Last of the wedding

Then, there is the sword/string typing/money giving/ blessing ceremony. The couple kneels on the floor with their hands in front, like the first picture. All the family come by in pairs and puts money in their hands, by the sword. Then they tie a red string onto their wrists and give them a blessing.
After that, there is lunch and the family part of the wedding is basically over. During all the morning, there are musicans who play the traditional Khmer music.
At 4:30, we went back to the wedding. This is for the friends as well as the families. In Cambodia, if you receive a written invitation to the wedding,
it is a requirement that you go. Also, everyone brings a gift of money. Most people give approximately $20. Due to the fact that many of the people here are poor, this is a substantial amount. That is why, when I asked several of our friends if they liked going to wedding, they said no; they told me that it was too expensive.
The evening part starts off with the groom, bride, groomsmen and bridemaids, as well as the parents, welcoming all of the guest. Dinner is served. It was a 8 course meal. Very good!
After the meal, there is karoke and LOUD music. Then, later, the bride and groom change clothes yet again. We have the cake cutting ceremony. They walk out and around the table 3 times while the guests throw flower petals on them and shouts blessings. They walk around the table 3 times and then receive more blessing from their parents. All of the guest gather around. After the cake is cut, the guests are given sparklers and they sing and wave their hands in the air and then throw confetti on the bride and groom.
All in all, it makes for a really long day! We were grateful to be allowed to be part of the day, but are also grateful that we don't have all day weddings in the US!
Hope 2010 is going well for all of you so far. Much love, Ronda
PS. And while so many of you are SO cold, remember us over here in the tropics! (Sorry! Couldn't resist!)