Schedule

Groom's Procession - Hai Koan Komlom

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Hai Koan Komlom - The Groom's Processional is a beautiful tradition where the groom, his family, and guests march to the bride’s house bearing gifts, symbolizing the groom’s journey to ask for the bride’s parents' permission to marry. This practice harks back to Cambodia’s tradition of arranged marriages. To start our ceremony, the groom, along with his family, groomsmen, and guests will line up at the top of the driveway. Family, groomsmen, and guests (if you want to participate) will be carrying various gift platters as they are led by an Achar - Cambodian priest - towards the front of the house where the bride, her family, and bridesmaids will be waiting. When the procession reaches the door, the Achar will speak with the father of the bride asking if he gives his blessing to the marriage. Once acknowledged, the procession party will enter the home and make their way to where the ceremony will be held (living room) to begin the next ceremonial event.

Hair Cutting Ceremony - Cut Sahk

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Cut Sahk, also known as the hair cutting ceremony is a symbolic haircut performed on the bride and groom to mark the transition from their past to their new life together. This act signifies the couple's fresh start as they embark on their journey as husband and wife. The ceremony begins with the Achar (priest) symbolically cutting the couple's hair with gold scissors and blessing them for the future. Afterwards, parents, close friends, and attendees (if they wish) take turns "cutting" and preparing the couple by offering their blessings.

Break for Lunch

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Menu: • White rice • Vegetable fried rice • Vegetable lo mein • Shrimp tom yum soup • Roast pork • Roast duck • Seafood chicken feet salad • Egg Roll • Garden salad

Monk Blessing - Soat Mun

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

This tradition known as the monks' blessings, includes the blessings of Buddhist monks. During the ceremony, the monks sprinkle flowered water on the couple while chanting blessings for them. Guests are expected to observe in silence and bow their heads when necessary. This time can also be used as an extended lunch break by guests.

Knot Tying Ceremony - Sompeas Ptem

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

The knot-tying ceremony is a symbolistic and spiritual tradition that the couple partake in together. The bride and groom sit side by side on gold pillows, clasping a gold sword between their hands to symbolize the groom’s eternal loyalty and protection. Led by the Achar, a red string is tied around the couple's wrist as they receive blessings on their new life together. This red string represents the unity of the bride and groom for life-long love. Once the string is tied, a flower is dipped into holy water and sprinkled over the heads of the newlyweds to finalize the blessing. Family, friends, and guests are then invited to partake in the ceremony by taking turns tying the red string around the couple's wrists and offering their own blessings while presenting the couple with a wedding gift. To close out the ceremony and as a final blessing, guests toss white palm tree seeds at the newlyweds as a sign of wishing the new couple health, happiness, and prosperity.

Dinner and party

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Dessert Station: • Chocolate chip cookies & brownies • Key lime custard • Mini cannoli with chocolate chips • Mini cheesecake topped with mixed berry compote