Wedding Day Costs

[Semper]

cost me 150 baht to get married at the government office

You must have got some extra service. I think the normal rate is about 40 Baht.

Maybe he splashed out on a Chauffeur driven Tuk Tuk for is special day

[transam]

cost me 150 baht to get married at the government office

You must have got some extra service. I think the normal rate is about 40 Baht.

Maybe he splashed out on a Chauffeur driven Tuk Tuk for is special day

I could under cut the Tu Tuk with my truck, even got a lid to keep the rain off. OP, take note.

[wandrinstar]

And still they fall for it.

[Kilgore Trout]

Sensible woman my wife. thats why i luvs her.

her mum even advised the same. nice lady

so money was spent on our house, and it looks good.

Hope the house is in your name w/ 30 year lease on the land.

Otherwise, of course they are being sensible; you just bought them a house

[Livinginexile]

Mine cost 180,000, with the Buddhist ceremony in the morning and the party at night. Approx 200guests came along.

WOW, big doo.

Dumb it was on a Sunday, but actually good for me as if it had been more it would have been more expensive haha

Mine cost about 3,000 bht at the registry in Bkk (this includes taxi fares, sinsot, McDonalds & sundry expenses).

Serious...my wife wouldn't have any of that "show face and give her family the equivalent of 10 years salary" rubbish!

[transam]

Mine cost 180,000, with the Buddhist ceremony in the morning and the party at night. Approx 200guests came along.

WOW, big doo.

Dumb it was on a Sunday, but actually good for me as if it had been more it would have been more expensive haha

Mine cost about 3,000 bht at the registry in Bkk (this includes taxi fares, sinsot, McDonalds & sundry expenses).

Serious...my wife wouldn't have any of that "show face and give her family the equivalent of 10 years salary" rubbish!

+1 greeny

[zzaa09]

Spend as little as you can on this and spend the rest on the house.. Dont understand why people spend so much on weddings.. the fun of a wedding is being the guest.. throwing one is crap

Pay for the "farang mansion" in Isaan, put in families name, buy the car put in familes name, and hand all the family members their own personalised ATM cards with access to your bank account and you will not have to worry about paying for the wedding/showing face as they will be happy.....

Yes, the last of the romantics.:jap:

[Willeyeam]

Spend as little as you can on this and spend the rest on the house.. Dont understand why people spend so much on weddings.. the fun of a wedding is being the guest.. throwing one is crap

Agree, same with funerals, the poor people up country seem to obliged to end up in years of debt to put on a "SHOW", sad really! When money could be much better utilized.

It isn't that many years ago that "average" Thai families were simply cremated in ordinary coffins - but over the past few years they want all these ridiculous chedis, paper/wood cars houses etc. added to the burning ceremony - This was a reserve of the wealthy - it seems they have been pressured into doing this, despite the fact they cannot afford it, as usual - to SHOW FACE!

Edited August 18, 2011 by Willeyeam

[transam]

Spend as little as you can on this and spend the rest on the house.. Dont understand why people spend so much on weddings.. the fun of a wedding is being the guest.. throwing one is crap

Pay for the "farang mansion" in Isaan, put in families name, buy the car put in familes name, and hand all the family members their own personalised ATM cards with access to your bank account and you will not have to worry about paying for the wedding/showing face as they will be happy.....

Yes, the last of the romantics.:jap:

Noooooo, they still won't be happy. Believe me.

[jonnyscot]

Think i've Finally figured out who you are Transam..,,,, you were that wee bloke that returned during the night to finish off all the half empty leftover beer glasses after nearly everyone else had gone to sleep,,,,, could've stayed,, since there were plenty left,,,

I left the wife to organise ours, around 45 to 50 guests, tables and chairs came from the local school, wife, MIL, and wife's aunt did all the cooking the night before and early morning, seafood and chicken dishes with muggins adding a bit of UK cuisine with my home made fish soup, a 5kg of coconut ice cream supplied in the stainless steel Urn (or whatever you call it) from local source, 12bottles of thai whiskey, 1 case of beer, 2 bottles of champers, 2 cases of coke and 2 of water and a bottle of Macallan's scottish whisky, including dress for wife and some decorations around the house all in I think about 40,000,, A selection of framed wedding photos with a CD of the other photos cost another 6500 if I remember correctly,

1 case of beer and 50 guests. That would be a half glass of beer per person.

Yeh, l left early.

[transam]

[

Think i've Finally figured out who you are Transam..,,,, you were that wee bloke that returned during the night to finish off all the half empty leftover beer glasses after nearly everyone else had gone to sleep,,,,, could've stayed,, since there were plenty left,,,

I left the wife to organise ours, around 45 to 50 guests, tables and chairs came from the local school, wife, MIL, and wife's aunt did all the cooking the night before and early morning, seafood and chicken dishes with muggins adding a bit of UK cuisine with my home made fish soup, a 5kg of coconut ice cream supplied in the stainless steel Urn (or whatever you call it) from local source, 12bottles of thai whiskey, 1 case of beer, 2 bottles of champers, 2 cases of coke and 2 of water and a bottle of Macallan's scottish whisky, including dress for wife and some decorations around the house all in I think about 40,000,, A selection of framed wedding photos with a CD of the other photos cost another 6500 if I remember correctly,

1 case of beer and 50 guests. That would be a half glass of beer per person.

Yeh, l left early.

Gad sir, l've been found out.

[versionupdate]

My Thai friend spent over 1 million bht for the wedding 800 persons (BKK) not include Sin-sord and other things...what do u think?

[AussieTrent]

(food, tables & chairs and cleanup) 1000bht per table (8-10 Heads per table)

Are you getting married at one of them eat all you BBQ for 99 baht ?

No at home, this is the quote for the caterers.

[AussieTrent]

versionupdate

I think they earn a lot more than me!!

[zzaa09]

My Thai friend spent over 1 million bht for the wedding 800 persons (BKK) not include Sin-sord and other things...what do u think?

Sounds more Chinese-Thai than not.

As they're even more concerned with the image and face thing.....

[NancyL]

Don't the guests give money as a gift?

Hubby and I were invited to a Thai wedding that was a multi-day affair with a traditional ceremony (and party) in the wife's village, a party at a resort near the bride's home that evening and another very western-style "wedding" (really a party) at a top-rated hotel in the groom's home town -- Chiang Mai. In talking with Hubby's friends, who are also the groom's friends, we realized we needed a new wardrobe plus a generous cash gift. Where we come from, cash gifts for a wedding are still regarded as being low class, but I just got a blank look from the bride when I asked her where she'd registered her china, silver and crystal. (She speaks flawless English, but apparently doesn't understand all our customs.) In the end, Hubby and I were just like everyone else and shoved an envelope full of cash into a gaily decorated box at each "wedding" function.

[transam]

My Thai friend spent over 1 million bht for the wedding 800 persons (BKK) not include Sin-sord and other things...what do u think?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeerm, a twonk.

BUT, if you have the wonga to blow, no probs eh.

[JurgenG]

There are a couple of ways to make your budget.

At the wedding, guests usually don't bring gifts but put money in a box at the entrance. Based on what people you invite usually gives (from a few 100s from colleagues to a few thousands from close friends of the family) you have your budget for the wedding.

An other friend refused to pay any sinsod but paid for the wedding, the enveloppes went to the bride's family. It helped that the manager of the hotel was a close friends of him .

[AussieTrent]

Don't the guests give money as a gift?

Hubby and I were invited to a Thai wedding that was a multi-day affair with a traditional ceremony (and party) in the wife's village, a party at a resort near the bride's home that evening and another very western-style "wedding" (really a party) at a top-rated hotel in the groom's home town -- Chiang Mai. In talking with Hubby's friends, who are also the groom's friends, we realized we needed a new wardrobe plus a generous cash gift. Where we come from, cash gifts for a wedding are still regarded as being low class, but I just got a blank look from the bride when I asked her where she'd registered her china, silver and crystal. (She speaks flawless English, but apparently doesn't understand all our customs.) In the end, Hubby and I were just like everyone else and shoved an envelope full of cash into a gaily decorated box at each "wedding" function.

Yes I think the cash gift goes in your invitation envelope and gets put in a box. This is all another show of good will by the guests in thanks. The aunties count it at the end. I think it is a bit of a token gesture but it is up to them how much they give... I am not hoping for any large amount but whatever there is might be a nice surprise if there are no expectations.

[Semper]

My Thai friend spent over 1 million bht for the wedding 800 persons (BKK) not include Sin-sord and other things...what do u think?

Sounds more Chinese-Thai than not.

As they're even more concerned with the image and face thing.....

Correct, and they usually have deep pockets.

[AussieTrent]

As far as sin sod goes (a contentious subject on this forum I am sure!) I would be ashamed to refuse to pay or ask my wife to pay. I would feel inadequate, and guilty that I cannot show my worth and ability to provide. I believe strongly in the concept of nam jai and forgive me for sounding like a sucker but don't you have to give a little to get something in life? I am pretty sure doing the opposite will set me on the road to nowhere.

Also I am happy that we will have a great wedding day (not at Macdonalds!! I mean really? is it your wedding or your fifth birthday... do I get a happy meal or am I old enough to have a big mac?)

But whatever makes you happy is good right?

[Raesum]

I always reckon its not the size of the wedding that guarantees the length of the marriage.

We got married by a celebrant in Aus -haven't had the Thai wedding yet...We got married on the 13th, had 13 people at our wedding , after a meal at a local Chinese restaurant we caught the plane to New Zealand for a weeks honeymoon with my Dad(last time I saw him alive) and then came back to Aus and took the stepson camping for another week. And here we are 13 years plus 6 still happily married and enjoying our life in The Big Mango

[NancyL]

Don't the guests give money as a gift?

Hubby and I were invited to a Thai wedding that was a multi-day affair with a traditional ceremony (and party) in the wife's village, a party at a resort near the bride's home that evening and another very western-style "wedding" (really a party) at a top-rated hotel in the groom's home town -- Chiang Mai. In talking with Hubby's friends, who are also the groom's friends, we realized we needed a new wardrobe plus a generous cash gift. Where we come from, cash gifts for a wedding are still regarded as being low class, but I just got a blank look from the bride when I asked her where she'd registered her china, silver and crystal. (She speaks flawless English, but apparently doesn't understand all our customs.) In the end, Hubby and I were just like everyone else and shoved an envelope full of cash into a gaily decorated box at each "wedding" function.

Yes I think the cash gift goes in your invitation envelope and gets put in a box. This is all another show of good will by the guests in thanks. The aunties count it at the end. I think it is a bit of a token gesture but it is up to them how much they give... I am not hoping for any large amount but whatever there is might be a nice surprise if there are no expectations.

You're right. I think I was welcomed into the auntie club when I showed up in traditional Thai dress (appropriate for matrons), cluching an invitation envelope full of cash. The aunties escorted me into prime seating (on stools) for the ceremony at the bride's home while Hubby was taken to the garden and invited to join a group of men drinking Thai whiskey at 9 am in the morning. He a bit appalled that the drinking started before the monks had finished chanting and (maybe more importantly) that the gifts of genuine Scotch were carefully stored while the gifts of Thai whiskey were immediately served to his table.

Edited August 21, 2011 by NancyL

[nocturn]

WOW, big doo.

Dumb it was on a Sunday, but actually good for me as if it had been more it would have been more expensive haha

Mine cost about 3,000 bht at the registry in Bkk (this includes taxi fares, sinsot, McDonalds & sundry expenses).

Serious...my wife wouldn't have any of that "show face and give her family the equivalent of 10 years salary" rubbish!

+1 greeny

sure you got the right forum?

[Semper]

As far as sin sod goes (a contentious subject on this forum I am sure!) I would be ashamed to refuse to pay or ask my wife to pay. I would feel inadequate, and guilty that I cannot show my worth and ability to provide. I believe strongly in the concept of nam jai and forgive me for sounding like a sucker but don't you have to give a little to get something in life? I am pretty sure doing the opposite will set me on the road to nowhere.

Also I am happy that we will have a great wedding day (not at Macdonalds!! I mean really? is it your wedding or your fifth birthday... do I get a happy meal or am I old enough to have a big mac?)

But whatever makes you happy is good right?

but don't you have to give a little to get something in life?

I.e. buying something.

[Livinginexile]

As far as sin sod goes (a contentious subject on this forum I am sure!) I would be ashamed to refuse to pay or ask my wife to pay. I would feel inadequate, and guilty that I cannot show my worth and ability to provide. I believe strongly in the concept of nam jai and forgive me for sounding like a sucker but don't you have to give a little to get something in life? I am pretty sure doing the opposite will set me on the road to nowhere.

Unlike you Trent...my wife suggested a cheap wedding to save me money and by-the-way, McDonalds was her idea on the way home.

At the end of the day Trent, I didn't have to pay for a wife.

How much (sinsot included) did you pay for a wife?

Enough said I think

Also I am happy that we will have a great wedding day (not at Macdonalds!! I mean really? is it your wedding or your fifth birthday... do I get a happy meal or am I old enough to have a big mac?)

But whatever makes you happy is good right?

[AussieTrent]

As far as sin sod goes (a contentious subject on this forum I am sure!) I would be ashamed to refuse to pay or ask my wife to pay. I would feel inadequate, and guilty that I cannot show my worth and ability to provide. I believe strongly in the concept of nam jai and forgive me for sounding like a sucker but don't you have to give a little to get something in life? I am pretty sure doing the opposite will set me on the road to nowhere.

Unlike you Trent...my wife suggested a cheap wedding to save me money and by-the-way, McDonalds was her idea on the way home.

At the end of the day Trent, I didn't have to pay for a wife.

How much (sinsot included) did you pay for a wife?

Enough said I think

Also I am happy that we will have a great wedding day (not at Macdonalds!! I mean really? is it your wedding or your fifth birthday... do I get a happy meal or am I old enough to have a big mac?)

But whatever makes you happy is good right?

30) Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes, added emoticons, or altered wording.

Nothing, as I haven't given up anything to be with my wife.

Edited August 25, 2011 by AussieTrent

[sunnyhor]

When a foreigner marrying a Thai especially in Ampur, traditionally you will go through all necessary procedure.

Monks, breakfast, lunch, dinner.

My opinion, food for the wedding indeed important, but the MOST important is the liquor

Order as much Beer & Whisky as possible. The Thai won't leave if the bottles not dry.

Trust me, my wedding was a splendid one. I did both, one at my wife's hometown and the other at my home.

You won't have the chance to have a "taste" of those ceremony the Thais pass, it's awesome.

my MIL has a big family and a lot of friends, my wedding total guests around 1200 pax............ It really burns a hole in my pocket but really worth every moment.

Total expense for mine including band performers, liquors & food, camera man and Video man approximately 450 000 Bht. IMHO

* Don't expect a lot on your return gift! I had receive a gift from anonymous, a carton of Bird brand Soap too...LOL

Spend as little as you can on this and spend the rest on the house.. Dont understand why people spend so much on weddings.. the fun of a wedding is being the guest.. throwing one is crap

[travelmann]

Doubt I spent more than 1200 baht om my wedding anything else is a waste of money, your all nuts!!

What you should do is say you'll have a big party when youv'e been married 20 years.

[richard_smith237]

Total Wedding costs: Approximately 1 MB including wines, whiskey, (I managed to forget beer !!), wedding dress, suits, hotel Ball Room and cocktail catering, pre-evening-do smaller function room for the engagement ceremony, flowers, wedding cake, photo backdrop, photographers, presentation, band. We managed to negotiate an extension for free and paid the overtime for all the waiting staff.

We were lucky and had many people assist us for free: i.e. Master of ceremony, wedding planner, DJ, makeup artists and hair dressers for Wife and immediate family.

Envelope monies totaled approximately 880,000B - some gave nothing, some people gave enough, some big-wigs gave a lot (MIL noted down who paid what, we now have a copy of that list - I assume a similar amount is then paid at the weddings of their friends children by them, or for our friends by us)

We also received plenty of gifts.

Before the ceremony I figured the envelope money may be fairly substantial and was a little worried about security. My Brother in law took care of that (but really, if a criminal wants to make a lump of cash - rob a large wedding at about 9pm as everyone has moved into the ballroom !)

One thing I insisted on was no early morning events and Sin-sod was to be handled discretely and not in a showy way (it was returned).

It was a big event, perhaps too lavish for my tastes, nonetheless I had a great day. My Wife, her family and my family were ecstatic, and I was too when I saw the pride in my FIL's eyes.

If you are in a mutually respectful relationship - It shouldn't cost the earth and its money well spent as you are laying a foundation for a respectful and healthy future.

One thing I learnt was not to over compromise which also plants a seed of how well we will be valued and respected in the future.

In the end, I really felt it was more a day for the Wife's Parents. And why not?, they've spent the time and effort to bring up a daughter I wanted to marry. The wife and I have the rest of our lives together which started with our honeymoon....

The real wedding took place with just two of us signing documents at an amphur office a few weeks later. And the real headache started for my wife who had to (chose to) change names on her passport, ID, credit cards, frequent flyer cards, company documents, driving license, car papers, car insurance, medical insurance... the list seemed endless and now she's stuck with me because its too much effort to change it all back !

Edited August 27, 2011 by richard_smith237