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Thailand Marriage Unlike their western counterparts, weddings in Thailand are often a union of two entire families, brought together by the bride and groom. This is evident in the ceremonies themselves, with friends and family from both sides partaking in the centuries-old intricate customs and traditions observed in the celebrations. Although not recognised in the eyes of the law, a traditional Thai wedding is both spiritually and socially binding. Monks are commonly involved in the planning of a wedding to advise auspicious dates and times for the marital events. An odd number of monks - 3, 7, or 9 - are usually present during the merit-making ceremonies to receive alms, as well as chanting prayers to bless the couple for a lifetime journey of happiness ahead. Despite the presence of members from the monastic order, a Thai wedding is not essentially a religious event, but rather, one that reflects the Buddhist way of life in the country. The pageantry of a traditional Thai wedding is best witnessed on the procession from the groom's house to the bride's, often accompanied by festivity enhancing drummers and dancers. Led by the groom, friends and relatives of the lucky man make up the bulk of the parade, bearing food and gifts to be presented to the bride's family. Before the groom is allowed to reach the house, however, he will have to pass a minimum of two gates - the silver and the gold - formed by a string of the corresponding colour held by two members from the bride's family. In order to be allowed past these 'gates', the groom has to hand an envelope with money inside to the gatekeepers, and if teased that the amount be insufficient, more envelopes must be parted with. All this is held in fun spirits and symbolises that the groom is financially stable enough to look after the bride for the rest of her life. Once the groom has paid his dues and deemed capable to take care of his wife to-be, the more contemplative part of the ceremonies start. The couple, dressed in the traditional costumes with garlands hanging from their necks, kneel before a senior member from the bride's family. While they hold their hands together in a prayer-like 'wai', a sacred thread called 'sai sin' is looped and draped together on top of the bride's and groom's heads, representing the coming together of two individuals. The elder then pours lustral water from a conch shell over the hands of the couple, before the rest of the guests join in the well wishing act. Money is commonly given by guests to the happy couple as wedding gifts, with a collection basket usually close by. By now, the morning part of the wedding is complete, giving the newly weds a short break before they get ready for the evening reception, sometimes held at hotels. As is the norm in other developing countries, the more rural the wedding, the stronger the adherence to tradition. Overseas weddings are increasingly popular for their cost efficiency and the romantic appeal of exchanging vows with palm trees counting amongst the attendees. Thailand, with its cosmopolitan facilities, world renowned service culture and ravishing natural beauty, is a luring destination attractive to knot tiers and honeymooners alike. For couples looking to start off their married life with the genteel touch of Thai traditions, local wedding planners remove stress by handling ground logistics, including arranging for the monks and drummers. Private villas, for their intimate feel, are the most popular venues, especially with dream settings providing sun-kissed backdrops of cerulean waters lapping against pristine white powdery sand. Management companies and representatives of private rental residences can also provide assistance to couples looking to get married in Thailand, from booking flights and accommodation to sourcing extravagant floral arrangements and jazz bands to serenade partygoers as they dance away into the balmy tropical night.
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