Balinese Wedding Traditions to Include in Your Bali Wedding

By the Bali Wedding Queen team in Uluwatu · Updated October 2026

In short

You can add Balinese culture to your wedding respectfully with a blessing by a local priest, canang sari offerings, ceremonial tedung umbrellas, gamelan music, Legong or Kecak dance and a traditional photo shoot in Balinese attire. Your planner arranges these with local communities.

A blessing by a local priest

A pemangku (temple priest) can bless you as a couple with holy water (tirta), flowers and incense. The ritual takes 15–30 minutes and is often held just before or as part of the ceremony. It is the most meaningful Balinese element you can add.

Offerings and decoration

Small woven palm-leaf baskets with flowers, called canang sari, are offered every day across Bali. Larger offerings, penjor (tall decorated bamboo poles) and ceremonial tedung umbrellas in white, gold or yellow give your ceremony area an authentic look.

Gamelan music

A gamelan ensemble – bronze metallophones, gongs and drums – creates a magical atmosphere as guests arrive or during the welcome drinks. A smaller rindik (bamboo) group is lovely for dinner.

Legong and Kecak dance

Legong is a graceful classical dance performed by young women in golden costumes – a highlight during dinner. The Kecak fire dance, famous at Uluwatu Temple at sunset, makes a great guest excursion the day before the wedding.

Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple

Balinese attire photo shoot

Many couples love a pre-wedding or post-wedding shoot in traditional Balinese dress: kebaya, sarong (kamben) and the golden headdress, with a professional dresser to help.

Doing it respectfully

Let your planner involve local priests and performers – they are paid fairly and the rituals are done correctly.
Never step over offerings on the ground.
Dress modestly for blessings; sarongs are required in temples.
Ask before photographing people during rituals.

Frequently asked

Can foreigners have a Balinese wedding ceremony?

A full Hindu-Balinese wedding is a religious ceremony for Hindu couples. Foreign couples can respectfully include Balinese elements: a blessing by a local priest (pemangku), offerings, umbrellas, gamelan music and traditional dance.

What is a Balinese blessing?

A short ritual led by a local priest who blesses the couple with holy water, flowers and incense and offers prayers for a happy future together. It is a beautiful, meaningful addition to a symbolic ceremony.

What should guests wear at a Balinese blessing?

Modest clothing with covered shoulders; for temple visits a sarong and sash are required. We can arrange sarongs for you and your guests.

Balinese wedding traditions for your Bali wedding