This study is aimed at exploring the meaning of the symbols contained in the traditional Buton wedding clothes or bridal gown. This type of research is qualitative. Some of the symbolic meanings of the groom's wedding dress are: headband (kampurui), crown (lipi-lipi), bahaladada, sala arabu, sarong (biasamasil), belt (sulepe), large sarong (bio ogena), keris (tobo), flowers (kamba), and the meaning of symbols contained in the bride's wedding clothes, namely: head cover (tipolo), combo shirt, lonjo sarong, punto, necklace (jao-jaonga), bracelet (symbiote), hand binding (kabokema lima), earrings (dalidali), butterflies (kambarambei), kukuharimau (korokoronjo), fan (kambero), objects (sampaka) and handkerchiefs (kalegona). The objectives of this study are 1) to describe the meaning of the symbol of Buton's traditional wedding dress, and 2) to find out a strategy to preserve the local wedding custom of Buton people. The result of this shows that symbols of traditional Buton wedding clothes have the meaning to prepare the bride and groom to navigate life and maintain the sanctity of their marriage which is full of balance between rights and responsibilities of each. The implication is to raise collective awareness for Buton people to preserve their wedding clothes or bridal gown.

Keywords : Meaning of Symbols; Buton; Traditional Wedding Clothing