Large necklace shaped garlands are given as a welcome to long-forgotten friends and as a symbol of good luck to a bride and groom at a traditional Thai wedding. They are also presented to high-ranking officialdom at public spectacles as a welcome and thank you for their presence at an important event.

Another type of flower garland is called a uba. A ubahas two chains of decorative flowers with a tail(s) on each end pieced together by a ribbon.

These type of garlands (uba’s) can be seen in temples and shrines draped over Buddha images, framed photographs of revered monks and recently deceased relatives. They are given as a blessing of respect, good fortune and karma. They are also hung from a car’s inside mirror or dashboard as a symbol of good luck to ward off accidents.

Thai garlands are heavily scented by their use of jasmine as a core flower and a beautiful, colourful mix of fragrant flowers like marigolds, orchids and roses. A strange-looking non-scented white Thai flower named Dok Ruk (flower of love) is also a valuable part of a uba, because of its ornamental shape and preservative qualities which give the garlands a longer shelf life. Small white polystyrene balls are used to space the flowers and add a further decorative effect. 

Source: Thaisabai.org