As Malaysia is known as a multicultural country, there are many different traditional wedding attires from each ethnic group. Therefore, I would like to present the beauty and uniqueness of wedding attire from several ethnic groups such as Baba Nyonya, Kadazan, Bugis, Sikh and Iban. Let's explore with me together!

• Who are they?

• Where do they live?

• What does the Baba Nyonya Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

• What does the Baba Nyonya Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

• References

2) KADAZAN

• Who are they?

• Where do they live?

• What does the Kadazan Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

• What does the Kadazan Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

• References

3) BUGIS

• Who are they?

• Where do they live?

• What does the Bugis Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

• What does the Bugis Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

• References

4) SIKH

• Who are they?

• Where do they live?

• What does the Sikh Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

• What does the Sikh Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

• References

5) IBAN

• Who are they?

• Where do they live?

• What does the Iban Bride's traditional wedding attire look like?

• What does the Iban Groom's traditional wedding attire look like?

• References

Baba Nyonya actually refers to the Peranakan Chinese heritage. They are the Chinese immigrants who intermarried with local Malay or Indonesian women, resulting in a unique mixed culture and identity. The word Baba is referring to the men of Peranakan Chinese descent which is similar to Mr. or gentleman, while Nyonya is referring to the woman of Peranakan Chinese which is similar to Mrs. or lady.

This culture comprises various aspect of beliefs and rituals whereas Baba Nyonya or The Peranakan Culture is basically a blend of Chinese and local customs, including language, cuisine, dress, and rituals. 

In Malaysia, they are most likely to be found in states like Malacca and Penang. Till these days, Malacca is famous for their heritage buildings, arts, museum and shops especially around Heeren Street and Jonker Street. However in Penang, many of Baba Nyonya's community lived in the George Town area.

Moreover, some of them also can be found in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.

The Baba Nyonya's Bride will wear a bridal gown which is know as Kuah or Baju Panjang, a two-piece costume beautified with detailed embroidery motifs like peonies, phoenix, cranes and mandarin duck.

The Bride's hair will be dressed with as many as more than 100 hairpins and jewelleries. Besides that, wearing a headgear often called Nyonya Feng Guan is the most important part of the Bridal attire. The decorative headgear that completes the traditional look is a symbol of the bride's status and is a key part of the overall Peranakan wedding attire.

For the groom, they will usually wear a typical Baba's traditional clothe known as Lok Chuan or Mandarin jacket. The short jacket of Manchu style will be worn over a longer gown with auspicious motifs such as peonies, cranes, mandarin ducks and phoenixes.

Just like the bride, the groom will be wearing a Mandarin cap of brocade with a velvet rim to completes his ensemble.

Penang Global Tourism. (n.d.) Peranakan Wedding Theme. Penang Wedding Tourism. https://www.penangweddingtourism.gov.my/peranakan-wedding-theme/

yufan152000. (2016, August 14). Baba-Nyonya wedding ceremony (during wedding). A Love Cross Two Culture. https://babanyonyaculture.wordpress.com/2016/08/14/baba-nyonya-wedding-ceremony-during-wedding/

The Kadazan people are an indegenous ethnic group generally found in Sabah, Malaysia. The term Kadazan generally means "people of the land". These people are closely related to the Dusun people. They are also called Kadazandusun due to their similarities in culture and language.

While traditionally animist, they also have been influenced by Islam and Christianity. The Kadazan people are mostly traditionally farmers and hunters. It has become one of their primary source of income.

In addition to the Gaung and to enhance the look, the groom may wear a heavy belt and a traditional headgear known as Sigar. Sigar is the headgear worn by most ethnics in North Borneo. It is made from a piece of cloth called Dastar which is a hand woven of Iranun people in Kota Belud, Sabah. Then it was folded to become a headgear. The shape of the Sigar is also different from every each of district in Sabah.

Odysseyist. (2009, October 23). Kadazan wedding: Bride’s gowns. Odysseyist. https://odysseyist.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/kadazan-wedding-brides-gowns/

Olumes. (n.d.). Tangkong / Himpogot. https://olumes.com/tangkong-himpogot/?srsltid=AfmBOopx4pbS45oteyweyUYwmCMR-9hO0t0kvOwSiYAwH48AXno5K7AX

Scribd. (n.d.). Sejarah suku kaum Kadazan. https://www.scribd.com/document/322486696/Sejarah-Suku-Kaum-Kadazan

The Bugis, also known as Buginese are actually originally from South Sulawesi in Indonesia. Due to their activity as a sea traders, many of them have arrived in Malaysia in the 16th century and beyond.

Afterwards, most of them settled in various parts of Malaysia in the states of Johor, Selangor, and Pulau Pinang.

During wedding ceremony, the bride will wear the Baju Bodo, a rectangular shape blouse, with both sleeves cut short up to the elbows which is made from silk or songket fabric and added with beautiful beads. Next, lace decorations will be added according to the tailor's creativity. On top of that, the bride attire will be complemented with gold colour accessories from head to toe to enhance the bride's elegance.

The bride's head will be prettify with the Saloko (a crown) and the hair will be styled in a bun adorned with Bunga Goyang or Pinang Goyang (flowers and pins). For the earing, the bride will be wearing a long earings known as Bangkarak. Moreover, the bride must wear three types of necklaces: Geno Ma Bule (a chain necklace), Rantekote (a long necklace), and Geno Sibatu (a large necklace). Besides that, there's also gold bracelets known as Tigero Tedong.

Polianna Ronnie Sidom. (2015, August, 25th. Pakaian Tradisional Bugis. BH Online. https://www.bharian.com.my/bhplus-old/2015/08/77094/pakaian-tradisional-bugis

The Sikh community are the fourth largest ethnic group of Indian or South Asian descent in Malaysia. The Sikh community in Malaysia has a strong sense of identity and has made significant contributions to the country. Many of them have arrived in Malaysia during the British colonial period.

When it comes to the accessories part, they will usually go all out with the jewelleries from the head to toe.

The bride will adorn their head with Maang Tikka, a traditional Indian ornament. It is a chain that is worn across the bride's forehead with a central pendant hanging.

Besides that, what is more fascinating is that the bride will be wearing a beautiful choker necklace. Studded with gems like rubies, kundan, and emeralds, the choker necklace is usually paired with a longer neckpiece.

Moreover, Sikh bride wear a 21 sets of white and red bangles on their wedding day. These bangles are usually given by her biological uncle and were dipped in a milk and rosewater.

MAP Academy. (n.d.). Achkan. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://mapacademy.io/article/achkan/

Sikh & Dread. (n.d.). Sikh weddings. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.sikhanddread.com/sikh-weddings

WeddingSutra. (n.d.). Traditional jewellery guide for the Punjabi bride. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.weddingsutra.com/bride/bridal-fashion/traditional-jewellery-guide-for-the-punjabi-bride/

The Iban people also known as Sea Dayak are an indegenous ethnic group of Sarawak, Malaysia. There are best known or their rich and vibrant culture, particularly their agriculture activity, the traditions, arts, tattoo practices an more.

The wearer of Ngepan Indu will be dressed completely with the accessories such as Sugu Tinggi (the headgear), Tango (a chess adornment), Gerunchung (an anklet) and Buah Pauh (a purse). Most of the accessories are made of silver

Their wedding attire reflects their status, bravery and cultural heritage.

Sarawak Focus. (n.d.). Ngepan Indu. https://www.sarawakfocus.com/blog/world-of-arts-2/ngepan-indu-32

Sarawak Tourism Board. (n.d.). Experience: Ethnicities of Sarawak. https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/stories/story-view/experience

Tun Jugah Foundation. (2021, May). Silver costume, ornaments and coin accessories worn by Iban women (Issue 3). https://tunjugahfoundation.org.my/v2/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Silver-costume-ornaments-coins-accessories.pdf-by-Janet-Ngingit-Issue-3-2013.pdf