Cambodia Khmer Wedding
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The Khmer Wedding Rites of Cambodia
Weddings in Cambodia among the Khmer majority are marvellously complex 3-day festivals of rituals and rites with the bride and groom going through more outfits than a runway model. Unless the couple has saved for many years or have wealthy parents, it can front-end load married life with serious debt. But as usual, society has its own way of making these weddings possible. Wedding places abound where the bride and groom can rent the costumes and most couples do this. The bride and the groom have one costume each custom made for themselves to keep as part of their wedding souvenirs.
But why all these rites? These rites accompanying a Cambodian Khmer wedding have their origins in ancient Khmer tradition and are binding not only to the two individuals but their families and communities as well so there are serious expenses matching major commitment. The negotiations are conducted between families with grandmas prominently featured in the process. Unless the two families agree, the wedding cannot really take place.
The Khmer Wedding in Pictures
Images of Khmer Rites and Color
How Cambodian Khmer Arrange Weddings
Khmer wedding are arranged by families
Tying the nuptial knots in Cambodia does not only involve the groom and the bride. In fact, many times, they are not hugely involved. It is their parents, in particular, the mothers or maybe grandmothers who make all the necessary arrangements. The families are major participants from the engagement to the wedding. And families can be huge. The tradition is for the groom's family to visit the bride's family and ask for her hand in marriage. Then, the formal engagement period starts. When this is done, the Monks and Grandmas conspire to choose an auspicious day for the wedding.
But before the parents meet about this wedding, they first find out about each other's family background, the character of the person, even the date of birth of the future bride and groom as astrology plays a part in the choice of marriage partners. The grandma mafias dig as far as can be dug and all is reported. When the parents are satisfied that this will be a good match, then, the future groom's parents approach a middle person to arrange the meeting with the future bride's parents. Again, much ritual huffing and puffing surrounds the approach. In this meeting, the negotiation is often on the dowry.
The Buddhist Foundation of Khmer Wedding
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism - Simple Guides
Amazon Price: $4.32 (as of 05/24/2012)
I recommend this book for many of us who just want to have a background information on Theravada Buddhism. It is an opener to this belief that encompasses Khmer life.
The Auspicious Cambodian Khmer Wedding Date
How the Cambodian Khmer Choose their Wedding Date
The choosing of the appropriate time to marry is quite an elaborate affair in a Khmer Wedding. They consult fortune tellers, feng shui masters and Buddhist holy monks not only for the best date and time but also how to prepare the bride's room from the bed to the pillows and blankets. All these stand permanently in the way to happiness of the would be couple. The fortune teller calculates the date and time based on the age, date of birth and the astrological elements of the couple. Sometimes, the marriage can't go on because of issues on compatibility as a result of numerology or astrology. Sometimes, maybe it is really the wisdom of the fortune tellers. As one of them say, when she sees that the bride and groom really love each other, he gives his blessing immediately.
Is your wedding date written in the stars?
Find out more
Better to find out as your marital happiness if you believe like the Khmer depend much on the auspicious date.
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The Auspicious in the Khmer Wedding
Feng Shui has a role
Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect, and Happiness
Amazon Price: $6.47 (as of 05/24/2012)
If you think this is important, get this book and get some tips on how you can also rearrange your own house. Who knows.
The Khmer Wedding Arrangements are Between Families
The Khmer Families Have a Major Say on the Wedding
Acolleague described how the marriage ramp up was a long, often maddening process. First, when he found his potential lifetime partner, he asked his parents to go and see the lady's parents. Sadly for him, when his parents came back, they told him that the girl's parents did not accept the proposal as they wanted more money than what his parents could afford.
He was disappointed so he went to see the lady and asked her again. He talked to the lady's grandmother who finally gave her yes. But when the lady's mother returned, she again put a stop to the wedding. Meanwhile, the match maker was approached by another family to invite our friend because they want him for their daughter. They served him a good lunch and our colleague emphasized that they gave him Tiger beer, a prized commodity in Cambodia at that time as it was imported from Singapore. But our friend insisted to this new approach that he was still in negotiation with the other family and he wanted to keep his word. The first family finally relented and agreed to the marriage (a bird in the hand...etc.) Our colleague has now three children and has learned a great deal about negotiations!
Another colleague, a very good international consultant, told us during a meeting that he finally found the girl he is marrying. He saw her once in a gathering but did not approach her. Instead, he started asking people about her and when he found out she is from his village as well, he asked his father to approach the family. The father of the girl asked to first meet our colleague so he can assess him. Our recent update was the proposal was not accepted and our colleague was really hurt. He doesn't know why.
The families have a major say on the decision to marry. In the past, even the community is involved as they look at what they know of these two people and whether they are compatible or not. This is changing now, of course, but in many families, this is still the norm. We just attended an engagement ceremony with all these traditional rites eventhough the bride and groom are graduates of Western universities and occasionally looked somewhat bemused by the process.
The Khmer Couple
In Traditional Khmer Costume
The Khmer Engagement Ceremony
Sometimes, a year or more before the wedding
Once the proposal has been accepted, the engagement ceremony takes place. This is not as elaborate as the wedding depending ont he families involved but the rites are followed accordingly. We have attended one and we have to go early morning for the groom's family procession bringing offering of fruits and other gifts. Then, the traditional breakfast of borbor, a sort of rice porridge with fried bread followed. In the evening, there was a big feast and dancing.
See some of these engagement ceremonies in videos.
Traditional Rites in the Cambodian Khmer Wedding
Rooted in the ancient Cambodian Buddhist tradition
The rites that comprise the wedding ceremony have their roots in the Khmer ancient traditions. In the past, there were two venues for the ceremony, the groom's house referred to as the Vivahamongkul and the bride's, Avahamongkul. Village life ground to a halt for these events so weddings had to be held in the quiet season for agriculture. It seems in the past, Khmer wedding can only be held in 31-day months (May, July, October, December, January, and March) and these cannot be held on their birthdays, religious days, lunar or solar eclipse and Khmer New Year. Weddings are also not held during the rainy season. In the past, it must have been difficult to organize one.
The Cambodian Khmer Wedding Rites
A Particular Costume for each Cambodian Khmer Wedding Rite
Cambodian Khmer bride and groom welcoming guests to the reception
The Cambodian Khmer Traditional Wedding Rites
Centered Around the Three Jewels of Buddhism
Cambodians consider 3 to be an especially auspicious number because of its association with the "three jewels" of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Sangha (brotherhood of monks), and the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings). Thus, the 3-day wedding celebration. But nowadays, many in the urban areas have shortened the ceremony to just 1 day and a half for all the ceremonies that have to be performed. The intrusion of cities and factories and time clocks is having its predictable effect. But in the rural areas, the Khmer still stick to the three days.
Just the engagement alone already requires a full day from early morning to late at night. I attended one recently and I had to prepare two dresses, one for the morning ceremonies and another for the evening party. But who wants to miss the fun?
The Cambodian Buddhist Tradition
Khmer Rituals and Theravada Buddhism
The Khmer follow the tradition of Theravada Buddhism. Most of their rituals have its roots in their own practice of this type of Buddhism. Here are more books on Theravada Buddhism.
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Traditional Cambodian Khmer Wedding Songs
Accompany each rite in the Cambodian Khmer wedding
Each of the rituals in traditional Cambodian Khmer wedding has its own traditional song and music accompaniment as you can hear in the following videos.
Cambodia Khmer traditional wedding songs
Get your own album of the Khmer traditional wedding songs
These albums here include Cambodian traditional and classical songs for all occasions but certainly they include Pleng khmer, the traditional wedding songs.
The Tiaras in traditional Cambodian Khmer bride attire
Fabulous choices for your traditional Cambodian Khmer wedding
The brides at every rite in the Cambodian Khmer wedding wear tiaras to match every change in costume. These ones here will go so well with these beautiful costumes worn by brides at weddings in Cambodia. If you're the bride, become the princess of the day. It's your special day after all.
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The Cambodian Khmer Groom's Family on Procession to the Bride's House
An early morning Cambodian Khmer wedding ritual
The Khmer wedding ceremony starts with the groom's family and community of relations and friends descending in a well orchestrated procession to the bride's house. We had been in some of these processions and felt proud about being part of a big family. This rite in the traditional Cambodian wedding begins early in the morning. The groom's family come bearing meats, fruits, pastries, drinks and desserts of every variety. Depending on their wealth, these trays can really become expensive.This is accompanied by chanting and banging of pots and pans.
Here's another khmer Family Bringing Gifts to the Bride's Family
Gifts of Fruits and Sweets
The Bringing of the Gifts by the Cambodian Khmer Groom's Family
Offering fruits and sweets for the Cambodian bride's family
With his three best men, his family and clan, the groom waits at the entrance of the bride's house where two banana trees laden with fruits have been placed as pillars.
The Khmer Wedding Gifts from the Groom's Family
Friends Participate, too
The Cambodian Khmer Groom's Family in front of the Bride's house
Waiting to be received by the bride's family
The groom's family in procession to the bride's house
The Khmer Wedding Gifts
To the bride's family, enough or not?
Once these gifts are displayed, the master of ceremonies, a singer cum jester describes the gifts and asks the bride's family if they are satisfied or they want more. This always causes laughter as the bride's family always nod their heads in approval of the suggestions of the groom's...ahhhh cheapness.
This is followed by breakfast of traditional rice porridge (Bor Bor), fruits and sweets with the master of ceremony keeping the guests entertained with folk songs. Here's how to prepare BorBor.
As guests look on, the bride and groom feed each other. Only after the bride and groom have finished their breakfast will the guests start eating. The real fun is all the children peering through the curtains to catch the action. The giggles are as loud as the singing. Quality Assurance is managed by the Grandmas, of course.
The Table for the Cambodian Khmer Wedding Gifts
Uniquely Cambodian
The fully laden trays are neatly arranged inside the house or on a decorated table outside in a wedding tent.
The Rite of Acceptance in the Cambodian Khmer Wedding
The Khmer Bride's Family Welcomes the Groom's Family
The Khmer bride's family accepts the gifts from the groom's family and the wedding master of ceremonies cum jester asks the bride's parents if they are satisfied with the gifts to which the answer is always no to the laughter of everyone present. All good fun. You can see this in the following videos.
The Cambodian Khmer Groom's Welcome to the Bride's Family
The Khmer traditional greeting ritual
To the chimes of a gong, the bride's family greets the visitors with the traditional Cambodian greeting Sampeah. Then, an older lady carefully chosen from those who are successful in life and blessed in marriage leads the bride out to welcome the groom. The bride and groom helpers, 3 for each, must come from families with both parents happy with each other. The Khmer believe that these blessings will then be passed on to the bride and groom.
Once the acceptance is made, the Cambodian wedding rites start with the master of ceremonies telling the story of the meeting of the bride and groom and the challenges encountered by the groom's family in their journey to the bride's house. This can be good fun as the challenges are often made up now that wars and rivers and dragons don't get in the way. Each rite in the Khmer wedding is accompanied by a Khmer traditional song.
Respect to Parents in the Cambodian Khmer Traditional Wedding
Another set of rituals included in a traditional Khmer wedding
The groom's family bring in their gifts and the priests present these to the bride's parents. Meanwhile the bride has gone to her room and stays there until she is called back.
After the groom's family have presented the gifts of fruits, cakes, vegetables, household items, meat, drinks, sweets and a new set of clothes for the bride and groom, the bride is brought back and together with the groom kneel down in front of the beautifully decorated altar to pay respects to their parents and offer prayers.
The Placing of Garlands Garlands in the Cambodian Khmer Wedding
Another carefully celebrated ritual in the Khmer wedding
The groom and bride then place garlands on each other after which they walk into the house carrying a silver bowl with flowers from the areca nut tree and other offerings. As they pass, young girls throw jasmine flowers along their path.
Pictures of the Khmer Traditional Welcome of the Groom
By the Bride's Family
The bride with the older Lady and her three servers
Shoes for weddings
Elegant choices for Cambodian wedding
The Khmer really dress up for wedding celebrations. The party gowns come out as well as the traditional Khmer attire for weddings. As it lasts for 3 days, several outfits are required if you are very close to the family.
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The Monks' Blessing in the Traditional Cambodian Khmer Wedding
More of a private ceremony
The first day is set aside for the bride and groom to ask for blessings from the monks. This is a more private ceremony with only the couple and their families and the village elders present. The bride and the groom and also the family members with them wear the traditional white worn to go to the temple. The blessing takes place in the bride's house.
After the monks blessing, some families do a Buk Leak ceremony where they hide the red dye and the groom has to search for it.
The monks blessing the Khmer bride and groom
A major part of the Cambodian wedding ceremony
The Temple Offering at a Cambodian Khmer Wedding
A very important Khmer wedding ritual
Other Rites in the Cambodian Traditional Wedding
The presentation of the dowry
After the Neay Pream He Kaun Kamlas or the Arrival of the Groom ritual, the presentation of the dowry or the Chambak Roy follows. The song that accompanies this rite tells of the dialogue between the matchmakers, the parents, relatives and friends of the bride.The dowry is currently more in the form of jewelry or money but in the past, it took the form of land such as rice fields, buffaloes and cows.
The Cambodian Wedding Master of Ceremonies
A singer-cum-jester
The master of ceremonies in the Khmer wedding, the singer-cum-jester, and his lady partner directs the wedding event through songs. When they arrive, they say they are from heaven and that they heard the music and the hum of celebration so they decided to come and check this out. They have other songs to present their role and mostly they are funny but very well suited to the occasion. At the reception. they continue to entertain the guests crooning and dancing in a traditional slow rhythmic tune accompanied by a band hired for the occasion.
The Chewing of the Betel Nut in the Cambodian Khmer Wedding
Symbolizes the Agreement Between the Two Families
Then, the Pak Paeuk Pisa Sla (Inviting the Elders to Chew Betel Nut) follows. This symbolizes the agreement between the two families as they chew betel nut together.
This rite came from the mythical story, Som Sla Kanseng. This is the story of two men who enjoyed feeding their buffaloes together that they wanted so much to become relatives. So, because one had a son and the other, a daughter they decided that they can be related by marriage. To hold each other to their words, they took their betel nuts carefully wrapped in their kroma (scarf) and shared these to chew with each other. This is still more or less what families here do. They choose practically whom their children will marry.
Bongvil PoPil Rite in Khmer Wedding
The Seven Rotations Ceremony at a traditional Cambodian wedding
In the second day, before the sun rises, the groom in traditional attire goes to the spirit house and facing east prays for blessing and asks for good time for the ceremony. Once the sun rises, this is taken as the coming of the good time for the ceremony. The priest hits the gong three times to signal the good time for the ceremony to start. This signals the bride to pray three times in her room to get the blessing and happiness in the future. Then, the priest brings the groom inside the bride's house accompanied by a traditional Khmer band playing the song, Sdech Yeng which translates to "the coming of the King".
The groom then stands at the entrance and the priest asks if he can bring the groom inside. All the bride's relatives have to say, it is alright for the groom to come in. The groom then stands on a small stone at the entrance of the house to symbolize his patience and readiness to forgive. In the past, the priest calls the bride's lady assistant to bring water in a tal (a traditional Khmer water container) and wash the groom's feet and gives him the betel in a handkerchief. Then, she ushers the groom to sit down while the bride goes back to her room. At present, the bride does this ritual of washing the groom's feet. The Khmer believe that this ritual will ensure that they become steadfast in their marriage in spite of problems.
Then the priest asks the groom to take the betel and bow three times. This is followed by the groom offering Kasla flowers to the bride's parents and relatives accompanied by singing the song, Pha Theay, calling the bride out to sit with the groom and the parents and relatives. Then, the gong is hit again and the musician shouts out, Chey Hong Sur Hong and Sok Hong (success and happiness in everything) and the others follow. Then, the bride comes out and sits beside the groom.
At this point, the priest invites persons who have good background and marriage to sit around the bride and groom. Once they are seated, he asks the parents of the bride and groom to light the first candles and give these to the bride and groom. Then, the priest blesses them three times and then passes on the candles to the left 19 times. After the seventh time, the lighted candles are blown off and placing the betel leaves on top, the smoke is guided towards the bride and groom who breathe the smoke in as blessing for a future of deep love for each other.
The PoPil (Formerly Popi meaning 2 blessing) ceremony comes with two blessing, one from the god Eyso and the goddess, Okma Pheak Vatey, for the couple to have many healthy children. This is still strongly practiced because the Cambodian king, Jayasurya was a student of Eyso and he promoted this practice all throughout the kingdom.
The ceremony continues with the singing of Mouan Rongneav (chicken crow) or Phat Jeay or Lomneang. The musician then takes the sword out with the shouts of Chey Hong Sur Hong and Sok Hong and then sings, Daov Euy Daovdek (Sword). The holding of the sword at the Khmer wedding came from this mythical story of a high ranking knight in the Peareansey Palace who deposited a bar of gold as a dowry for the lovely daughter of a villager and with it his promise to return in three months to marry her. Three years after, he failed to come so the villager married his daughter to a neighbor. On the night of the wedding, the Knight appeared and killed the groom so since then to dismiss all bad things, the sword is worn at the wedding.
Blessing from the Community
An important Cambodian wedding ritual in the past
In the past, weddings are community affairs. People come and bring their produce. But during the ceremony, they give advice to the couple given what they know of them. They advise them on how they can make their strengths and weaknesses work in harmony so their marriage becomes lasting. The community takes weddings very seriously as they take responsibility when the marriage does not work.
Today, the ceremonies are already so commercialized that this community responsibility mostly involves giving money in an envelope. The ancient wedding rites have been replaced by global trends and somehow commerce has taken its core. Many though still follow the basic tenets of their culture.
Tying of the Red Thread at the Khmer Wedding
Giving of Blessing and Advice
After the Popil ceremony, the priest ties the thread around the hands of the groom and bride and gives them blessing and advice. Then, the parents do the same thing. As the bride and groom's wrists are tied, this song, Bay Khon Chang Dai is sung: "We tie three strings to each wrist of our children. We wish for true happiness and success to this couple, who will always be together like wet grass seeds. We tie your left wrist to make you remember your parents. We tie your right wrist to make you carry on the family lineage and traditions." Then both parents come to tie again followed by relatives who at the same time give money for the bride and groom.
Then, the groom and the bride stand up and the groom holds the bride's scarf with one hand and the sword on the other. The bride holds a container with rice and both walk inside the room. Then the song, Prek Thong Neangneak (King Prince and Princess of the Dragon). Then the gong is hit to signal the end of this part of the wedding.
Video of the Tying of the Thread at the Khmer Wedding
A Khmer wedding ritual all observe
Blessing the Khmer Bride and Groom
Traditional Cambodian Asking for Blessing from Ancestor Spirits
Close relatives give rings or chains in addition to the usual words of advice and wishes of happiness, prosperity, good health, success, and love. The praises are acknowledged and witnessed by the loud sound of the gongs and joyful cheer.
The Exchange of the Rings in a Khmer wedding Ceremony
Between the Cambodian bride and groom
For your Cambodian wedding rings
Wedding ring cushions
Watch the Cambodian Khmer wedding ceremonies on video
The Cambodian wedding celebrations are so much fun
Hair Cutting Ceremony in Cambodian wedding
A Traditional Wedding Rite
Breakfast is followed by the hair-cutting ceremony, a traditional rite handed down from the old days not only to make merry at the wedding but to symbolize the new life the couple are getting into. In the past, the hair-cutting was for real. The master of ceremonies and his partner pretend they are angels who heard the singing from heaven and they came to partake of the celebration. They bring a bottle of perfume and a jeung bin (tray) with a pair of scissors.
Nowadays, a mock hair cut is staged. The bride and groom, having changed into traditional outfits of gold and yellow, are seated on decorated chairs. The master of ceremony then teases them adding to the delight of those present. Carrying a tray with scissors, a comb and a bottle of hair spray, the first person given the honor to cut their hair pretends to clip the bridegroom. Then, she retrieves a gold ring from the hair which had earlier been placed there by the monk. She does the same to the bride after which the hair spray is used. Other elders repeat this same ritual. Retrieving the gold ring signifies the couple's prosperity in life.
Watch the hair cutting ceremony on video
It is a traditional Cambodian wedding rite still practiced today
What's the latest in Cambodian Khmer Wedding?
Changes Going on in Cambodian Khmer Wedding
The 3-day affair in Cambodian weddings has now been shortened by many families. Some of the younger ones do not anymore understand the meaning of some of the ceremonies.
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt plan ethnic wedding ceremony
- She wants the ceremony reflect the different ways people celebrate marriage, in particular, the home countries of their adopted children - Cambodian Maddox, 10, Ethiopian Zahara, 7, and Vietnam-born nine-year-old Pax. "She wants to incorporate ...
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- From left, Lily Mariye, Nicole Bloom and Boney James admire Mariye's award for directing ?Model Minority,? during the closing ceremonies of the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival in Koreatown on May 17. (Rock Chang) Lily Mariye's feature film ?Model ...
- Jolie wants different ethnic traditions at wedding
- She wants the ceremony reflect the different ways people celebrate marriage, in particular, the home countries of their adopted children ? Cambodian Maddox, 10, Ethiopian Zahara, 7, and Vietnam-born nine-year-old Pax. ?She wants to incorporate ...
- Will You Stand Up for Marriage? I do!
- But in the home state of ?Battling Bob Lafollette,? it shows that marriage has the widest support. Marriage is not ?wedge? issue. It's a bridge issue. I had a Minnesota State Rep. tell me that her Somali and Hmong (Cambodian) constituents had paraded ...
Preparing your own wedding?
Here are some help
There are so many things to think about when you are preparing a wedding. It becomes more stressful when it is your own. So a good guide book will be really useful. You can choose one of these.
More wedding planning guides on auctions
Wedding planning bargains at auctions
Modern or Traditional Wedding
What do you prefer?
Planning your wedding? Do you want your wedding to be traditional or modern?
Do you want a traditional or modern wedding?
Traditional wedding
Cari_Kay says:
I'm more a traditional type of gal :)
bechand says:
most definately traditional ! - but my brother went the other way - pirate theme ...LOL
happynutritionist says:
I already had what is a traditional church wedding over 33 years ago to my dear husband...married in church, and then the reception was downstairs in the church. Most weddings I go to now and some even back then had "fancier" receptions and lots of LOUD music. I'll never regret our wedding, it was a special day. This page is so interesting and beautiful. Must pin this in pinterest:-)
Tipi says:
I love traditions with a modern touch.
nophie says:
traditional wedding more unique
Modern wedding
sousababy says:
Well, I say modern . . but perhaps I mean a wedding that both can plan together (without any pressure to conform to someone's expectations). So, I suppose it depends on what the bride and groom want, it's their day!
Tolovaj says:
I got pretty modern wedding, I supposed. It was fun:)
Noelle_and_Dan says:
We couldn't afford a traditional wedding.
Cambodian weddings are for families
And the communities as well
The Cambodian groom and bride in Western clothes.
Your Cambodian Khmer Wedding Invitation Envelopes
Properly Accounted for During the Wedding
In this picture, you will see the table at the back of the reception room with heart boxes. This is where the envelopes which you fill up with money go. Responsible people open the envelopes and list in the book the names of the guests and how much each of them gave. This will be kept for generations to come. This record gets consulted when invitations for weddings come to check how much the family gave and the same amount will be placed in the envelope.
The Invitation to a Cambodian Khmer Wedding
Very elegant and elaborate wedding invitations
Here is a picture of the Khmer wedding invitation. A friend planning his wedding wanted to put a dragon in gold, a symbol of power and this horrified the others as it should have a symbol of love. So, here is a picture of typical invitations, always in pink or gold.
The letters are usually in gold and inside is the map of the place where the reception will be held.
The envelope with your name is where you are to put your money for the bride and groom. The amount usually depends on the status of the one getting married signified by his job, position in the office, status of the family and closeness of the relationship. Some add more when the food served is good so they wait until they have finished eating before putting their envelopes in the carefully embellished box. But make sure your name gets into the record. When your own children marry, this record will be reviewed for appropriate contribution.
Wedding Gifts for Cambodian Khmer wedding?
Wedding favors are practiced, too
The practice, though, is for close relatives to give chains or rings to the bride and groom. The guests regularly put money inside an envelope and beautifully wrapped boxes are provided in the wedding venue to place these envelopes in. Depending on a number of factors, the amount varies. If the parents of the bride or groom have given say $100 for your own child's wedding, then, it is sort of expected that you have to reciprocate in exactly the same amount. The minimum amount is usually $10 and increased a tiny bit when the food served is better so keep those envelopes first until after you have eaten. There is a group assigned to collect these envelopes and every contribution is listed so in the future, the amount will be reciprocated.
Wedding Favours in Khmer Wedding
There is a wide variety
There is a wide variety of wedding favours which the bride's attendants give as you enter the reception place. Sometimes, you get envelopes with new $2 bills.
Other times, you get pens, or miniature cutlery, or a mini radio. The most recent we got was a plugged in light but beautifully wrapped.
Sometimes, surprises come.
The Cambodian Khmer Bride and Her Attendants
Welcome Guests to the Reception
The Cambodian Khmer Groom and His Attendants
Welcoming the Guests to the Reception
The Khmer Wedding Cake
Looks yummy
Cambodian Khmer Wedding Reception
Khmer Families Now use Wedding Places
These days, there are wedding places hosting these celebrations convenient for families, so both ceremonies have been merged. Now, they have all the rites in one day. However, the rules are still followed as written in the book of Oknha Mahamontrey Nhek Nov, Khmer Wedding Rules. Okhna Nov wrote that the rites are arranged according to the rules drawn up by King Preay Chey Chesda Thebdey who interestingly related these rites to mythical stories. Listening to the stories of the younger generation makes one know that this tradition will live on for some time and the Grandmas are perched like warrior Phoenixes just waiting to pounce on any breach.
The Wedding Feast In Cambodian Wedding
Food, songs and dances
Afeast follows and more songs and dances for everyone's entertainment. Just before the reception, the couple and their entourage go to nearby parks or the palace grounds often turned out in western wedding gown and tuxedo to have pictures taken. A classic media event.
It must be noted that many families have already shortened this event to a day and a half compressing the rites. However, lately, as more Khmer want to show what the family has achieved, the three days seem to be observed again.
The Celebration at a Cambodian Khmer Wedding
Khmer Weddings are huge celebrations
Big wedding reception hall
A Cambodian wedding feast
On video
L ast night, we were at at a Khmer wedding reception and it does not stop to amaze me how pragmatic it is. Khmer families have to attend during the peak wedding season several receptions in one evening. They split to the various occasions but sometimes this is not possible. Many last night came from the office straight to the reception. To make it easy for many families, as guests arrive they are ushered to a table and once this table is filled up, service starts.
There is no head table as the parents and the bride and groom are there at the door receiving guests, having pictures taken or saying goodbye to those who came early. In the reception hall, service continues and when the table is done signalled by the soup at the end, the guests leave and new guests claim the table. No one other than the families of the bride and groom lingers. We left our place at 5 and were home by 7:20 pm. We thoroughly enjoyed it. By the way, in this video you can see the grandmas.
For that special toast on your wedding
Get these ones
Here's a Book to Help You with your Toasts
For Wedding Toasts
Wedding Toasts Made Easy!: The Complete Guide
Amazon Price: $7.57 (as of 05/24/2012)
Get this book so you will be prepared to say exactly what you want and not ramblings of one who really loves his friend but has not prepared just the right words to say.
A Royal Wedding in Cambodia
Almost like a fairy tale
In January, 2012, the Princess Sisowath Keo Sama Tharirak-ka married a Khmer singer, Chorm Bun Yong following their recent engagement ceremony that surprised both families and the country. The royal family could not believe that the Princess would marry a commoner and the groom's family could not believe he is marrying a royal.
The wedding was celebrated from January 17-19, a 3-day ceremony in the princess house but the reception for around 700 guests was at Hotel Le Royal. The groom was said to have given $37,777 as dowry for the Princess.
The couple was first introduced together by a mutual friend and the relationship started until the groom proposed this year.
Hair accessories for the Cambodian bride
Pretty up your hair
The Khmer really dress up for weddings with their hair done and faces made up. So here are some pretty hair accessories you can use.
Wedding Headband Bridal Two-row Rhinestone Crystal Hair Accessory
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Pair Of Pearl and Crystals Flower Metal Hair combs Tiara for Weddings, Proms, quinceanera or pageants
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Bridal Wedding Side Comb Leaf and Flower Rhinestone Crystal Bridal Hair Accessory - Ideal for Brides and Bridesmaids
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Bridal Comb Headpiece Couture Rhinestone Hair Comb
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Wedding Fascinator Ivory Silk Flower Rhinestone Hair Clip Bridal Accessory
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Flower Clear Crystals Bridal Hair Pins (Pack of 6) HS0002
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Crystal and Pearl Floral Design Silver Hair Comb for Wedding, Prom or Special Occassion
This very feminine hair comb has beautiful detaili more...0 points
1928 Bridal Crystal Hair Barrette
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Crystal Flower Small Hair Combs (Pack of 4 pieces) HC 6041
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WHITE Floral Feather Bridal Hair Accent
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Bridal Side Comb Flower Swirls Sparkle Rhinestone Crystal Hair Accessory
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Elegant Bridal Headband Crystal & Pearl Headpiece
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Bridal Hair Pin, Floral & Leaf Pearl Design 227
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Stunning Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Bridal Comb
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NEW White Beaded Bridal Feather Hair Clip, Limited.
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Fun Lines for those wedding toasts
Books on wedding toasts
Bridal gowns to choose from
Get yours at auction
Cambodian Khmer Wedding Ceremony
A Victory for the Khmer Culture
The colourful Cambodian wedding ceremony is a well of tradition and remains an exhausting experience. But for most Cambodians, such nuptials represent more than a nod to the traditions of the past.
Each marriage here in Cambodia is a victory for their culture, a promise to their families and a commitment to the future.
Concerns Around Cambodian Khmer Wedding
What's the Latest?
There are months that are often considered auspicious for weddings and during this period, salaries of Cambodians just go to wedding expenses from clothes to beauty parlours to money for the bride and groom.
Recently, another major concern has been that many Khmer couples after these elaborate ceremonies no longer think of the legal requirements as in the past the traditional rites had been binding. Today, unless they have registered their marriage, these are not legal in Cambodian law. This has been quite recent and the Khmer are only slowly realizing its implications to their marriage.
The government has been making this clear to the Khmer that although tradition is binding, they still need to register their marriage so it is legal. It will take some time for many Khmer to grasp the importance of this.
Gifts with Cambodian designs
To remind you of Cambodia
Know more about Cambodia
Interesting books to read
Cambodia's Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land by Joel Brinkley
A generation after the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia shows more...1 point
National Geographic Traveler: Cambodia by Trevor Ranges
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When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge by Chanrithy Him
Chanrithy Him felt compelled to tell of surviving life more...0 points
The Rough Guide to Cambodia (Rough Guide Cambodia) by Beverley Palmer
"The Rough Guide to Cambodia" is the ult more...0 points
Cambodia: Uncensored by Alvin Kim
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Angkor the Magnificent - Wonder City of Ancient Cambodia by Helen Churchill Candee
"The tale of it is incredible; the wonder whi more...0 points
Dos & Don'ts in Cambodia by David Hill
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Cambodia Now: Life In the Wake of War by Karen J. Coates
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Guide to Cambodia: The Temples of Angkor by Approach Guides, David Raezer, Jennifer Raezer
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The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine by Somaly Mam
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Other Cambodian Traditional Rituals
Interesting Read on Cambodia
Khmer New Year
Have you ever celebrated new year in April? Cambodia's Khmer celebrate New Year not on January 1 as in the western world or on assorted dates in February as ...
Greeting Cambodia Style
The Sampheah is done when you say hello (Choum Reap Sur) and when you say goodbye (Choum Reap Lear). In Cambodia, Sampeah is not just a form of greeting. It...
Bon Pchum Ben
All cultures honor their dead but Cambodia makes this an art form! Bon Pchum Ben. Each year, 15 days are devoted to honor the part of the family that is here...
The Water Festival in Cambodia
The preparation for the 2012 Cambodia Water Festival has already begun. Big dreams are on especially for those who want to compete in the naga boat race. The...
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Cambodia
Observed not only in Cambodia but also in Thailand, this ancient royal ritual of the ploughing ceremony has been practiced to mark the start of the growing s...
Wedding Memorabilia
For those who are avid wedding collectors
Want to know more about wedding traditions
Very Interesting Wedding Rites
Other Wedding rites and traditions
What people are saying
T he young in many countries now are moving away from the traditional rites especially in weddings because of the expense and the complications involved. It is a pity, however, as traditional rites have special significance and often bring together the family and the community.
- Something Borrowed
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- The second thing I tell every couple is that it is their wedding, not their mother's or grandmother's. Of course, there are traditions that should be considered and elements that will make a wedding timeless. But it is their wedding, ...
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Unusual Wedding and Courtship Traditions Among Boat Dwellers of Cambodia
The Residents of the Floating Villages of Tonle Sap
As we have already seen, weddings are expensive in Cambodia so in this floating village of Tonle Sap where privacy is not to be found, lovers go out on boats so they can talk to each other. Parents don't like this so the village chief decided that when two young people are serious about being with each other, he makes them sign a contract of their commitment to take each other as spouses so they can start living with each other. Such document is considered legal when appropriately signed. The wedding can follow later but the couple can now live together. The law protects the couple from parents who want to take their child back.
The parents of the boy though have to accept the couple's desire. So, the village chief goes through the negotiations with the parents. When the young couple goes to him, he calls up the boy's parents to make sure they will take the girl as their daughter in law and they will host the wedding later. Every year, at least 40 couples use the village chief's brokering service.
Wedding Costumes from other traditions
Internationally varied
Planning your own wedding?
Here are wedding sites worth visiting
- Poptastic Bride: Funky Wedding Ideas for Cool Couples
- Shop for fun and funky wedding invitations and bride and groom tshirts. We also offer daily tips and suggestions on how to style a hip, alternative wedding.
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Your Guide to Planning your own Wedding
Here are some fabulous choices
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The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by Carley Roney
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The Brides Essential Wedding Planner by Amy Nebens
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The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day by Mindy Weiss, Lisbeth Levine
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The Wedding Ceremony Planner: The Essential Guide to the Most Important Part of Your Wedding Day by Judith Johnson
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Tying the Knot: The Complete Wedding Organizer (Wedding Planner) by Sara Miller, Karen Berman
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The Busy Brides Bible for Planning a Fabulous Wedding Without the Expensive Cost of a Wedding Planner by Angela A. Kear
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Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer: Planning Your Perfect Celebration, Revised Edition by Karen Bussen
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Anti-Bride Wedding Planner: Hip Tools and Tips for Getting Hitched by Carolyn Gerin, Kathleen Hughes, Amy Glynn Hornick, Ithinand Tubkam
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Please share what you like most about weddings
Aren't weddings great celebrations?
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Millionairemomma
May 22, 2012 @ 2:10 am | delete
- Wow, this lens was full of great content and photos. These weddings look so festive.
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aesta1
May 23, 2012 @ 9:23 pm | delete
- They are very festive as many times, they involve the whole community.
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queenofduvetcovers
May 16, 2012 @ 6:55 pm | delete
- Beautiful lens!
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miaponzo
May 16, 2012 @ 5:22 am | delete
- OMG .. this lens is so amazing and those Cambodian weddings are beautiful... loaded with special customs! Blessed!
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aesta1
May 16, 2012 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- They certainly have retained many of their rituals around weddings.
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WriterJanis
May 13, 2012 @ 4:30 am | delete
- Such an interesting lens. Blessed!
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aesta1
May 16, 2012 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- Thank you so much for the blessing.
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KimGiancaterino May 6, 2012 @ 3:05 pm | delete
- Brides always look beautiful, but these colorful costumes really make for a festive celebration. As usual, you explain the traditions in excellent detail.
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aesta1
May 16, 2012 @ 9:16 pm | delete
- I know I had been detailed here more for me to remember than anything else.
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raitoavi
May 6, 2012 @ 2:43 am | delete
- A beautiful tradition and an educational and fascinating lens, thanks for sharing.
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More items for weddings
Wedding auctions
What about wedding albums?
Here are some beauties
With all the photos and other people taking pictures as well, you may nee several albums. Have one of pictures contributed by your guests.
Pioneer Collage Frame Embossed "Wedding" Sewn Leatherette Cover Photo Album, Ivory
This photo album holds 240 4-inch by 6-inch photos more...0 points
Kleer-Vu Photo / Memo Album with Window, Wedding Moire Collection, White, Holds 300 4x6" Photos, 3 Per Page.
Reminisce your lovely wedding memories by viewing more...0 points
Wilton Graceful Wedding Day Collection Photo Album
Graceful Wedding Day Collection Photo Album. Captu more...0 points
Embroidered OUR WEDDING album by Malden holds 200 photos - 4x6 4x6
photo albums: The OUR WEDDING album is a terrific more...0 points
KLEER VU Handcrafted Fine Suede Wedding Album w/ Front Window (Ivory). Holds 300 4"x6" Photos (W/memo).
Acid,PVC and Lingin free. Archival quality. Holds more...0 points
Pioneer Embroidered Scroll and Wedding Sewn Leatherette Cover Photo Album, Ivory
This photo album holds 200 4-inch by 6-inch photos more...0 points
Wedding Diamond Fabric Ribbon Album
Diamond Fabric with Ribbon Photo Album2-Up Album Holds more...0 points
Malden "I Do" Photo Album
"I Do" Wedding Memories photo album with more...0 points
Professional 8x10 Ivory Slip-in Wedding/Parent Photo Album holds 30 Photos
You are purchasing a BRAND NEW 15 inserts Professional more...0 points
Precious Moments Wedding Keepsake Album
Embossed cover with gold and silver foil accents. more...0 points
Godinger Weave Album 4 X 6
The unique cover design of the weave photo album, more...0 points
Professional 8x10 Ivory Slip-in Wedding/Parent Photo Album holds 20 Photos
You are purchasing a BRAND NEW 10 inserts Professional more...0 points
Pioneer 12-Inch by 12-Inch Collage Frame Embossed "Wedding" Sewn Leatherette Cover Memory Book, Ivory
12-Inch by 12-inch postbound collage frame cover w more...0 points
Beverly Clark Collection Tres Beau Wedding Album, Ivory
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Frame some of those beautiful wedding pictures
Choices are plenty
Lawrence Frames Metal Picture Frame Silver-Plate with Delicate Beading, 4 by 6-Inch
A classic silver plated frame with delicate caviar more...0 points
Malden Mr. & Mrs. Medal Wedding Frame, 1-Opening
This is a very nice heart and lettering shaped met more...0 points
Lawrence Frames 8 by 10-Inch Silver Plated Metal Picture Frame, Open Heart Design with Crystals and Ivory Enamel
Fabulous silver plated metal picture frame with op more...0 points
WEDDING RING PICTURE FRAME - 5x5 Engagement Ring Picture Frame WEDDING - Picture Frame
5x5 Engagement Ring Picture Frame WEDDING This is more...0 points
Burnes of Boston 3277E3H Wedding Captioned Hinged Picture Frame, Silver, 4 by 6 Inches
This classic slim line style surrounds your treasu more...0 points
Lawrence Frames Hinged Double (Horizontal) Metal Picture Frame Pewter Finish with Delicate Beading, 4 by 6-Inch
A classic brushed pewter finish frame with delicat more...0 points
Lawrence Frames Pearl Roses Our Wedding 8X10 Picture Frame
High quality heavy weight cast metal picture frame more...0 points
Contemporary Signature Picture Frame with Engraved Photo Mat
Our Contemporary Signature Picture Frame with Engraved more...0 points
Grasslands Road Mr. and Mrs. Our Wedding Day Triple Picture Frame
This triple opening frame provides space to displa more...0 points
Grasslands Road Celebrating Heritage Celtic Wedding Ceramic Frame, 7 by 9-Inch, Holds 4 by 6-Inch Photo
Grasslands Road Celebrating Heritage Celtic Weddin more...0 points
Malden Wedding Frame, To Have and to Hold? to Love and to Cherish Storyboard with Jewels, 4 by 6-Inch
An elegant wood storyboard frame with an attachmen more...0 points
Lawrence Frames Hinged Triple (Vertical) Metal Picture Frame Pewter Finish with Delicate Beading, 5 by 7-Inch
A classic brushed pewter finish frame with delicat more...0 points
Family Tree w/6 Hanging Picture Frames - Family Tree w/6 Hanging Frames - Pic...
Family Tree w/6 Hanging Frames0 points
Lawrence Frames Satin Silver and Brass Plated 2 Opening Picture Frame, 25th Anniversary Design
Satin silver plated and lacquer coated picture fra more...0 points
'HEART VINE' Flip-its tabletop by Burnes - 4x6
photo albums: The fabulous Flip Its 50-pocket phot more...0 points
Hortense B. Hewitt Wedding Accessories, Picture Frame, Silver 25th Anniversary Holds 5 x 7-Inch Photo
Display a favorite photo at the anniversary party more...0 points
Lenox True Love 8-Inch-by-10-Inch Frame
Two interlocking hearts decorate this frame of sil more...0 points
Bling Collection picture frames
Put a modern and dazzling spin on a classic favor more...0 points
Lawrence Frames Metal Picture Frame Pewter Finish with Delicate Beading, 8 by 10-Inch
A classic brushed pewter finish frame with delicat more...0 points
Malden Champagne Glasses Metal Wedding Frame, 2-Openings
Two champagne glasses with roses at the base. The more...0 points
Malden Jeweled Flowers Diecast Fashion Metal Frame, 5 by 7-Inch
Jeweled Flower is a diecast metal frame. A rectang more...0 points
Colibri Mechanical Pocket Watch with Picture Frame PWQ096826J
From the Colibri Classic Series Collection 47mm (1 more...0 points
Burnes of Boston 539957 Wedding Andrea Picture Frame, Silver with White Wash, 5 by 7-Inch
In 1917, charles d. burnes founded burnes home acc more...0 points
by aesta1
Aesta1 has now attended so many weddings in Cambodia both in Phnom Penh and in the villages. These are major family celebrations involving the communi... more »
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