The Sri Lankan Weddings are usually a once-in-a lifetime event since Sri Lankan marriages last long. Therefore the events and practices of a Sri Lankan wedding are planned much ahead and put together by consulting the best photographers, beauticians, bridal designers and other professionals.
Buddhist Wedding
Since Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country Buddhist weddings are the most common and they are celebrated in a grand manner. In Buddhist weddings Poruwa Ceremony is a major event during the wedding ceremony. The proceedings take place on a decorated wooden platform called “Poruwa”. These platforms can be made in various designs according to the bride and the groom’s wishes. Usually Poruwa decorations are done by professional decorators. From exchanging the rings to blessings and other rituals all take place when the bride and the groom are standing on the Poruwa. Various rituals such as tying the little fingers of the bride and the groom, the couple worshiping their elders with betel leaf bundles, breaking a fresh coconut to ward off evil spirits and then lighting the oil lamp after getting off from the Poruwa.
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Sri Lankan bride usually wears the Sari (Indian Style) or Osari (Kandyan Style) and the groom wears the traditional shirt and the sarong or the “Nilame” suit.
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Hindu Wedding
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The Hindu Wedding in Sri Lanka follows a different setting with blazes of colour and opulence of gold jewellery and colourful saris. Throughout the ceremony the bride changes into three outfits along with different hair-do’s and jewellery. The Sri Lankan Hindu wedding ceremony lasts for about 3 hours throughout which they do various rituals. The bride and the groom usually walk around the fire 7 times while chanting holy verses.
Same as Hindu and Buddhist weddings, Islamic (Muslim) and Christian Weddings also follow different customs and styles.
ChristianWeddings
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Christian weddings in Sri Lanka are similar to Western weddings. The couple gets married in the church which is beautifully decorated with flowers and other weddings decorations. Before getting married, the couple must attend marriage counseling. The Bride and Groom get married at her parish. The ceremony must include the nuptial blessing, prayers and at least three readings. As the vows are being exchanged, the entire congregation stands.Mass is often included in the ceremony.
Muslim Weddings
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The ceremony is really just the signing of the wedding contract. It lasts only for about five minutes. The public celebration can last for days afterwards. The celebration begins with a Walima, which is a feast where chicken, fish and rice are served. Toward the end of the festivities, the bride is often lifted like royalty and "displayed" for the crowd to see.