Khmer Weddings

Organisation

We believe in the power of experiences and have a reputation for producing stylish, innovative designs with excellent execution

Organisation

We believe in the power of experiences and have a reputation for producing stylish, innovative designs with excellent execution

Location

Spectacular locations provide a variety of options for creating lavish events that will be remembered for years to come.

Location

Spectacular locations provide a variety of options for creating lavish events that will be remembered for years to come.

Décor Elements

Your wedding should go beyond aesthetics, creating not only a visual impact but also a sensory experience of touch, taste, scent and mood.

Décor Elements

Your wedding should go beyond aesthetics, creating not only a visual impact but also a sensory experience of touch, taste, scent and mood.

Formalities

This marks the end of the ceremony where you bless each other by showering each other with rice, saffron, and turmeric. These are believed to rake in prosperity in your marriage.

Formalities

This marks the end of the ceremony where you bless each other by showering each other with rice, saffron, and turmeric. These are believed to rake in prosperity in your marriage.

At your service ensuring a spectacular Khmer wedding

Cambodian weddings consist of multiple ceremonies, grand gestures and age-old Buddhist traditions.

Khmer weddings traditionally consist of ceremonies and celebrations lasting three days and three nights where family, friends, and other members of the community come together to share in the celebration. It is a grand affair, full of color and festivity, as well as steeped in tradition. However due to the demands of modern day life today all the following wedding ceremonies are usually completed in just one day.

Traditional Cambodian weddings, also known as Khmer wedding ceremonies, are a culturally rich affair. It’s hard to expect anything less considering Cambodia is home to age-long traditions, Buddhist practices and Chinese as well as Indian influences. Like other Asian wedding traditions around the world, Cambodians have traditions steeped in spirituality and rituals that have been passed down through generations.

Weddings are a big thing for Cambodians people  and there’s very little that is modest about how they celebrate. 

Khmer Wedding Program includes:

Groom’s Processional (Hai Goan Gomloh)

The first step is the groom's procession, which is like an introduction where the families meet one another. The groom and his family travel to the bride's family home and come bearing gifts. The family then greet one another and get well acquainted. Finally, the bride and groom exchange their wedding rings.

Call to Ancestors (Sien Doan Taa)

Honoring ancestors is common practice in Cambodia, so young couples on the road to marriage participate in this practice too. They do so by offering tea to their ancestor's spirits as a way of inviting them to take part in the celebrations and honor them.

Blessings from the Monks (Soat Mun)

This tradition, also known as the monks' blessings, includes the blessings of Buddhist monks. During the ceremony, the monks sprinkle flowered water on the couple while chanting blessings for them. Guests are expected to observe in silence and bow their heads when necessary. If a monk isn't available, a priest or grandparent can officiate.

Cleansing Ceremony (Gaat Sah)

Also known as the haircutting ceremony, during the gaat sah, a symbolic haircut takes place for the Cambodian bride and groom. Don't worry–the bride and groom don't leave the ceremony bald, only a few strands are cut off the groom's hair and the bride's hair. This tradition symbolizes the couple saying goodbye to their past and starting a new life together.

Passing of Blessings (Bongvul Pbopul)

In many traditions, couples seek counsel from other married couples before and after getting married. During the bongvul pbopul, married couples sit in a circle around the couple and pass blessings onto them. They also pass three candles in the circle clockwise seven times to transfer experience, well-being and happiness. The officiant will usually recite a Buddhist prayer  at some point. The ceremony is followed by a reception with guests where they can enjoy an orchestral concert.

Knot Tying Ceremony (Sompeas Ptem)

The knot-tying ceremony is another symbolistic and spiritual tradition that the couple partake in together. They kneel down and hold a gold sword while their hands are clasped together. The sword originates from an old legend called "Holding the Knife"—it's a symbol of loyalty and protection for the couple.

 

While on their knees, family members take turns taking red string and tying it around the bride and groom's wrists. The red strings represent everlasting love and the joining together of two people to become one. Traditionally, the string should stay on their wrists for at least three days or until it naturally falls off.

At the end of this ceremony, the couple have palm flowers dipped in holy water and thrown over them. Attendees wish the new couple health, happiness and prosperity. Guests may also throw white palm seeds at the couple as a way of wishing them well.

Parents honour ceremony(Bang Chhat Madaiy)

To honor their parents, the couple holds an umbrella over them during what's called a parent veneration. The act of holding the umbrella over their parents symbolizes them protecting their parents as they did for them when they were kids. In addition to the umbrella act, the couple also thanks their parents for all the work they put into raising them and may shower them with fruits and sweets. There is usually an appointed presenter who facilitates the ceremony and shares Cambodian parables or stories.

Our services and more

We understand how important and personal your wedding day is and therefore at AW&E connection is vital. We take a client led approach to get to know you as a couple, understand your needs and together we work to curate an amazing celebration. 

Every couple is different so our services vary to reflect this.  We can join you from the very beginning of your wedding Journey with full Wedding Planning support.  With this, no detail is left unturned throughout the AW&E Planning process – expert site selection and management, engagement and supervision of all creative partners and contractors that align with your budget and style, catering and menu planning, stationery and etiquette advice, the creation of detailed timelines and drawings, budget creation and management, integration of all design and production elements, and priority access to the AW&E Planning Team from start to finish. We can also join you part way through your Planning or offer final stage support with On the Day Coordination

Preparing for a wedding is an intricate and multifaceted process that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail to ensure that every aspect of the ceremony and reception is executed flawlessly.

From selecting the perfect venue to curating a delectable menu, and from securing the services of an officiant to arranging transportation for guests, there are numerous tasks to consider when planning a wedding.

 

Transport

All types of vehicles and modes of transportain can be arranged.

Catering

All catering is provided according to both religious, dietary and your special requests.

Entertainment

Dancers, Singers, Live bands, as well as DJ's and magitians can be arranged.

Cakes & GIfts

From delicious cakes that are works of art to customary table gifts can be procured.

Accommodation

From block booking hotels to reserving luxury villas and partments, our team will sort this for you.

Flowers & Decor

We have a vast network of florists and designers who can ensure your wedding or event is unforgettable.

Ceremony

An officiant can be arranged depending on your needs as well as the venue for the officiation.

Formalities

We will take care of the legal formalities according to the law and your specific religion and the paperwork.

Staff & Specialists

Our network of hospitality professionals ensure both the service and the offerings are of the very highest quality.

Things to know about
Khmer weddings and what to expect

Traditional Cambodian Wedding Attire

Cambodian weddings are a glamorous affair and the bride and groom certainly set the tone. Some couples change up to seven times throughout the duration of their wedding and can have one outfit for each ceremony. The bride's traditional wedding outfit is a kompot bottom or skirt and a top, but she transforms her look with each outfit change. She also drapes herself in luxe jewelry and her outfits comprise intricate beading and vibrant colors. Cambodian men will usually wear Khmer pants with a top.

Both the bride and groom's clothes are often made from expensive silk with gold threading.

Cambodian Wedding Gifts

Wedding gifts are never a must but it's definitely polite to bring one. Cambodian wedding guests usually bring cash and put it in a beautiful envelope for the new couple. Witnesses then make a note of how much each guest gave inside a notebook. If the couple is ever invited to a wedding of a guest who gave the money, they give them the same amount back.

Traditional Cambodian Wedding Reception Traditions

At a Cambodian wedding reception, get ready to dance Khmer when the beat drops. You may hear classic wedding songs like "Som Bon", "Bondait Kantong" or "Bok Leak". Some popular dancing styles among Khmer people include the Khmer folk dance or the court dance, which is a classical dance. As with most wedding receptions, your job is to eat, drink, dance and be merry.

Traditional Cambodian Wedding Food, Drinks and Desserts

It's advisable to go to a Cambodian wedding on an empty stomach because a feast awaits you at the reception. You'll get the chance to choose from a range of traditional Cambodian delicacies such as Amok, for instance. It's a famous dish made with relatively sweet curry, banana leaf and can be made with chicken, beef or fish. Khmer curry is another rich dish you may indulge in at the wedding, made of coconut milk, chicken, eggplant, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes and a red curry paste called kroeung.

 

You'll also find finger foods like Cambodian egg rolls, among other pastries, fruits, vegetables and sweets laid out on a table in a platter-like form.

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Khmer Weddings gallery