And parade in they do! The kabun mak or betel nut procession is one of the most fun parts of the wedding ceremony, as the groom is danced (sometimes carried on shoulders or even on the back of an elephant!) to the bride’s locale by his friends and family. The procession includes drummers and wailers (Oh-e-oh-e-oh-e-oh-e-ohhhhhhhhhh! Whew!), and possibly a whole band. Family and friends carry presents of fruit, candy, liquor, and always banana trees and sugar cane cuttings to be planted at the couple’s new home. In the past, fancy betel nut processing sets were the centerpiece gifts, giving the procession its common name. Be warned, the procession can take some time if participants are having fun – Thais often call this party train “walking forward 2 steps and back 3”!
When he arrives at the threshold to the bride’s family home, the groom will meet his bride’s family members holding ceremonial thin chains to bar his path but will buy his way past with envelopes of money (usually 100 baht) tucked into his jacket. Depending on local traditions there may be a lot of bribing to do for the determined groom.
Once inside the bride’s home, the gifts are arranged in front of the bride’s family and all assemble for the confusion to begin.