Some common practices from a traditional Sundanese (West Java) wedding ceremony:
Welcoming the bridegroom ceremony
* The bridegroom is welcomed with the umbul-umbul, a decoration indicating that a wedding ceremony is going on, which is also auspicious for the bridegroom.
* The welcome is followed by a procession of ladies with candles. They pray to the Almighty seeking His blessing in order that there maybe no hindrances in the ceremony.
* The showering of flowers by the dancers is symbolic of a fragrant future for the couple.
* The umbrella held over the couple's heads, apart from serving as a protective symbol, indicates esteem and respect.
* The mother of the bride gives the bridegroom a garland of flowers indicating his acceptability to the family.
* The mother of the bride gives the bridegroom a keris, a hidden message to the son-in-law not to be disheartened while toiling for his family.
