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 >,<)
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