Middle-class families typically budget around $20,000 for a wedding, while an upper-class wedding may run $70,000 to $80,000, according to Ms. Sambath. But even this is peanuts compared to what Cambodias most influential families spend on lavish wedding parties.

How long do Cambodian weddings last?

three days A wedding usually lasts three days, with many different ceremonies relating to ancient mythical Khmer stories that are done in a specific order to join the bride and groom in matrimony. Some weddings can last a week while others are only a day long, determined usually by the wealth of the parties involved.

What happens at a Cambodian wedding?

A traditional Cambodian wedding is comprised of many ceremonies, music, meals, gifts, and guests lasting for three days and three nights. Cambodians choose the number three because of its relation to “three jewels” of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dhamma.

What is the symbolic meaning of cutting hair at a Cambodian wedding?

Hair Cutting Ceremony – Gaat Sah This ceremony symbolizes a clean start in their marriage. Each person comes up, “cuts” the hair, combs it and sprays perfume over the bride and groom. After the hair cutting, it was off to change into their third and final outfit that was all gold.

How do Cambodians get married?

The wedding ceremonies are traditionally held at the brides home. After the wedding, the groom moves in with the brides parents (This tradition would be opposite for Cambodians with Chinese ancestry who still practice Chinese culture). In Cambodia, women keep their names after they are married.

Who pays dowry?

A dowry is a payment, such as property or money, paid by the brides family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage. Dowry contrasts with the related concepts of bride price and dower.

How is a Chinese wedding?

Chinese wedding ceremonies are small and more formal. The ceremony is in a government house or a courthouse with very few people in attendance. According to the customs, prayers are an integral part of the ceremony. The tea ceremony is to honor parents and always begins with prayer.