Bali is one of the most beautiful and exotic destinations that you can choose for your wedding in Asia. The island has a mild climate all year round and features white sandy beaches with hundreds of modern, luxurious villas and hotels that can host you and your wedding party. This tropical paradise is the perfect place for everything from a romantic honeymoon or small family wedding in a private villa to a large event with hundreds of guests.
Bali has very good weather in general, with clear blue skies and cool ocean breezes. This makes it the number one choice for couples who desire an outdoor wedding set in lush tropical gardens or on the beach near their hotel or private villa. However, since Bali is located in South East Asia there is always the possibility of tropical storms and it is preferable to avoid the monsoon season from December to March and the hot summer season from June to September.
The ideal time to plan a wedding in Bali is from April to May, during this period the weather is dry and not too hot plus it is not the peak holiday season so prices in general are lower. Even during good weather it should be noted that there are daily scattered showers in the late afternoon and early morning. Therefore it is a common tradition to hire 'Rain Stoppers' (monks who pray for good weather on your wedding day) or to include a marquee or tent in your preparations. For any well-prepared outdoor wedding you should always have a backup rain plan in place.
Many of the best wedding venues in Bali feature a pavilion that is located on or near the beachfront, this pavilion is known as a Wedding Bale and is used as the location for the couple's wedding ceremony. Flower petals will be scattered along the ground leading up to the Bale while guests are seated alongside in beautiful surroundings overlooking the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, some venues have a special chapel if you wish to conduct your wedding ceremony indoors or if the weather is not suitable for an outdoor ceremony. In the evening the wedding reception can take place in the grounds of the venue and entertainment such as a mesmerizing fire dance performance or a fireworks display can be booked.
The Balinese are very hospitable and since tourism is the island's main industry English is widely spoken, service levels are high and the quality of food is excellent. This combination of modern conveniences, a tropical island setting and old world Asian charm make Bali an excellent choice for your destination wedding. A typical wedding in Bali may take place over the course of 2-3 days during which time guests can explore the island and take part in the many water sports that Bali offers such as snorkeling, sailing or surfing. Transportation can be easily arranged but traffic is bad especially during rain therefore it is best to plan as many activities as possible near to your chosen venue.
There are some considerations that need to be taken into account for Bali, these include a charge called a Banjar Fee that must be paid at most venues. This standard fee is required to compensate nearby villages for any noise that events create. Visitors must also ensure that their passports are valid for at least 6 months or they will be denied entry to Bali. For those planning to party hard the high alcohol tax in Bali may be a factor, however weddings in Bali often end up being less expensive and more memorable than a big city ballroom wedding since they tend to be smaller and more intimate. One additional benefit of having a wedding in Bali is that you are already at your honeymoon destination and can choose to remain on the island after your wedding celebrations, enjoying a relaxing honeymoon using one of the many honeymoon packages that are offered by the hotels and private villas in Bali.
For some alternatives to Bali you can visit our sections on Koh Samui Weddings, Phuket Weddings or Jakarta Weddings
