The traditional Thai wedding was originally an elaborate, highly detailed and lengthy affair; but the ceremonies and rituals involved have gradually adapted to ever-changing trends in society and the economic situation, of course. Nevertheless, the essence of the Thai wedding – whether grand or simple – remains true to tradition today: First of all, the groom’s family elders call on the bride’s family elders to formally ask for her hand in marriage on behalf of the groom. They discuss and select auspicious dates for the engagement ceremony/dowry presentation as well as the wedding day; although it is quite common for both occasions to take place on the very same day.

• The pre-wedding rituals start early in the morning, when the bride and groom make merit by serving food to the monks; and then attend a special religious ceremony.
• The groom’s family prepare the traditional footed gift trays containing the dowry of cash, gold, jewelry; the engagement rings; trays with sweets, fruits, banana and sugar cane leaves - prepared in pairs - which will all be presented in a traditional procession of gifts to the bride’s house. The procession is led by the distinguished family elders, followed by the groom and his parents, close relatives and friends carrying the above-mentioned traditional gift trays. At times, rhythmic drums and ramwong dancing add colour and liven up the procession. Meanwhile, the bride’s family elders have assigned young relatives including children to “guard” the house entrance by putting up so-called “roadblocks” in the form of money and gold strings which the groom will be allowed to pass after offering money or valuables. After passing each road block, the groom’s entourage reaches the bride’s house and the family elders accept the gift trays. After the gifts, dowry, and engagement rings are displayed and inspected, the bride is summoned and the engagement ceremony begins at the auspicious time previously agreed upon.
• What follows is a ritual whereby the bride and groom pay their respects to the family elders and distinguished guests. Done according to seniority, each guest presents a gift (normally in the form of cash or valuables) and in return, receives a souvenir made of cloth, from the wedding couple. Then, the Lustral Water Ceremony begins.
• The Lustral Water Ceremony starts when the wedding couple light candles and pay their respects to the presiding monks, after which the parents lead the couple to their designated places - the bride sits on the left and the groom on the right. The officiating elder presents them with hand garlands, anoints their foreheads and pours lustral water whilst conveying a greeting; followed by the parents, family elders and other special guests who gently pour lustral water on the heads of the bride and groom, who are now considered married.
• If the Lustral Water Ceremony is held in the morning, the guests are invited to a celebration luncheon; and, in some cases, another larger-scale reception in the evening .
• Finally, the “Preparation of the Marital Bed” is presided over by a highly respected married couple – who may be close relatives or the groom’s and/or or bride’s parents. They prepare the bed; lay auspicious porcelain figurines by the bedside; then summon the bride to join the groom; who then receive best wishes and some marital advice as their married life begins.