Guests at a Thai Wedding
 

We have just been invited to be guests at a traditional rural village wedding to be held in a village 6 1/2 hours from Bangkok. We would like to bring a gift for the bride's mother to thank her for her hospitality. In addition, we are debating about the wedding gift for our friends. Can anyone who knows the local customs and traditions help with suggestions? Thanks.

Gayle, I don't know the full traditions though I have been to 2. I will ask the girls in the office today about it, especially about the Mother's Gift. The wedding gift for the couple is simple..Money! You place money in an envelope and this is just given to an 'appointed' person who records the amount. On the 2 times I have gone no-one ( friends from work weddings ) we just gave money, I do not recall seeing any wrapped gifts. I will check what a suitable amount is, how are you connected with them as that I am sure dictates the amount that would be deemed 'appropriate'.
James(bangkok)

As promised:-
If you know the couple 'very well' and know their lifestyle, their likes/dislikes then buying them a present they need is ok. However, if you are not so close to them to know this then 'money' is the answer. It also of couse for any wedding 'anywhere' probably the most sensible and worthwhile gift. B2-3,000 maximum if you are generous(US$50-70).
However, you can also perhaps buy a bottle of perfume ofr the bride and perhaps same for the mother as perfume covers most social scales.
There is no point buying cutlery/household items as their lifestyle/home would dictate whether they are of use.
If you are staying with the family then taking them out for a good local meal with a few bottles of local whisky is appreciated too. It depends very much on whether it is a business or personal associate and how close to them you are.

If you are actually flying from Europe then maybe Gulf or Emirates is a good bet as they stop in Bahrain/Abu Dhabi or Dubai ( depending on airline ) all of which have very cheap duty free!

P.S As you say it is a rural area it would not be 'in-appropriate' for you to stay in a hotel in a town nearby. If you stay in a small hotel you might actually give a sigh of relief to your 'hosts' as they may not have a/c or other 'facilities' appropriate. Thais are non-judegmental so do not hesitate a second booking a hotel in nearby town and getting a car/raxi to/from the wedding village location. If you tell me the town I can find some suggested place nearby.

JamesA - Thank you so much for your research and valuable information. The groom is British and is a very good friend. We have not met his bride to be. They live in Bangkok but her family is from a farming village of 300, 6 1/2 from Bangkok. We would not feel right giving money, especially the amount you mentioned as our friend is quite "comfortable".

The bride's mother does not drink but I think the perfume idea is lovely.

Our friend has made arrangements for us to stay at a "nice" hotel about a 1/2 hour drive from the village and will arrange for all our transportation.

I'll give some more thought to the wedding gift...

Thanks again.

Well as I said it 'depends' who the marriage couple are. In that case you answer I would say is to give him a call/e-mail and ask him. If they are well off then I would agree money would not come into the scenario.
I would say it is probably better to buy the gift in Bangkok. I am sure as a friend he would be fine to give an idea.
If they are marrying in the local village but will be living in Bangkok again different situation. If they live in an apartment/condo in bangkok something 'nice' for the apartment would be good.
Sounds like you are well organised. I have replied with ideas on the flight, I think you would enjoy boarding Thai Airweays from london to get you into the 'feel/mood' of your Thailand trip!