Khmer wedding fun

I never would have guessed before coming here that I would get to experience not one, but two Khmer weddings. 

Cambodian weddings traditionally consist of ceremonies and celebrations lasting three days. (I stand corrected. I just learned that a long time ago it used to be 6 days, then 3, and now most people only do 1). There is also a small window for the wedding season as most people will not marry in the rainy season and some delay it to wait for lucky dates or because of fortune telling. Everyone I spoke to had slightly different experiences but for the most part had either attended either or both the morning Khmer offering ceremony or the evening reception.

Gavin and I were invited to the receptions where we were greeted by both bride, groom and their families. We greet each other with respect by placing our hands together at our chin. The height of your hands depends on whom you are greeting. If you were greeting your friends of the same age, you place your hands at chest level however if you are greeting monks or the king, you place your hands at eyebrow level. We were then given a party favour (a pen at the first wedding and a small cloth at the second). Instead of wedding gifts, guests give money that you put inside the envelope that is provided in the wedding invitation.

Once inside, we were seated at one of the round tables. Since guests arrive at various times throughout the night, food is served as each table fills up. Throughout the evening, the newly weds and family walk around the room to chat with everyone (in between the multiple outfit changes). I was dragged up to the front to dance on multiple occasions where I was shown how to dance by taking a few steps forward then back while turning my wrists and moving my hands in circles. By the end of the evening the karaoke was in full swing, drinks were flowing and I was being dragged away by a Khmer guy to dance who kept tapping Gavin, putting his hands at his chest as to ask permission, then pointing at me. I had no idea what was going on but later joked that Gavin may have gave permission for me to be married off. We honestly have no clue!

Gavin and I were about to get a picture with the groom when a family member jumped in last minute. We learned that some people believe that if you take a picture with 3 people, one of those people will die because it is an unlucky number. 

The first wedding was much more subdued as the family were converted Mormons. We didn't stay long but had a chance to meet the family and have a pop inside. 

Gearing up for wedding #2 which would be a more traditional Khmer reception.

My lovely invitation.

Bride and groom. The reception was held in a large hall which is less common as it's more expensive. I believe the morning ceremony was set up in a tent outside.

Food served family style on a rotating board. Luckily I can use chop sticks fairly well but I would feel bad for a foreign guest who haven''t had any practice. 

After being in 3 other traditional dresses, it was time for the first of 2 white gowns. 

After the bride and groom walked 3 times around the table of fruit, they fed each other a lychee. It reminded me of the way a couple feed each other cake at western weddings. I am bit shady on the details but as I understood guests take the fruit and offer it to the bride and groom. However, I was also told that if someone offers me a piece of fruit that I must dance with them. With everything happening in Khmer, the best thing seems to be to smile and follow along!

The dance floor.

Gavin being taught some dance moves.