This is the wedding entrance decoration for my brother-in-law, known in Balinese as a Gayor. A Gayor is typically installed at the gateway or entrance of a traditional Balinese home during weddings or other customary ceremonies. However, it is also frequently used as an entrance decoration for various events across Bali.
My brother-in-law created this Gayor with the help of his friends; he is a highly creative person with a strong artistic spirit. He began preparations two months in advance, crafting each component bit by bit during his spare time after work.
The Gayor is constructed from a combination of materials—primarily lontar (palm) leaves, Styrofoam, and colorful fabrics—though the specific materials depend on the creator's individual creativity.
As shown in the photo, the main components of this Gayor include:
Gayor/Decorative Archway: An arched structure framing the entrance, featuring artistic ornamentation.
Lontar Leaf Decorations: Arrangements of lontar leaves shaped into curves to adorn the top, left, and right sides of the entrance.
Guardian Statues: A pair of guardian statues—depicting Garuda (mythical birds)—positioned on the left and right sides. While they serve an aesthetic purpose, they are also believed to act as spiritual protectors; in this specific instance, however, I feel they were primarily for decoration.
Floral Arrangements: Decorative fresh flowers and plants placed at the base to enhance the overall beauty.
My brother-in-law and his friends installed the Gayor framework—along with all components other than the floral arrangements—several days before the actual wedding day. The fresh flowers and plants were added the night before the event to ensure everything looked fresh and beautiful on the big day.
I only realized how stunning the Gayor looked at night after reviewing the photos in my phone's gallery—it is fitted with lights, which gives it a truly aesthetic appeal.
This post is my entry for the Night Photography Competition - Round 12 by @mshbd.
