So a friend, sibling or cousin is getting married in Bali, and you have said yes. Congratulations, you are about to attend one of the most beautiful kinds of wedding there is. You probably also have a list of practical questions that feel slightly awkward to ask the couple, who are already busy enough. This guide answers the most common ones.
How long should I stay?
If you are flying from Europe or North America, the journey is long, usually with at least one connection. Most guests find that a week is the minimum that makes the trip worthwhile, and ten days to two weeks lets you enjoy the island after the celebrations. Try to arrive at least two days before the wedding so you are not jet-lagged in the photos.
Where should I stay?
Ask the couple or their planner which area the venue is in and how long transfers take. Bali traffic can be slow, and a venue that looks close on a map can be an hour or more away at the wrong time of day. Staying near the venue for the wedding nights and then moving elsewhere for the rest of your holiday is a common and sensible approach. If the couple has negotiated a group rate at a hotel, it is often worth taking, since transport to and from the wedding is usually organised from there.
Do I need a visa?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Many visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply for an electronic visa in advance, and there is also a tourist levy for foreign visitors to Bali. Check the official Indonesian immigration information for your passport a few weeks before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
What should I wear?
Read the invitation carefully. “Beach formal” in Bali usually means light, elegant fabrics, not suits and heavy dresses. Linen, cotton and flowing materials work best, because it will be warm and humid, even at sunset. Choose shoes that can handle grass, sand or stone paths; stilettos and lawns are not friends. If the ceremony includes a temple visit or a Balinese blessing, bring something that covers your shoulders and knees.
What about a gift?
Most couples marrying abroad know that guests have spent a lot just to be there, and many say so on the invitation. If they have a registry or a honeymoon fund, use it. Carrying a large boxed present across the world is rarely practical, and the couple then has to carry it home.
How do I get to the venue?
In many cases the couple arranges shared transport from a hotel or meeting point, and it is best to use it. Venues on the clifftops or in the countryside can be hard to find at night, and ride-hailing availability varies by area. If you are arranging your own transport, book a driver in advance for both directions and agree on a pick-up time for the end of the evening.
Should I bring children?
Check the invitation first; some couples plan adults-only weddings, others welcome children. If kids are invited, Bali is very family-friendly, but a long evening event in the heat can be tiring for little ones. Ask whether a babysitting service or a kids’ area will be available, and plan an early exit if needed. Pack sunscreen, snacks and a change of clothes for the day.
How much cash should I carry?
Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you will need Indonesian rupiah for small shops, markets, tips and some drivers. Use ATMs attached to banks or inside shopping centres. Carry a modest amount on the wedding day for tips or an after-party taxi.
Can I help the couple?
Yes, simply by being organised. Reply to the RSVP on time, share your flight details if asked, tell them about dietary requirements early, and follow the transport plan on the day. The single most useful thing guests can do is not become a logistics problem the couple has to solve during their own wedding.
How can I understand what the couple has planned?
If you are curious about how Bali weddings are usually organised, from ceremony setups to dinner and entertainment, many planners publish sample packages that explain what a typical day includes. If you want a feel for it before you pack, click here for an example of how these packages are put together.