Groom's Processional —Hai Goan Gomloh — ហៃ គោរ គំលំ

Cambodian wedding’s are traditionally done very early in the morning. It is most auspicious to begin a journey with the breaking of a new day. We begin this symbolic journey a short distance from the bride’s house. All the guests (except for the bride’s party) line up a short distance from the house carrying gifts and offerings to the bride. The procession is formed with the married couples in the front and all other guests filing in after them.

Ring Exchange — ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរចិញ្ចៀន

After the bride’s party has inspected and accepted the gifts. The bride and groom sit down together and exchange rings. Unlike in Western weddings where the ring exchange symbolizes the marriage, in Cambodian weddings it represents the formal engagement.

Hair Cutting — Gaat Soh — កាត់សក់

The bride and groom are cleansed and prepared for their new life by getting their “haircut”. This ceremony represents a shedding of the past and lightening of spirits. Family and guests take turns “cutting” the couple’s hair and spraying on perfume while telling jokes and teasing them. It’s not uncommon for the couple to be serenaded to at this time by “angels”!

Honoring Ancestors — Sien Doan Taa — សៀនដោនតា

Technically more of a Chinese tradition, but since so many Southeast Asians have some Chinese ancestry it’s very common to see in weddings throughout the region. Tea is offered to the ancestors of the couple to show appreciation for their sacrifice and protection. It also acts as a way to formally invite them to participate in the wedding.

Couple’s Blessing & Counsel — Bongvul Pbopul — អំពូល

The bride and groom kneel among a circle of married couples. Candles are lit and passed clockwise around the circle. In turn, each married couple waves the smoke of the candle towards the couple, representing the transfer of experience and well-being in marriage.

Knot Tying — Sompeas Ptem — ចងដៃ

The final ceremony of our wedding will literally be tying the knot! A sword of protection and loyalty is held by the bride and groom while guests come and tie red string around each wrist. This string represents everlasting love and the joining of two into one complete whole. The couple are expected to wear the strings for at least three days. After all the knots have been tied, the couple is showered in holy water and seeds or flower petals.