At the beginning of the day, the bride customarily waits at her parent's house while the groom gathers a procession of his family and friends. The procession symbolizes the journey of the prince Preah Thong to meet his bride the princess Neang Neak. The groom's procession approaches the bride's home bearing wrapped platters of gifts, usually fruits and Khmer desserts, and is led by a band of musicians and singers.

Here comes the groom,
This is the song for you.
Now, at the break of dawn,
We rise to the place of celebration.
Holding up high, the wedding flowers
The groom is coming.
With the achar as a witness
Granting his good wishes
According to tradition.
Holding up the umbrella high,
As we journey through places bright
This day is the perfect day
No better to be chosen.
The procession is coming with our gifts,
Offerings for the parents of the bride.
Weaving in and out as one,
We come to the place of celebration.

Traditionally, the mai ba (a well-respected member of the bride's family who serves as its representative) comes out to greet the procession. The different number of fruits and desserts are counted - the more, the better. If found to be satisfactory, the mai ba and ma ha (representative for the groom's party) run through a humorous verbal parlay which ends with the groom and the rest of the procession being invited into the bride's home. 

www.khmerinstitute.org