How to Put on a Cambodian Wedding Dress

A woman's wedding day is a very exciting time, and much preparation is put into what she will wear on her special day. While the traditional idea of a wedding gown is often of an extravagant white dress, some cultures promote a more vibrant and ornate style of dress for the bride. In addition to large jewels and embellishments, a Cambodian bride typically wears a "kahen," a complex and ornate gown that should be layered correctly.

  1. Instructions

      • 1
        Put on the main bodice of the wedding dress, followed by the skirt portion. Most Cambodian gowns are one-piece and are covered by an outer skirt that has a unique design and vibrant color.
      • 2
        Wrap the sash around the bride's waist so that the front part falls loosely at the hips. The sash is also known as a "Sbaay" in Cambodian ritual.
      • 3
        Add additional adornments including bracelets, arm cuffs, necklaces, and earrings. Jewelry is an important extension of the entire wedding gown design since Cambodian wedding dresses are known for extreme adornment of jewels, gems and rhinestones. Brides often attach ornate heirlooms and large pins to the upper bodice portion as well as the Sbaay to achieve a more polished look.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Because a traditional Cambodian wedding will last three days, it's not unusual to encounter numerous gown changes.