How to Plan a Traditional Cambodian Wedding
A Cambodian wedding traditionally consists of three days of ceremonies and celebrations. The three days represent the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Sangha (brotherhood of monks), and Dhamma (teachings of Buddha). Modern Cambodian weddings will often condense these ceremonies into one day. Read on for helpful planning tips to help you incorporate these traditional elements into your approaching Cambodian wedding.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Calendar for bride and groom
- Checklist
- Wedding outfits
- Invitations
- Colorful ribbon
- Fruit, dessert, gift platters
- Candles and matches
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1
Choose three consecutive days for your traditional Cambodian wedding, at least six months in advance, that will work, in general, for close family. Usually, a weekend is best. Consider inviting close family to the first two days of events and extending invitations for the actual wedding ceremony and celebration on the third day to friends.
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2
Check with your priest and make sure he is available to participate and perform the many wedding ceremonies held during the three days. Also, if you are holding the Blessing of the Monks ceremony, make sure at least three monks will be available.
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3
Get a list of guests from the groom's family and make your own list of everyone you might invite. Sit down together and pare down the list until you are comfortable with the number of potential guests. Keep in mind that Cambodian wedding ceremonies are traditionally held in the bride's parents' home, so remember that all those guests must fit into that pre-wedding location.
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4
Find a wedding venue if you wish to hold the final marriage ceremony and celebration in an alternate location. Order wedding invitations, making sure your invitation wording reflects the amount of time the guests are asked to spend witnessing your wedding.
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5
Get referrals from friends or search for a local Cambodian band to play throughout the 3 day wedding celebration, since traditional songs are an integral part of any Cambodian wedding.
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6
Buy or borrow traditional wedding outfits for the bride and groom. Typically, the bride and groom undergo several wardrobe changes before each ceremony, so decide how many outfits you will need for your wedding.
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7
Find a caterer who specializes in traditional Cambodian food who will cater all three days and can make specific food for each ceremony and celebration. If the caterer doesn't make wedding cakes, then order one from your local bakery, making sure to taste your options first. Also, buy or borrow wedding accessories, such as ceremonial and traditional bowls, candles, ribbons, string and scissors that will be necessary for each ceremony.
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8
Order flowers from your local florist and make sure you will have jasmine flowers and garlands for the final marriage ceremony.
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9
Write down all of your vendors and their information in a notebook. Also, write down every aspect of your wedding and create a checklist beneath each aspect so you know, come the big day, you haven't forgotten anything.
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Tips & Warnings
If you just want to honor your Cambodian heritage, you could choose a few special ceremonies to observe for your union. If you plan to invite family and a few close friends to the first two days of ceremonies, and everyone else to the final wedding ceremony, then simply word your invitations inviting guests to the final ceremony, then insert a card requesting certain guest's presence during the first two days. Traditional Cambodian colors include bright reds and golds, so incorporate these into your decorating scheme and into the flowers you choose.
