I think Vietnamese weddings are pretty cool. From the costumes, to the gifts (!!!), to the food, I wouldn't mind taking a piece of their wedding culture into my own big day. Read on to get a small glimpse into the deep roots of eastern wedding culture. 

Traditional Vietnamese Bride and Groom

A perfect blend of traditional culture and modern beauty frame today's Vietnamese brides, grooms and their weddings. Many have the best of both worlds with a tea ceremony to start, followed by a fabulously modern reception. A lot of times accompanied with multiple costume changes among other things, creating a perfect harmony between the east and the west. 

A bride and her bridesmaids.

The Dress:

Traditionally, the bride will wear a gown called an "Ao Dai." The gown is worn day to day in a casual manner; the silhouette is simple, with a neutral fabric and no hat. When a bride wears an Ao Dai, she spices it up a little. The fabric becomes more formal (think brighter colours and lace) and a matching hat is added to the mix. 

A bride picking flowers wearing a beaded Ao Dai.

Chris and Jenna’s Traditional Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony

The Big Day:  

The celebration often begins with the presentation of symbolic gifts from the grooms family to the brides. These gifts are wrapped in red for luck, and traditionally with a bright cloth on top; blessings are also then exchanged between families. 

An engagement ceremony and then a tea ceremony called a Dam Hoi take place after the gifts are accepted. Basically, you are passed to your hubby-to-be by your parents, rings are exchanged and all that la-dee-da; then finally, the bride and groom serve tea to the parents and elders of the ceremony. This is followed by a reception where food (the best part) is served. 

Thuy-an at her engagement session.

They're Married! (kind of):

After the wedding ceremony the couple is now seen as married in the eyes of their family and friends. Marriage registration can be completed long after the ceremony has taken place. 

We got married! Well, sort of.

If you want to learn more, or want to know where we got our info from click here, here, here and (okay, last one) here.

If we made a mistake, tell us! (We won't take it personally, we promise)

What kind of cultural weddings do you find fascinating or would love to see up on our blog? Let us know!