Weddings are one of the most important family occasions for so many reasons. It is said that they are a bride’s biggest day of her life but the same goes for the guests. There is nothing better in a married life to be reminded about one’s wedding day from family and friends who have fond memories as much as you do.
But of course, there are many ways to say “I do” from the lavish Indian weddings, now increasingly taking place in Thailand where many sub-continent families are visiting, to Westerners who might opt for the down rather than the up market.
Such considerations were at the forefront of my mind at a splendid wedding of a friend and his Thai bride that we attended recently. We went South where Phuket wedding packages meant we had a splendid time not just at the nuptials but also taking side trips in safety and comfort combining business with pleasure as it were!
Naturally, at a wedding, my wife and I were asked about how we tied the knot. We looked at each other and recalled in that glance what a memorable day it was. How different to this luxurious hotel with its deluxe sea view rooms not just for the bride and groom but us guests.
We married according to country tradition in the wilds of Loei in the northeast. Not for us five-star luxury but the family home of my wife that at the time was little more than a shack.
We travelled to Loei – 630 kilometres away – by car and were relieved that preparations had been made on our behalf. We married the next day with me – an Englishman – being anointed on the forehead with the soil of the area as hundreds of villagers each came to contribute 20 baht to our funds and tie “sai sin” or holy string to our wrists to protect us.
Each villager in this impoverished area contributed about 20 baht to our funds which reached 7,000 baht! Sure, it didn’t exactly match the 200,000 baht “sin sort” (dowry) that I was able to muster and layout on the floor but it was the thought that counted!
The honeymoon was in Bangalore, a place that I had visited many times in my youth in the 1980s. I don’t think many people marry in northeastern Thailand and honeymoon in India!
The wedding was also memorable for the food – a neighbour of my wife had slaughtered a cow and it was eaten sushi style – I passed. There are some things I won’t do! Speaking Thai is not one of them however – my own memory is of making a speech in the local language promising my commitment to my bride’s mum and dad that I am proud to have fulfilled.
Marrying in Thailand comes in all shapes and forms and for those thinking of visiting the SE Asian nation there has never been a better time thanks to improved government regulations.
