People from all over Kedah, both Malays and non-Malays, were called on to help with the construction of the buildings, the clearing of roads and the town generally. This llabour was unpaid, but the workers were given free food and, as thousands were involved it became a costly item. Each group of workers from the Districts was supplied with two buffaloes and a bag of rice a day.

Apart from the food, labour and materials supplied locally, vast quantities of cloth, and all sorts of supplies were imported. One estimate says that 5 shiploads of candles were included. Most of these came by steamship from Prichards in Penang, as the trunk road and the bridge at Bumbong Lima across the Merbok River had not then been built. To house all these stores, the old Jalan Baharu Malay School was taken over. Its floor eventually collapsed under the weight.

The cloth which was brought in was to provide new uniforms for all officials, guards, attendants and servants. As well as this, all senior officials were required to wear European style dinner dress for evening functions and these were provided free if needed. Nothing but the best was good enough and the cloth was of the best quality available.

Rulers of other states, or their representatives attended the first marriage--that of the Sultan's eldest son, Tunku Ibrahim widely known as Tunku Sulong. The King of Siam came with a large retinue and stayed at the old "Istana" Anak Bukit. (The present "istana" at Anak Bukit, the Sultan's residence, was built in 1927). After this they returned home. But the guests who had assembled in Alor Star from all over the State stayed for three months. Offices were closed for the period, but the Magistrate's court, at least, continued to function.

The Istiadat Meminang, or official betrothals took place first. This began on 15th June, 1904. This was done with the aid of at least fifteen assistants, consisting of three elderly gentlemen and three elderly ladies, together with six young men and three young women. The older people were responsible for making the formal request. The young men carried caskets containing the dowry which included money and other gifts After the leader of the party had presented the letter of proposal to the bride's father, or his representative, who then read it out to the company, the party returned to where they were staying, accompanied, as on the outward journey by the 'nobat' or State band, and sheltered by the 'Payong Ubor Ubor Hijau,' or State umbrellas.

Just beside the Balai Besar can still be seen the 'Tambak Inai' where the henna plants for the Berlimau (Bathing of bride and bridegroom) and Berinai (=colouring the palms of then hand ceremony), were grown. When required this was collected by young
girls after a procession, carrying the State regalia, had gone round the bushes on three successive nights.

The 'bersanding' ceremonies were held in the 'Rumah Pelamin.' This was a new wing added to the Istana Kota Lama which is behind the Balai Besar. Inside the compound of this istana was a specially erected seventiered 'Pancha Persada' for the 'Berlimau'-popularly referred to as the water-sprinkling ceremony.

Tunku Ibrahim's wedding ceremony lasted for two weeks. After it there was a pause and then the next wedding took place. So it continued for the weddings of Tunku Abdul Rashid known as Tunku Daii, Tunku Jamjam (also known as Tunku Pok), Tunku Rokiah and Tunku Jora.

The principal guests were entertained in the Balai Besar which served as "Balai Rong'. For as long as they stayed they were provided with all their meals, breakfast included, and any refreshments they might want at any time. Unlimited champagne and
Egyptian cheroots were among the luxuries provided, and it is said that 30 cases of champagne were consumed daily .

The Balai Besar was only one of the places where food and drinks were served. The present P.W.D. office and other buildings were also used. Different groups had their own eating places-apart from the Balai Besar for Tunkus and VIPs, there was a hall for
the Syeds and Wans, another for Hajis and so on. For three months guests from all over Kedah were fed and entertained free. These halls were like free hotels, where food and drink were available at any time. At least 40 cattle were killed daily.

But entertainment was not forgotten. Every evening there were shows of one kind or another-bangsawan (Malay opera), as well as Chinese, Indian and Siamese opera. There were four ronggeng stages, with about 7 dancers each who had come from Singapore or Penang. There was 'Hadrah', Wayang Kulit and bersilat.sss

Different estimates put the total cost at $3,000,000 to $4,000,000. It was obviously impossible to meet this out of revenue, and so a loan was sought from the Siamese Government. $2,600,000 was lent, but with conditions. One was the appointment of an English Financial Adviser, Mr. Hart who had been in the employment of the King of Siam. In 1909 when Kedah came under British protection a British Adviser, Mr. W.G. Maxwell (now Sir George Maxwell), was appointed and responsibility for the debt was taken over by the British Government. Perhaps British protection would have come anyway, but it was undoubtedly hastened by the generous extravagance of these weddings.