Marriage

In Laos, once a couple wants to get married, two elders of each family will meet and discuss their approval. If the elders from both sides of the family agree, then they will decide on the price of the bride. In the Hmong Culture, the price of a bride averages $5000-$8000. The bride is also priced on her value .The groom's side of the family pays for the bride to express gratitude to the new bride. The negotiated price is to be paid by the time of the wedding. If the price is not paid, the wedding might even be delayed. (Cha and Livo 90) (Lo and Magagnini) (Lewis 126)

If the bride is taken away without the parents' agreement, then his mother-in-law will insult the groom in an aggressive and challenging manner. The groom will keep on begging until he can prove his loyalty to his new bride. (Cha and Livo, 90)

Process of a Hmong marriage (Lewis, 126-127) (Vang)

1.   The wedding starts at the groom's house. His family will provide 2-4 chickens, 2 pigs, and 10 bottles of hmong liquor. The chickens are offered to the house spirits.
2. The Mej Koom (marriage broker and negotiator) for the groom's side is being honored by drinking liquor at the same time. Then the groom's Phib Laj (best man) kneels to the relatives
3. Then the groom takes his best man, mej koom, bride and bridesmaid to the bride's house.
4. Once they arrive at the bride's house, the Mej Koom will give 2 chickens to the bride's father to sacrifice to his house spirits.
5. The Mej Koom and the groom then kowtow to the bride's family.
6. After this, the groom has to drink liquor with all the bride's male relatives separately. Since there are going to be many of her relatives, there are some of the groom's relatives that well help him finish the liquor after he takes a sip.
7. Then the groom's relatives will take the groom and bride's home.
8. Once they arrive home, there is more celebration to thank all who participated in the wedding.