How To Conduct a Traditional Thai Wedding: Understanding Local Customs and Traditions

Traditional weddings are one of the most significant events in Thai culture and are known to be quite ceremonious and symbolic. Filled with several ceremonies and traditions, wedding ceremonies in Thailand are now conducted in different ways depending on the region, with some ceremonies being simple and others adhering to several of the local customs that once held great meaning. For those who treasure their local culture, adhering to the various stages of a wedding is of utmost importance. Despite the variations in wedding ceremonies, here are some of the core elements to consider when planning a traditional wedding in Thailand. 

Image via Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Buddhist Ceremony

This initial ceremony provides the foundation for any traditional Thai wedding. Typically, a total of 9 Buddhist monks are invited to the ceremony which begins early in the morning at a previously determined auspicious time. The monks provide blessings and advice to the couple that will help them maintain a long and healthy relationship. They will also anoint the couple with holy water and pray over them for their new chapter together. In turn, the couple makes merit by making offerings of food to the monks.

Khan Maak Procession

After the Buddhist ceremony, the groom leads a group of family and friends in a joyful procession to the bride’s house while bearing khan maak or engagement trays. The trays contain an engagement ring, a dowry, incense sticks, candles and other symbolic items. The procession itself is quite cheerful with the accompanying group singing and dancing to the beat of traditional drums. 

Proposal and Giving of Dowry

Once the groom arrives at the bride’s house he must then pass through a series of symbolic ‘gates’ or chains held up by the bride’s relatives and friends. The groom must get through each gate by offering monetary tokens to the gatekeepers. Upon getting through all of the gates, the groom is finally met by the bride and her parents at which time a proposal of marriage is made to the bride. Traditionally, a formal proposal is made to the bride’s father by a close friend of the groom after which the groom provides two gifts - gold for the bride and the dowry for her parents. The dowry and gifts are then inspected before the proposal is accepted. Afterwards, there may be further discussions between both families to finalise the wedding details. 

Engagement Ceremony

The engagement ceremony follows with the bride first paying respect to her future husband by bowing down and placing her joined hands on his lap. This mark of respect is then followed by the exchanging of rings which symbolises their commitment to each other. While the tradition of showing respect is rooted in Thailand’s patriarchal culture, many modern ceremonies involve the bride and groom performing the gesture of respect to each other as a mark of equality. 

Shell Ceremony/Water Pouring Ceremony

Locally known as Rod Nam Sang, this ceremony constitutes the main event of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are seated side-by-side with the bride on the left, and their hands are tied together. Water is poured over their bound hands from a conch shell by an elder or the wedding celebrant. This act symbolises their union and commitment to each other and invokes blessings and prayers from guests. 

Paying Respect to Elders

Treating elders with respect is of great importance in Thai culture and as such most traditional wedding ceremonies incorporate this step. Usually, the couple sits before their parents or elders expressing gratitude and asking for forgiveness. Their parents then tie thread dipped in holy water on the couple’s wrists and give them blessings and gifts. 

The Reception

Once the main ceremonies of the wedding are completed a wedding reception is held at a wedding venue in Bangkok, which can be a separate wedding hall or a luxury hotel with a variety of settings like Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. The reception often includes a speech made by the guest of honour, the cutting of the wedding cake by the couple and a toast to the newlyweds and their journey. The rest of the evening plays out like a typical reception with plenty of music and dancing, with many of the guests taking photos with the couple. 

Nuptial Bedding Ceremony

Despite being one of the older rituals, this final ceremony is still practised at some weddings today. The couple is led to their nuptial bed which is adorned with various symbols of prosperity and happiness. There they meet their parents who provide blessings and a few final lessons on how to navigate life as a married couple.