1 WEEK

Time is ticking and the days have gone by..the day is almost here

and I'm EXCITED!!!

My heart is pumping..and about 4 days until I see my love!

Well here are some updated photos of what came in the last few days :]

my "pampering" outfit lol..

whenever me and the girls are going
to get our nails done
I'll be wearing these! :]

10 envelopes per table
for jong dai money
:]

coconut flowers.....whatever
they are >,<..













but until the next update...I'll show more! teehee
I got my topper but that'll be a surprise!! :]

Excited

6 days until I see my love
9/10 days until our big day(s)

EXCITED!!!
Officially feeling the butterflies after putting my last sets of orders of flowers/coconut flowers for the wedding.

Whenever Bong Tra comes home we'll go on our little mini dates and practice our dance for the reception :] Can't wait to spend our times together while he's home~ and also spend time with our family for some of them it's the first time to ATL!

Hopefully I can find some fun stuff to do while they are here that wouldn't cost much money :]

but surely next Thursday is PACK! picking up the tux, picking up the flowers, gotta get the nails done, setting the house up. I don't even know what to do for the back drop yet...hmmm must get to it!

To those who can't make it but are sending gifts please make note on giving me your correct address so I can send you a thank you gift!


:]

2 WEEKS!

Time is going by so fast..just 2 weeks until the big day(s)

and I'm going to get to see him again :] 6 days only but better than just 1 or 2 or even 3!

no update yet T,T..

the flowers hasn't been ordered..or coconut flowers~ but soon it'll be done!

cake is done, waiting on my topper from etsy! so excited on how it'll look..


until then :]

Food, Flowers/Flowergirls??

What's the difference between an Asian reception and an American reception? The AMOUNT of food!
We have a 10 course dinner plan which includes dessert.
It's mostly seafood..so for those who cannot eat seafood the manager is on call and would cook up anything that you request of! :]

So we had to decide on 3-4 different menus and each had a set price. We wanted the best and most satisfying food that WE love and we would know our guest would enjoy. So we personally picked each dish to our liking and already had a tasting a few days before Tra left for his new duty station. So here are some photos of what we had.

Royal China Restaurant
Food is absolutely yummy!






It's a pretty decent size since it's not that big of a wedding

Okay..So I forgot to take a before picture of this absolutely DELICIOUS lobster salad.. We demolished it within minutes but it was a great looking dish!

 Shark fin soup

 Shark fin soup...so GOOD. Expensive but well worth the price as it is also very healthy and can't always get this so we thought hey why not OUR wedding? :]

 Shrimp stuff crab claw (I think?)
whatever it is..it's delicious and juicy and fried perfectly!

 Seafood Birds Nest
Honestly this is the only one I seen so pretty, we requested the nest to be a bit more darker and it was really good! and NO it is not really a birds nest it's fried noodles!

 Garlic baked twin lobsters?
Good with beer!

 side view of it :]

 Walnut Shrimp
I HAD to get this!! It's my ABSOLUTE favorite dish EVER! I didn't care what the adults had to say..I wanted it! Honey Mayonnaise over jumbo shrimp with candied walnuts.

 Fried Rice...typical~

 Fried Quail and Shrimp chips
we requested the quail to be cooked a little longer~

 Stir fry fish with ginger n such
actually pretty good and I dislike ginger..but I ate it!

Dessert..it's seafood. nah JUST KIDDING! Mango Pudding shaped like a fish! absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!!! & it was tasty~








So lets talk flowers. Instead of getting a florist which would cost $$$$$$$...We're doing it ourselves!
I notice I'm doing a lot of DIY projects and I really like how personal my wedding has become :]
Which is also why I'm doing a blog for those who cannot attend at least I can update everyone :]

Here are some samples I have of what I wanted for my centerpiece (mother's idea..) and we have been testing out flowers for a few weeks now and I can go order them next month (10 days BEFORE the wedding) to get it together. We're making our own bouquets/boutineer/other stuff.

 My centerpiece vases
Dollar tree $1 each vase
Red ribbon (to tie in the red ribbons on the chair of the restaurants)
blue pebbles to make it look like blue water :]

Probably our #1 choice because it sticks out and scream TAKE ME~ I'M BEAUTIFUL
and it is absolutely eye catching :]








Red roses looks classy and romantic but...dull at the same time?
whatever it may be, it's probably just going to be at the sign in table









Bridesmaid Bouquet
I actually just put this together today and thought it looks special :]
especially for my two girls I think it'll look darling with them!

Boutineer for the family members.
We're going to go with white for my groom and best man/groomsmen










Another project I'm working on are the flower girl baskets. I didn't want my two little cousins fussing and fighting so I decided to make both of them my flower girls and make them baskets for them to carry out their duties :]

this is how it had looked before

and this is just the piece I put out but it's not fully finished yet
there's still some more sparkles I have to put.






I think that's it for now!!
More tomorrow :]

Almost 1 month to go!

Can't believe it..it's almost the big day! Not only that~ I get to see him again :] Can't WAIT!!
Gosh..I don't even have my CAKE ready yet! well I need to go get it ordered and such but it's such a hassle because I'm not allowed to leave the house without my sister or mom driving me because of "tradition" where I can't leave 3 months prior the wedding and since it's 1 month prior I feel like I'm on house arrest >,<....prisoner of love~ bleh.

anyway I got a few more things or the big day :]

Autograph Frame :]

HAD to get this :] for a day filled with memories, instead of stuffing it into a shelf I would rather hang it on a wall :]






HAD to get another pair, don't mind the photo it's actually my feet!

it's super cute and glittery and it fits perfectly.
would go wonderfully with my Cambodian outfits I believe
can't wait! until then I have to walk around with it so my feet
won't hurt..







Here are previews of what I got to try on. I blocked my face for that I wasn't prepared for any of it.

 Friday night outfit for "sout mon"
I choose this outfit because I absolutely loved the richness of our culture and even though it's labeled as "old/ancient" I loved this outfit the most

full view below

 I think I look best in kabun :]

and those aren't my shoes..

 Hair cutting outfit, it's suppose to be like a peacock but
because it's kabun style there's no tail
it would've been beautiful though!!

I just love it so much! especially the vibrant blue :]

 purple outfit is for greeting the guest during the reception
instead of wearing my white gown I'll be wearing this in the first part

This is a vibrant pink it seems like a lot but
this is during the time when I'll be going table to table
to meet everyone individually and since it'll be a little dark
having this color will brighten everything up :]






I only tried on 4 out of 6 outfits for the time being. It was an awesome I CAN'T BELIEVE IT moment!
I also already went and got my alterations done at David's Bridal for my wedding gown and honestly...alterations went over $400.....now that's a LOT of money..but it's worth it.

So within the last month I went around different cupcake places to see where I want to get my cupcakes from. Honestly it's like a month to go and I have YET gotten the cupcakes/cake for my wedding...omg. it's crazy >,<

 Lenox Cupcakes = very pretty but eating it..I just couldn't. everything tasted artificial and old. Everything fell apart and it just didn't scream anything significant to me.

 MY GOSH! Atlanta Cupcake Factory
hands down the BEST I have ever eaten but the $$ is so overboard
I don't think I can fit it into my budget.
LOVED each and every one of them. Taste fresh and exactly what it should be...but with the price I have to say no. Even though the texture and everything was PERFECT.

Bliss in Mcdonough. 2nd best.
It was yumm~ and they actually had pieces of fruit or pineapple in there
and it was just delicious. Hopefully I can get them in time for the wedding :]









That's all I have for now! Until Then :]

Favors

So far so good! Only thing that has made me upset was the back order on the tiara...which I got my refund back because it would've took until August to sent to me...But here are some photos of what I've done so far!

Shot Glasses Done 156 - 156 more to go!

My parents and aunts agreed that this is a wonderful gift to give out. especially since it's usually cigarettes that they usually pass out but because neither of us like it we just choose this instead to give out and it was an awesome idea! Shot glasses with peppermints inside wrap with tulle paper and two ribbons.  I usually try to do 12 a night but since I have nothing better to do I do a box (72) every other 2/3 days so now I have 2 more (72) boxes to go to complete it! 

Buri Fans

My mom thought it was sweet that I thought of the elders by providing these fans as a token of staying in the hot July weather for us. I was able to buy some ribbons and tie them on to make it prettier but I love how it has an exotic look to it :] it's fantastic! I tied about 10 of them while my MOH Dina did the rest~! She even did the bubbles and she was only in town for 8 hours at the most. (11pm-6am)

Bubbles

Another way to dress up the plain ugly bottles of bubbles..using ribbons and making it a bit more classy~ only got 2 boxes so that's about 48 of them. 

Also the other day my mom wanted to mention before I went to work out at the park with my bff...that 3 months prior the wedding I am NOT ALLOWED to leave the house at any cost unless with her or my sibling >,<......thanks ma. thanks! (it's also a tradition....bleh! I got things to do mommy!)

My invitation cards are done! YIPPIIEEE!! My brother in laws took photos of it and sent it to me via messenger. Thanks bro! but It's bad quality, super blurry~ So I won't post it up...But it's the thoughts that count (as he said it HAHA) <3 <3 My Father in law is hand writting the cambodian words on the envelope (since my mom doesn't know how..and my dad is always...somewhere..) so I really appreciate it and even though I mention that he could just write just one..and I can always copy n print it on the others he insist to write on all 200 cards...or was it 250? either way thanks pa-in-law! I feel so love :]

until next time! XD

Accessories

After going down the checklist, I honestly cannot believe I'm almost done!

These past two weeks, I been able to buy shoes, a tiara with earrings/necklace, favors such as shot glasses, fans, bubbles, and my invitations cards(somewhat).

I ESPECIALLY LOVE my SHOES! Got two pairs, one for the house ceremony and the other especially for my gown. Two weeks of searching and I just had to get the GOLD pair! Absolutely IN LOVE with them! It's a bit pricey since it's Paris Hilton BUT with the quality and after reading all the reviews..apparently it's awesome wearing them for hours! especially when it comes to dancing! & With the hours that I'm putting into this wedding (2 days) I think it's a splendid choice! :] In the end..I save some $$ by going to a coupon site (retailmenot) and save 25%! better than nothing I tell you! That's all I been doing...saving $$!!

So for my Tiara..I got a silver accented color(only got a gold photo below) because of my white gown. It'll totally go with my design and It'll truly complete my look of being a princess! ^,^ I'm planning to get my hair half up and half down~ Since my hair is SUPER long (grew it out just for this..a year and I really want it cut BADLY!) & It's black has spots of brown so I'm thinking of redying it black again...not quite sure what to do~

Since it's a JULY wedding..it is the HOTTEST month of the year! Especially in Georgia! Which means AC would cost a fortune! BUT I will not turn on the AC during the ceremony which mean 2 days of AC is a no go! (Only at night..) Because people will be in and out AND some people never close the door! So what better way to solve such a problem? Don't turn it on and get FANS! So for my guest that are staying IN-DOORS with me and my fellows. I got Buri Fans (kind of exotic and beautiful..not to mention a really good price!!) Going to make it a little personalized by adding some ribbons and making it thoughtful for my guest that has to suffer the heat along with ME.

BUBBLES? Why BUBBLES? We are NOT getting BUBBLES! That's what Tra said to me when I told him I'm getting bubbles! & On the other hand my cousin responded... "BUBBLES?! BUBBLES?! Don't talk to me! We're getting silly stringers!! It's a Khmer tradition! Sure it'll mess up your dress BUT SO WHAT?" & What did I do? I still got my bubbles! Growing up and seeing the "First Dance" having bubbles soar through the sky while dancing and making it seem like your flying along with the bubbles in our own little world~ like in a bubble! So why not get some bubbles and visualize my wedding the way I want it?! Sure the silly strings can come during the cake cutting but not while I'm dancing!

These bubbles are somewhat fat and ugly and plain..but it can be spruce up with some ribbons! Common~ I got it for a GOOD PRICE! Why not? hehe

& For the FAVORS (The part where we pass something out..or just leave it on the table?) Whatever it is...My mom and my sister been wanting me to get other things. BUT Tra & I thought hey it's something we thought of together and felt it was perfect for this dysfunctional family & our friends. So we got Shot Glasses! Since it's been a crazy adventure and it'll possibly be more hectic when the wedding comes along. We got a "I Survive ~ & ~ Wedding" design which we thought was PERFECT! Can't wait for it to come in! EXCITED! The only question is how to dress it up a bit and pass it around? hmmm.....

Wedding invitation cards.. The most headache I have had is from THAT! Seriously? Is it that much of a headache? Only when you HAVE to have it in TWO different languages! & The price people offered was outrageous! pfftt! I had to go to my father in law in Philadelphia to go order them for me. It was almost a whole dollar cheaper and same quality! I just need them to mail it to me after he does all of the personalization that he plans to do. I need it before Cambodian New Year! (Mid-April) I don't even know how it looks! sad? VERY SAD! T,T...but I trust him. He's an artist and I gave him my ideas and such..He should have it right!

I notice I use a lot of exclamation points in all of my sentences...so dramatic and uncalled for most of the time. Can't help it! <---mauahhaha. That's it for today~ Can't wait to go back to Georgia and get our cake tasting, measuring for his tux/khmer clothing, our registry done and much more! YAY LIFE!

Day By Day

Less than 150 days to go before the big day(s)!

So, I was talking to a friend of mines last night about south east Asia wedding ceremonies. Explaining about how many outfits I would have to change into for both Friday and Saturday's ceremony. Her first thought as an American was "DAMN! This is not the Grammy's! Why do you need to change so much?" 6 outfits...well let's make it 7 adding my bridal gown as well. Well with the previous post about each little event that we had to do (basically it is an event...it each symbolizes something that our culture lives on and respects) A TRADITIONAL Cambodian wedding would be a week long affair, in the last decade it was shorten to 3 days and now even shorter to fit people work schedules to 1 to 2 days. Each day was a different color, which meant a different outfit. This was is not only a cultural custom for the Khmer's but also Laos or Thai people as well.

Here's my breakdown on my 6 outfits that I already had chosen the color for (Since I already booked my dresser, we went ahead and picked what outfit I would wear so she can adjust it to

fit my body.)

Friday

Sot Moun (Moments of Prayer)

This is when we would have the monks around to bless the wedding and our future as husband and wife. I have a white top and brownish skirt.

(I wanted to go for an olden historical piece because I absolutely love our history and culture..which made me pick this outfit on the spot)

Sorry this is a blurry photo (I had to cut it from another set >,<) It has a rich brown and gold lining all over the skirt. The skirt is usually made into a "Kubun" which is how this young lady is wearing it.

Hual (Parade)

This is when the groom, his family & friends march

to the brides house bearing gifts of fruits, jewelry, and beverages. (Must be two of each to signify a match or pair

for the future husband and wife)

When he reaches her house, She would come out bearing flowers and welcoming the groom (along with her parents) into the house. This outfit would be gold because I just find a rich feeling from the fabrics and how we would look with the colors (don't want to look to dark, especially with Tra coming back for R&R and he may be burnt) This photo is how it would look when put together nicely. Looks a bit orange but maybe it's the photo...The bride would be adorn with jewelry (it's heavy) and having so many layers on just to look like a princess and him a prince.

Once they are inside they would exchange rings and show the dowry around to the family to show that the groom has offered all of these goods to the brides family and that they would have a wonderful future together since he is able to provide.

Saturday (starts 7/8 AM *Bride wakes up at 5AM along with her bridesmaid for makeup & hair)

Hair cutting (not actually cutting the hair >,<)

I went with a nice vibrant blue( color above ) instead of red since Tra is NOT fond of the color red..(plus it was too red for me..it would've look nice though hehe) This is when TWO dancers come in as "Thervada" or goddess/god who came down from heaven to give their blessing to the future husband and wife (dancers are usually 1 male and 1 female) they would go around and keep everyone entertain and would begin the hair cutting ceremony by dancing and singing and "pretending" to cut the couple hair which signifies cutting the past and starting a new future. Also during the ceremony the couple should NOT have any remorse or anything bad in their minds, keeping it blank with happy thoughts is of utmost importance! for getting married should be the best thing to ever happen in one's life. After the dancer is done, parents of each side and family and friends is able to cut their hair (married couples only)

Tying the Knot

This is where I would wear a burgundy (that purple one above looks redish but..it isn't!). During this session I would clean his feet (I don't exactly know why...but I'm not ACTUALLY cleaning it just a little tap on each feet) before we are seated to do our last part of the house ceremony. Tying the knot is basically when other MARRIED couples would come and tie a blessed string on each side of the bride and grooms wrist of eternal happiness and luck. This is usually family members and close friends, this is also the time to take photos with the new couple and to also present them gifts such as jewelry. The brides family would give bracelets or necklaces to the bride or even the groom along with other things they choose to give.

During tying the knot there are palm flowers that were bless the previous day used to thrown (like how Americans throw rice) but we use palm flower or was it jasmine? Whichever it is, It's hard to find! Either in California or Florida! Anyway, the guest would throw these seeds to the bride and groom for prosperity (others would take it as an advantage to hurt us while we are at a disadvantage! they would throw it VERY HARD!)

After tying the know the bride and groom goes around the room with a sword 7 times as he holds onto her sleeve as they take each step for a new beginning as husband and wife. and WA'LA~ it's practically done >,<.. until the reception...3/4 hours later!

RECEPTION

Time to party? Guest: YES! Bridal Party/Groom & Groomsmen: NOPE! I have 3 outfit change. The first outfit would be a ROYAL PURPLE (picture up above with the blue one) which is used to greet our guest as they arrive. There are other hostess/host that would seat them since no one EVER RSVP! sigh sometimes they don't even READ the card! They only need the date & time. After all guest is seated (food comes out like at 8/8:30pm) I would change into my wedding gown in time for the introduction of the bride/groom and family members to the guest that were not able to go to the house ceremony (house ceremony is usually for family and close friends). After introducing everyone we would usually give a thank you speech for coming and also mentioning how far our guest had travel to attend the wedding. Then it would be the "First Dance" (98 Degree's - I DO (Cherish You)) and it's not common but I wanted to add the Father/Daughter dance (Heartland - I loved her first) After the dance we would cut the cake and then the dance floor is open for the guest to dance since we have a live band.

After the cake cutting..I'm off for another change of outfit! This time the PINK one (from above) to go table to table...to thank each guest for coming to our wedding and give them a gift for coming. They usually make us do little games to receive our gift as well like picking up the bride or eating something, even taking a shot of alcohol. (there's a lot of humor involved!) We offer them not only a gift but a cigarette and lighting it for them.

After going around to EACH table, I go in for my LAST outfit change! Back into my wedding gown! & Our duties are DONE and we would FINALLY be able to eat and dance and mingle with out guest and family members. Party would usually at midnight to 2AM depending on the site you are at. & That'll be the end and the MOST fun we all would have! Can't wait for the reception since our menu is mostly SEAFOOD! even the dessert look like it's from the sea but it isn't...those photos will come soon :]

HONESTLY, I know I forgot A LOT of parts that is in the wedding, such as a session where I would cry BOOOOHOOOO~~ When the spokesperson of my family would go about my parents and their hardship with me and my siblings. What my accomplishments were...ETC. Whatever it is, WILL BE EMOTIONAL! Either way~ I can't wait to experience every last memory I can make during this wedding and hope for the best!!

There are A LOT of things I still have to do...(As I finally made a check list of what I have done and so far all the BIG stuff is done...now everything is a bit difficult >,<)

Until next time~

Hi !

Hi Everyone!

First, I would like to introduce myself & my love, I go by Ny and I am Cambodian-American. First generation and the first daughter of my parents to get married. My soon to be husband is Tra, He's in the Navy currently deployed and is also Cambodian-American and the second of his siblings to be married but the first in the states.

*Bottom of the page has details on the origins of Cambodian Weddings, source - cambodian-wedding.com*

Since we're on a time crunch with his deployment he is only allowed TWO weeks and within those two weeks, we will be having our ceremony. It will be held Friday evening and then Saturday morning until noon. Reception is later that Saturday evening from 7 to midnight.

Step 1: Decide on a date that is reasonable for both parties. July is more ideal because students are out of school and it's easier for family to travel without worrying about their children.

Step 2: Reserve a restaurant (after a lesson learnt please book within at least 8 months prior!! I almost was unable to obtain my first choice of a restaurant for my reception and had to go with plan d!) Make sure you have an appointment to talk to the coordinator about the menu and beverages especially know the amount of tables that you want. you would want to go over a guest list with your parents and in laws! Cambodians DO NOT RSVP! so it'll be very VERY HARD!

Step 3: Book a band or dj. Since we LOVE to dance, preferably a Cambodian band.

Step 4: Book the Cambodian dresser (she provides all the clothing/jewelry/products for the ceremony) You'll be able to choose over 6 outfits ranging in beautiful colors. Make sure they know how to do hair and make up (or do them yourselves)

Step 5: Book the monks and spokesperson for each side of the family (usually an elder who knows your family well and could speak nothing but positive things about you) and also "thervada's" they are the ones who sings and dance (basically entertainment( but they get things rolling as for instance the "hair cutting" part.

Step 6: INVITATIONS!! maybe this should have been right after the restaurant but then you would want to have everything in order to be able to have all the information you need! I still don't have minds and I have 5 months left! It's hard when you have to do an English/Khmer one and for it to be NOT TACKY. I'm hoping I'll be able to find a wonderful one soon!

Step 7: Make sure your family members from out of state or those with hectic schedules know! So they can plan their vacation time to go to your wedding! It's urgent because it's a wedding without these members aren't as fun! They can help a LOT and would do much good! :]

Step 8: Buy your bridal gown, bridesmaids gown, rent the grooms tux and the groomsmen. The guys can be last but be sure to have yours done within the 7 months prior ( In case of alterations, ordering, etc.) Shoes, Accessories, ETC.

Step 9: Learn more about the ceremony, your not in this alone INCLUDE your MOTHER, AUNTS, SISTERS, COUSINS. Why? They'll relieve the stress off of you! Plus it's easier to have someone who speaks Khmer.

I believe that may be it for now. I still have a LOT to do. Only recently I have booked my restaurant, my band, my dresser, and told family members little by little. Not only that but make sure your bridal party is able to be there and the groomsmen! My wedding is taking place in Atlanta and the grooms family is coming from South Philadelphia! TOUGH~

Information on Cambodian Weddings Source - www.Cambodian-Wedding.com

Origins of the Khmer Wedding

Khmer weddings symbolize the beautiful legend of the origin of Cambodia and parallels the marriage of the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, to the naga princess, Neang Neak. The prince was a foreigner exiled from his homeland, and during his travels encountered and fell in love with the naga princess. As a marriage gift, the father of the naga princess swallowed a part of the ocean, and thus formed the land of Cambodia.
A traditional Khmer wedding is one of the most joyous occasions for a Khmer family and typically lasts from three days to an entire week. It is a grand affair, full of color and festivity, as well as steeped in tradition. Family, friends, and other members of the community come together to share in the celebration. Musicians play throughout the day on traditional instruments, and the couple is dressed like royalty. The bride may change her outfit several times in one day. If the wedding were a weeklong affair, she could declare the color of her dress each day and the guests would dress only in that color.

Unlike most Western weddings, guests are usually highly animated during the ceremonies, with elders typically explaining the significance of the various customs to the younger generation. Please feel free to turn to a neighbor if you should have questions or comments about what is occurring. You may also stand up and leave the room if you need to stretch your legs. Guests freely move in and out during ceremonies, which is not considered rude.

Cambodian weddings traditionally consist of ceremonies and celebrations lasting three days and three nights. Three is considered to be an especially auspicious number by Cambodians because of its association with the "three jewels" of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Sangha (brotherhood of monks), and the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings). Due to the demands of modern day life however, today, both in Cambodia and overseas, all the following wedding ceremonies are usually completed in just one day.

Presentation of Dowry

Cambodian weddings begin with the groom and his family traveling to the bride's home bearing gifts to the bride's family as dowry. In most of today's weddings ceremonies however, all guests invited to the morning celebration will participate in this travel. This usually happens in the early morning hours (circa 7am) in order to benefit from the coolness of the day and also allow compatibility with working hours.

The groom will await before the door the arrival of the bride. The bride welcomes the groom with flowers and other gifts.

Family members and friends are introduced, and wedding rings exchanged.

Three traditional songs accompany the presentation of dowry:

Neay Pream He Kaun Kamlas (Arrival of the Groom) · A song telling the story of the groom and his family's journey to the bride's house bearing meats, fruits, pastries, drinks and desserts of every variety to be presented on the wedding day.

Chambak Rouy (Presenting the Dowry) · A dialogue between the matchmakers, parents, relatives, and friends of the bride and groom in which the groom's family and friends officially present the dowry gifts to the bride's family.

Pak Paeuk Pisa Sla (Inviting the Elders to Chew Betel Nut) · Presentation of the betel nut to the bride and groom's elders. In turn, parents of both the bride and groom ask for blessings and well-wishes for their children.

Hair Cutting Ceremony

To prepare the bride and groom for their life as a married couple, their hair is symbolically cut, representing a fresh start to their new relationship together as husband and wife. The master of ceremony performs the first symbolic hair cut and wishes the couple happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The bride and groom's parents, relatives, and friends then take turn to symbolically cut the bride and groom's hair and give them blessings and well-wishes. (In the old days, the bride and groom's hair were really cut during this ceremony, but in modern times it is only done symbolically.) Two songs accompany this ceremony:

Sarika Keiv Vong (The Beautiful Cardinal Bird) · The bride's beauty is extolled and compared to that of the beautiful cardinal bird.

Trapeang Peiy (The Village Pond) · This song describes a pond with clear water where the bride was brought to take her bath. It also symbolizes the bride and groom working together in beginning their new life as wife and husband

Pairing Ceremony

In this final and most memorable stage of the wedding, family members and friends tie the bride and groom's left and right wrists with blessing strings. The praises and well-wishes of happiness, good health, success, prosperity, and long-lasting love are acknowledged and witnessed by the loud sound of the gong and joyful cheer. The ceremony concludes with a shower of palm flowers thrown over the new couple. Four songs accompany this ceremony:

Phat Cheay · A melody inviting the bride, accompanied by her bridesmaids, to the pairing ceremony. A distinguished female relative leads the bride into the room.

Kang Saeuy · A melody accompanying the offering of gifts to the ancestor spirits and asking for their blessings.

Bangvel Po Pil (Seven Rotations) · Only married couples are permitted to sit around the bride and groom as the sacred flame is rotated seven times around the new couple. The flame of the pure bee-wax candle represents anger, which the couple should avoid as it can disrupt the marriage relationship. The smoke of the flame, however, is sacred enough to protect them from all evils if they are sincerely committed to each other. Family members who receive the candle motion their hands over the flame to guide the smoke of the sacred flame over the bride and groom.

Bay Khon Chang Dai (Tying the Wrists) · While the bride and groom's wrists are tied with the blessing strings, the following song is sung: "We tie, 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."

Bongvul Pbopul - Passing of Blessings

"Mun ouy laing leah, mun ouy prort preah."
"Do not separate, do not part ways."

In this ceremony, currently married couples are asked to gather in a circle around the bride and groom. Three candles are lit and handed from person to person. Each participant passes his or her right hand over it in a sweeping motion towards the couple, sending or throwing a silent blessing to them. Only married couples are asked to participate, as it is believed that they will pass along the special quality or essence which has preserved their union. The candles are passed around the circle clockwise seven times to complete the ceremony.

Sompeas Ptem - Knot Tying Ceremony

Khmer weddings traditionally have a knot tying ceremony, but unlike what the name implies, it is the guests who tie the knots, not the bride and groom. Close family and friends are invited to come forward to bring their best wishes and blessings to the new couple by individually tying ribbons around each of their wrists. These knots are tied on both the bride and groom, who were traditionally required to wear them for three days afterwards to preserve the good luck. This ceremony has customarily been considered an ideal opportunity to take a picture of each guest in attendance with the new couple.