Though in some customs we see an occasional fight in marriages, that too add an element of suspense to the invitees !!
I have had the fortune of attending to a few Thai marriage functions when I lived in Thailand, mostly of colleagues who took extra care to make us enjoy the function and make us comfortable!
Thai marriages now a days are mostly love marriages and not the ones arranged by parents or elders. Most Thai men and women in cities and towns live together as living in partners for a long time and at times rush into a marriage ceremony may be due to issues like pregnancy etc.
Wedding invitations are given to strictly very close friends and relatives. One is expected to honor the invite by attending the function. If unable to attend the function, even then you are expected to send a gift or money ( kept in the same invitation's envelope) through someone attending the function.
As most of the Thai people are followers of Buddhism, generally marriage is conducted as per Buddhist tradition. There can be a marriage ceremony conducted in District Office, which is more of a contractual marriage and the same is very uncommon.
Mostly boys and girls on choosing the life partner then inform their respective parents. Then discussions take place among elders to finalize the wedding date. Thai people are very particular about auspicious timings for their marriage. Therefore the wedding date is chosen by an astrologer along with auspicious time. Thai's believe No. 9 is a lucky number. So it is not uncommon to find most marriage functions taking place at 9 AM. In the same manner there are many symbolisms done for good luck and for the success of the marriage !
For traditional Thai marriage " KHONG MUM" ( Gold jewellery for the bride) and "SIN SOD"
( Bride Price..simply put dowry) are must.
Bride and Bride Groom pay homage to their ancestors by making merit the day before the marriage. ( Don't you think this is very similar to Hindu Tradition).
Then "Khan Maak Man" starts. This is typical wedding procession of the bride groom to the bride's house... like Indian Baarat. Bride Groom's family members carry traditional items like sweets, liquor, cigar, duck, pork, sugar cane, Banana, Banana plant ( symbolizing progeny etc.) and reach the brides house.
As they arrive at the bride's door they are welcomed and received by bride's family. But children, young girls and sometime even adults play prank by holding chains before the main door. They ask the bride groom to give them gifts to let him in. (This tradition is there even in Hindu custom but in a modified manner. Bride's sister takes lead in these pranks!!)
At a decorated stage in front of elders the couple in their traditional Thai Costume sit with folded hands. Sir Sod the bride money is spread decoratively on the stage which is carried inside by the Bride's mother !!
After that the ceremony of "SAIMONKHON" takes place. Here with a common cloth the bride and groom's heads are tied together symbolizing that their fates are now united by common bonding.
After this the ceremonies are taken over by Buddhist monks who recite a few mantras. Then the Ceremony of ROD NAM SANG takes place when both bride's and bride groom's folded hands are blessed by pouring water from a conch (Sang in Thai).
After this ceremony, feasting and rejoicing take place after gifting the couple.
Modern times have made many changes in these customs. Now a days photo shoot is done long before the marriage ceremony. Thus when you go to attend a Thai marriage we can see the whole hall decorated with these snaps. At some places you can see the videos being screened continuously.
Another feature is before the start of the feast you can see a video shoot of the bride and bride groom's life history from first nappy to the marriage day !!
Now a days we find cake cutting ceremony, wine toasting ceremonies too !!
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