‘A Khmer Wedding is Not a Spectator Event’
The latest edition of the Cambodian tourist magazine Bayon Pearnik gives readers a blow-by-blow of a traditional Khmer wedding reception (Page 14). If you spend a long enough time in Cambodia and make a few Khmer friends, you will eventually be invited to one.

Cambodian weddings are pageants of multiple wedding dresses and old traditions. The receptions are a parade of delicious foods and Khmer dancing. Lots of Khmer dancing.

My way is blocked, I’m being pawed by anxious and intent dancers. They want me to join them. I want my beer. The action is amok, and the buzz is not contained within the party’s tent walls. Mass mobilization! People are on their feet, chairs are askew, tables show a feast has been had, laughs and hugs are all round and in my face. All this commotion gravitates towards the dance circle. When Cambodians dance they usually do it circling around a table, moving together; moreover, if traditional Khmer music is requested, the dance moves are all known and the participants step and gesture in unison. If you managed to not stick out in the mix of the party by now, your dancing will betray you. I’m not a bad dancer, or I used to think I wasn’t until I started embarrassing myself over and over again with my ineptitude to dance Khmer styles. Everyone here has been waiting for this moment, the dancing begins…

If you get invited to a wedding, a cash gift of $20 to $50 sealed in a decorative envelope is sufficient. And you did read correctly: Cambodians put ice in their beer.

Travelers should also check out the Pearnik’s guide to some worthwhile eateries (Page 6).