Traditional wedding customs in Thailand
Are you planning a destination wedding in Thailand, or have you been invited to a traditional Thai ceremony?
Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated through vibrant festivals and meaningful traditions. Wedding customs in Thailand are no exception to this, and are filled with symbolic rituals that reflect the country’s deep spiritual and cultural values.
Venue: Cape Fahn Hotel Photo: ProudRad
Thinking of incorporating Thai wedding traditions into your celebration, or just curious about what to expect? Whether you’re planning to weave Thai customs into your own celebration or simply want to understand what makes these ceremonies so special, here’s a look at some of the most meaningful and beautiful Thai wedding traditions.
1. Choosing a date based on astrology
Relying on astrological insights isn’t just a pop culture trend. In Thai culture, selecting an auspicious date for your wedding is a tradition deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and astrology. This practice ensures the union begins under the most favourable conditions, setting the tone for a harmonious and prosperous marriage. Thai couples and their families often consult Buddhist monks or astrologers, who analyse the couple’s birth dates, lunar calendar phases, and astrological charts to determine the most auspicious date.
2. Receiving blessings from Buddhist monks
Receiving blessings from monks is an important pre-wedding ritual in traditional Thai ceremonies. Typically, the couple invites an odd number of monks – three, five, seven, or nine – to their home on the morning of the wedding day. The couple then offers food to the monks, who in turn chant, pray, and bless the couple for a prosperous and joyful marriage.
3. Sai Monkhon (head string ceremony)
During the main ceremony, the couple kneels together with a ceremonial white thread (sai monkhon) looped between their heads, symbolising unity and spiritual connection. A respected elder or monk blesses them with prayers.
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4. The joyful Khan Maak procession
After the monk’s blessing, a Khan Maak procession takes place as part of the engagement ceremony. In this joyful parade, the groom leads a group of drummers, musicians, dancers, and family members to the bride’s residence, bringing along dowry and symbolic gifts like gold, silver, food, and traditional sweets. This procession represents the groom’s commitment and respect for the bride’s family.
5. The gate ceremony
Before the groom can reach the bride, he must “pass” through symbolic gates created by the bride’s friends and family, often by offering envelopes of money or answering playful questions. It’s a fun, light-hearted tradition meant to show his love and determination.
6. The formal engagement ceremony
Following the Khan Maak and door games, a formal engagement ceremony takes place, involving the couple, their parents, and elder relatives. During this ceremony, engagement rings are exchanged, and the couple kneels before their elders to express gratitude and seek their blessings. Holy threads may be tied around the couple’s wrists as a symbol of good fortune, and valuable gifts are exchanged between the families.
7. Rod Nam Sang (the water blessing ceremony)
In Thai culture, water is considered a powerful symbol of purification and blessing. During the Rod Nam Sang ceremony, the couple sits side by side with their hands joined together. Guests line up to gently pour water over the couple’s hands using a conch shell, offering personal blessings and good wishes for their union.
Thai wedding etiquette
Gifting traditions in Thai wedding culture
In Thailand, it’s common for guests to present monetary gifts at weddings. The amount typically varies depending on one’s profession, social status, or personal relationship with the couple. For example, close friends or family members usually give a higher amount, while acquaintances or distant relatives may contribute a more modest offering. Alternatively, guests may also choose to give household items or symbolic gifts that represent longevity and happiness in marriage.
What to wear to a Thai wedding
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Wedding attire for the bride and groom
Thai brides and grooms typically wear traditional attire for their wedding celebration. For brides, this typically includes a wrap-around skirt and a fitted blouse often made from silk. To complete the ensemble, brides may accessorise with gold or silver jewellery, decorative hairpieces, or flower garlands.
Meanwhile, grooms usually wear a traditional Thai shirt, paired with wide-legged trousers and secured with a sash or belt at the waist – in some regions, a ceremonial sword may be included too. However, in recent years, many couples have opted for a fusion style that combines traditional and Western elements.
Dress code for guests attending a Thai wedding
If you’re attending a traditional Thai wedding for the first time, there are some important tips and cultural guidelines to keep in mind. Avoid wearing black or white, as these colours are traditionally associated with funerals and mourning in Thai culture. Instead, opt for bright, vibrant colours that reflect the joyful spirit of the occasion.
Modesty is key when it comes to dressing for Thai weddings. Make sure to choose an outfit that covers your shoulders, upper arms, and cleavage. Given Thailand’s hot and humid climate, it’s also a good idea to opt for breathable fabrics to stay comfortable. If you’d like to embrace traditional attire, women often wear a Chut Thai (traditional blouse with a wrapped skirt and shawl) or a Sampot (long, elegant dress). Meanwhile, men may opt for a traditional style shirt paired with tailored trousers.
It’s also worth remembering that Thai weddings often take place in homes or temples, where it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering. With that in mind, maybe choose footwear that’s easily removable for convenience.
Venue: Island Escape by Burasari
How to incorporate Thai traditions into your destination wedding
Thoughtfully integrating Thai customs and traditions into your wedding can create a meaningful and culturally rich experience. However, navigating the cultural landscape of Thai weddings requires careful planning. Hiring a local coordinator who understands the traditions may be helpful. They can offer cultural insights, manage logistics, and liaise with local vendors, ensuring that your wedding is both respectful and authentic.
If you need help planning your Thai wedding, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly destination weddings team at Easy Weddings. With years of experience and expertise under our belt, we’ll bring your vision to life.
