Traditional Khmer Wedding (Part V) –The evening wedding Party

After all the traditional wedding proceedings done such as procession, presentation of dowry, hair-cutting and couple pairing ceremony, the new couple and their maids go to famous parks, resorts or temples to take photographs for souvenirs. They usually dress in white. Other people take their rest for few hours.

Here comes the evening wedding party. The parents of the bride and groom are so busy with the arrangement of their children to supervise the process: record of guest contribution, guest entertainment, wedding cake preparation, drink control and miscellaneous services. 

They come to the wedding palace early, where they have agreed for the rent with the palace owner. Actually the hour appointed for the guests to attend the party is from 4.30 onward, however, guests never come at even 5pm. Nevertheless, the parents and the bride and the groom and maids are always at the entrance. The entrance is decorated in different style according to the fees. On both sides of the entrance, there are 2 large photos of the new couple. The parents of the bride with their coats and nice dresses stand on the side of the bride and that of the groom. 

Video and still cameras are ready to take pictures of the guests. Around more than 5pm, more and more guests are coming, then the parents and the new couple and maids are busy entertaining guests too. With their smiles, they greet each other and go through to the hall, while the bride offers small gift as souvenirs.

Actually, when 10 guests fill a table, then different kinds of food is consecutively served. At a table, small bowls, spoons and chopsticks and beer, wine and soft drink, are placed and guests choose whatever they want for drink. The orchestra starts playing at the same time when guests are coming more and more. People are enjoying eating nice food and drinking and chatting. They are taking photographs, very scarce opportunity for a meeting. Sound of laughter !!!

After a long while, it is time for the arrangement of cutting cake. Guests are required to stand in two rows facing each other, hands with flowers and spray to welcome the arrival of the new couple to the cake stand. The loud sound of the Master of Ceremony overwhelms the crowd. Video and still cameras are ready to take the shoots. The young couple with white robe and coat are walking in, while the showers of flowers and spray are seen over their faces. The bride and the groom are taking 3 rounds of the cake table. The parents, the bride and groom are invited to the floor to say thank you to all guests who attend the wedding ceremony. They enjoy dancing all with the guests.

It is late in the night, guests finish their dinner, then leave after their contribution of money to the organizers. That is all for a wedding today. Thank you all readers for their cooperation.