Love, Peace, and Wacky Traditions: Thailand

In Thailand the weddings are complicated and are filled with much symbolism that will ensure that the couple have good luck. Below a few ideas to piggy back on:

1. Thailand, like China, has a number they favor too. 9 is lucky and since Tony and Ann's wedding is in September 2009, they are on the right track. This is a table that should have only 9 guests and it should be table #9. As the silver charm #8 for the China inspired table, order the number 9 from the Charm Factory.

2 .Making Merit is a very important custom. Buddhist priests are invited to the wedding and donations are made to a local temple which ensures a life time of love in the marriage. In some weddings couples will grant animals their freedom. Some release birds or take a turtle back to the sea. These are very nice gestures but why not make a donation to an animal rescue service. Each guest at this table can have a donation made in their name.

3. The Shell Ceremony-Rad Nam Sang which translate to "soak with water". The couples and also the guest's, hands are washed using a conch shell with holy water.

I had this idea for that is inspired by this custom, give the guests conch shell soaps. Give the guests the explanation and they will get something they can use and enjoy. These shells can be found at Suddz Soap Company. Add a note that describes the hand washing ceremony. I know it is a stretch but I think it works.

4. White Thread Ceremony 'Phiti Bai Sri Su Kwan' is where the couples sit next to each other and a elder gives them sage advice and blesses them. White threads are linked and soaked in holy water. The thread is pulled from side to side and when it is broken who ever gets the longer thread is the one that loves the deepest.
Relatives will tie strings around the couples wrist (Sai Sin) to wish them good luck. Do this in reverse. Give your guests white rubber bangles (OK this is a stretch, but it is fun and really cheap), found here.
However I say use the silver #9 charm using a white cord and tie this around your guests wrists.

There is more about Thailand Wedding Customs

Peace, Love, and Wacky Traditions: Chinese Inspired Gifts

Group Wedding Ceremony

My Couple Tony and Ann (See Peace, Love and Wacky Traditions) gave me a list of countries that each reception table could represent. Here is my take on China:

In China Red is a color that represents joy, luck, happiness. The bride also carries a red umbrella open down the aisle which will protect her from evil spirits. The Chinese also believe that the Number 8 is good luck and an estimated 9000 couples got married last year 8.8.08 . I think they may have set a record.
Here's 8 ideas that incorporates this Chinese traditions.

1. The table should have only 8 guests, since 8 is a lucky number in China.
2. The Table number is 8. Or use a photo of your travels as the table assignment instead of numbers.
   
3. Red parasols for the 8 guests at the table
4. If the parasols are too expensive use red fans (really inexpensive).
   
5. Decorate the table in red with a red table cloth and gold accents
6. Give each of the guest a silver #8 charm (not as expensive as it sounds) tied with a red ribbon or cord.
7. Packages of red tea along with tea balls
8. Throw in some tea cups

Below the who what where links:

• Rose Red Black w/ Roses Tea
• Lychee Red Black Tea
• Asian Imports: Paper Parasol $6.00
• Pearl River: Mini Nylon Umbrellas $3.50
• Pearl River: Red Fans
• Charm Factory Silver #8
  
• Heart Shaped Tea Infusers
• Stash Tea Accessories
  

Good Luck Tony and Ann

Peace, Love, and Wacky Traditions

Tony and Ann (above) are planning a wedding that includes their interests from many of their travels from around the world. This includes 2 years in the Peace Corp. Their vision for the wedding is to have gift favors at each table from a country that was memorable and important to them. Tony and Ann forwarded a list of countries they need ideas for. I hope you will follow me around the world, it's a trip you won't need a passport for.
Below a description of the photos.

"The first one is at the beginning of our Moroccan adventure in 2007. We crossed over from Spain at the Rock of Gibralter into Tangier, then picked up this rental car, only t find that it wouldn't start. There were, of course other glitches along the way, but the trip was fantastic and we loved Morocco, particularly Fez. The second picture was taken in the Medina there, Ann with one of her almost-purchases."


"The final picture is from my Peace Corps days in El Salvador - I'm with my theater group, we did a play about pregnancy and religion in small town life in Mexico. It was a comedy."

Keep checking for updates and ideas.