"I Do!" - Thai Style
The Peninsula Bangkok Introduces a Traditional Thai Wedding Package
For couples looking for a wedding with a difference, The Peninsula Bangkok has introduced a Thai wedding package to celebrate their union with a traditional Thai-style wedding ceremony.
The Thai wedding package includes traditional Thai silk wedding outfits, corsages, flowers, dowry bowls and trays, dancers, musicians, wedding cake, plus a host of other benefits.
Taking place in the Thai Pavilion of Thiptara at The Peninsula Bangkok overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the wedding ceremony starts with the "Hae Khan Mark" or Groom’s Procession. Musicians, drummers with long Thai drums, dancers and attendants accompany the groom to where the bride is waiting.
The groom bears the "Sin-sord" or dowry - a selection of silver "Khan Mark" bowls containing the engagement ring and trays with auspicious items such as beans, sesame and rice, together with flowers with lucky names to ensure a long and happy marriage.
The Gate Passing Ceremony sees the groom’s procession approach the bride, followed by the Engagement Ceremony when the groom presents the engagement ring and dowry. Dressed in traditional Thai silk outfits, bride and groom sit side by side, joined by sacred white cords around their heads, with their forearms resting on special cushions, palms together. Two groomsmen and two bridemaids, also dressed in traditional Thai silk costumes, stand behind the couple.
While there is no standard colour for the bride's dress in Thailand, gold and beige are preferred, as they are considered lucky colours.
The most vital element of the Thai wedding ceremony is the "Rot Naam" or pouring of the "lustral water" (which has been blessed by a Buddhist monk) from a holy conch shell. The most senior guest will commence the ceremony, followed by the other wedding guests who line up to give blessings for a long and happy married life while pouring lustral water over the hands of the couple. The ceremony is followed by a reception.
The package costs Thai Baht 230,000 net (US$6,800) per couple including:
- Two nights' accommodation in a Deluxe Suite with daily breakfast
- Traditional Thai silk wedding costumes for bride and groom to wear during the ceremony and keep afterwards as a souvenir of their unique Thai style wedding. Tailored especially for each couple in Thai silk in the traditional color of gold, beige or light pink with intricate detailing, a minimum of two weeks advance notice and the couple’s measurements are required
- Hairdressing appointments for bride and groom, and makeup and manicure for the bride
- One-hour aromatherapy massage for the bride
- Two traditional floral neck garlands
- Peninsula chocolates and gift
- Bridal bouquet and groom's corsage
- A bottle of champagne and a wedding cake
- Dinner at Jesters Pacific Rim restaurant for bride and groom
- Wedding ceremony at the Thai Sala Garden (The Peninsula's Thai pavilion in the tropical garden beside the river), which includes:
- Groom's Procession (Hae Khan Mark) to present the dowry (Sin-sord) - A long drum band leads the procession. Khan Mark or offering trays will be arranged by the hotel, consisting of traditional auspicious elements such as beans, sesame, paddy, Bai Tong (gold leaves), Bai Ngeon (silver leaves) etc, food trays, and other lucky items to ensure a long and happy marriage (15 minutes)
- Gate Passing - Groom's Procession to go through gates to the bride (15 minutes)
- Engagement Ceremony - Groom to present engagement ring and dowry to the bride (10 minutes)
- Water Pouring Ceremony (Rod Nam Sang) - Guest of honor or parents of the bride and groom to wish the couple good luck and pour water from an ornately decorated conch shell over their hands (20 minutes)
(However, it should be noted that under Thai law, while The Peninsula Bangkok’s wedding ceremony is traditional and authentic, it is not legally binding.)
| Photography Three rolls of film, processing and developing, professional photographer fee for three hours |
THB 18,000 net |
| Video cameraman to film and produce video (two hours) |
THB 12,000 net |
| Food and Beverage A bottle of champagne |
THB 5,250++ per bottle |
| Jesters Restaurant and Lounge set dinner menu (maximum 20 persons) |
THB 2,600++ per person |
| Dinner party package at a private venue For 10 to 30 persons, Western or Thai set dinner Thai flower on tables, background music |
THB 2,600 - 3,900++ per person |
| Wedding cake | THB 12,000 - 25,000++ Depending on size and design (upon discussion) |
| Thai costume rental | THB 25,000 net for bride and groom |
Food and beverage price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
