Getting invited to a Balinese wedding

This morning at Cafe Seminyak, one of the waitresses invited me to her wedding. The way they do things over here sometimes makes me laugh. Wayan, told me a while ago she was getting married, but to keep it quiet. This morning, after I sat down, she slipped into the next door shop and dropped an invitation on my table. I’m sure all her work mates know about, but in Bali, pretending is a key part of the culture.

The customized card says ‘Bapak and Ibu Jevon’ (father and mother of Jevon). Funny how Balinese locals refer to me as ‘Bapak Jevon’ and not Nick, but that’s their custom. Inside the card are the names of the groom to be, in this case, I Made Santika (’I’ indicating a male). Underneath its says ‘putra ke enam dari pasangan’, basically he is a male child, and the 6th child of the family. The names of his parents and his address are also listed. Under that are similar notes about the bride, with the line ‘putri ke pertama dari pasangan’ meaning she is a female and is also the 1st child in the family. On the opposing page there is info about the location, with a small map on the back, a small message that appears to mean ‘married in the eyes of God’ or words to that effect are also included.

I’ll probably go and check it out. I have nice sarong I bought in Discovery Mall, a while ago and will pick up suitable top. One of the ladies in Global Xtreme, told me for 50,000-100,000rp, I can get one of those little jackets the Balinese men wear. Photos of Wayan’s wedding will be coming soon, the event is on the 27th. Won’t she be surprised, when she hears that people all over the world, saw her getting married!