How much does a Khmer wedding cost?

[pdteah]

Morning,

And a question for the married members on here, or those in the know.
I'm getting married next year, to a wonderful Khmer girl, and although it's a good 6 months away I need to start collecting information about how much a typical wedding costs. A friend of mine has given an estimated cost of around $10,000 for everything excluding the rental of the suits and dresses, and make-up (not sure how much extra this is). This figure is also based on hiring a medium-sized venue for the ceremony. Let's assume 200 people will attend.

As I am in the early stages, I would appreciate any help people have with a list of what is needed, and a rough cost. Everything from hiring a hall and a tent, the food and drink, clothes, monks... all the way through to the smaller details like printing off invitations, a cake and the fees for musicians (both traditional and contemporary) to be present.

Any help gratefully welcomed.
Thanks!

[starkmonster]

It's a bit of a how long is a piece of string type question. Khmer weddings can go from $2000 to $200,000 depending on how gangster you are.

For only 200 people which is considered small in Cambodia $10,000 all in will get you a pretty kick ass wedding in Khmer terms and that will cover everything, dresses and all. Depending on how healed your mates and your wifes friends and family are, you might even get a decent chunk of that back at the collection pot.

[gavinmac]

Based on photos I've seen of Khmer weddings, I'd say the makeup is about $9,000.

[andyinasia]

Yeh, the makeup and costumes can be a sizable chunk, especially if you're tricked into believing 20 costume changes are a necessary tradition. Another factor is location - the city will be considerably more expensive than a bash in her homeland.

[flying chicken]

More info needed. Is it taking place in the city, countryside. Wedding place, will it be at a wedding hall? Or set up in front of the house. Most of the invited guests...are they high ranking, average, country people.

If your in laws really care about the wedding, they will budget things prior, minimize the expenses as low as possible, and most importantly invite as many guest as possible.

Attended a wedding 3 years ago, a Khmer French dude in his late 40s married a chick in her early 20s. Total expense was 6k, most of the guests were left feeling satisfied, and they actually managed to earn a handsome 3k profit. The wedding took place in the city centre of Siem Reap.

[1984]

Anything you like, but 10k is more than enough for a good one (including paying 2k for the legal documentation which is lot easier if you just pay someone else to sort out for you.)

[gavinmac]

$2,000 for wedding documentation?

[Felgerkarb]

What does it cost?

Your dignity.

[flying chicken]

Cost me 11.50 in other words a box of Anchor beer

[Sok Poupe]

What does it cost?

Your dignity.

I was going to say your eardrums and your soul.

[MoodyMac]

What does it cost?

Your dignity.

I lost my dignity amidst all the ridiculous costume changes, but found it again in my old jeans which I put on for the final dance with a little protestation from my father in law.

I must have spent $3500 for a country side wedding. So venue was free. Some meat provided from farm. Rest on catering for 300, marquee tents and seating etc, beer, band that played a lunch time set and a night time set, fruit, ceremonial actors and musicians, photographer, etc. Then a little extra on framing for photos, and the wedding book. The in laws probably spent a little money on fixing up the house, and making a new toilet, store room etc, but as far as I'm concerned that was money well spent.

The dowry asked for originally was $3500, but I spent extra on the engagement ceremony and rings, as well as the band, photos and other bits and pieces, as well as a gift of $500 to the family after the wedding when it became apparent they had not made a profit on the wedding.

Total cost including engagement ceremony and rings and final gift. $5000

I skipped doing the paper work in Cambodia, and used the cash I saved from that to fly my fiance to New Zealand to meet my friends and family, and had a small registered Church wedding there. Then we borrowed a car and drove around visiting various friends,sheep, dogs and horses for our honey moon. An old employer gave us a nights accomodation at a lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park. My wifes first visit to the sea.

All in all, it was money well spent. We both got to experience each other cultures and have a good start (with two weddings) to our married lives.

Jacob spent 14 years working to get Rachel, so my in laws were very reasonable in comparison. It only took me a year of working to get Mrs MoodyMac.

[titeuf]

Hi and congratulations,
Just one thing to remember:

A recent khmer law says you have to be less than 50 years old and be able to proove $2'550/month income, otherwise, to have a legal wedding, you will have to invite your fiancee to your own country to register the wedding!
Sok sabay

[Fleksnes]

Got married last November: Paid 1500 USD for the costumes, ceremony, makeup and decoration.

Catering in Phnom Penh will cost you 90-140 USD per table if you want anything decent.

Rent if you want a venue like diamond island would be USD26-32 per table.

Service staff (drink carriers, ice men, people who get guests seated) would be 150-250 USD.

Good luck

[Fleksnes]

Cake 50-500 USD depending on how flashy you want it

Band 50-200usd. Incl. sound system

Printing of invitations from 25 cent and upwards

Drinks per table 20-50 USD depending on brand of whiskey and beer

[Playboy]

A Khmer wedding costs about half of what a Khmer divorce costs.