconut palm and outdoor tropical splendour.

Buddhist Wedding Customs

Marriages, the romantics say are made in heaven. The traditional Buddhist wedding depends on the stars and the planets. The proposal goes with the suitor's horoscope. Only if it is compatible with the girl's, is the match agreed upon. Rings are exchanged and astrologically auspicious times are decided upon. When tourist couples get married, they do not model all this, but as far as it is apt for them.

Or, the visitor may want to have a look of the Sri Lankan wedding rituals to choose from. In a village wedding, a corrugated iron marquee is erected and decked gaily with bunting, coloured paper and flowers.

Inside the poruwa, an elevated backdrop of both religions and cultural significance stands tall as a triumph or village artistry. The bridegroom arrives at the prescribed auspicious time. The bride arrives at the prescribed time. The three elements, the earth, wind and fire bear witness to the union.

[email protected]