Weddings may differ from country to country and culture to culture, but the primary purpose of the wedding remains the same: a way to formally acknowledge the lifetime romantic commitment between two people in the eyes of the law and the couple’s church.

Most couples are given the choice between a simple, streamlined modern wedding or complicated and highly ritualistic traditional nuptials. There is no better way to experience a country’s diverse culture than by participating in one of its unique rituals or special ceremonies.

Experience the complex culture of Vietnam by having a wonderful and traditional Vietnamese wedding.

The Vietnamese Wedding

Prior to the wedding ceremony is an engagement ceremony that takes place at least six months before the intended nuptials. Traditionally, marriages were arranged by the couple’s parents with little or no consultation with the children, making it commonplace to have brides and grooms meeting each other for the first time at the actual wedding ceremony.

Traditional Vietnamese weddings consist of a wide array of ceremonies. The groom must first ask permission to have the bride, and visit the bride’s family to offer a gift of betel. The mother of the bride then gives the groom permission to receive the bride.

Next, there is a procession in which the groom receives his bride. The procession is composed of the groom’s family, with a representative of the groom’s house leading the way. The groom and his family members carry big traditional umbrellas and decorated lacquer boxes wrapped in red cloth. Inside each of these boxes are different gifts representing the groom’s family wealth.

Upon reaching the bride’s home, the groom and his bride-to-be will then ask permission and blessing from the bride’s ancestors before the wedding. The couple will also ask the bride’s ancestors for protection and happiness for their future family.

A tea and candle ceremony is held by the bride, her groom and their respective families. Later, the procession heads back to the groom’s home, this time with the new bride. Firecrackers are lit to celebrate this wonderful event, and the couple heads inside to pray to the groom’s ancestors. The bride is introduced to the groom’s relatives, and then later brought to the marital bed.

There is usually a huge banquet party with almost every single member of the bride’s and groom’s family in attendance. These days, the size of the banquet is usually smaller due to practical purposes.

Since Vietnamese weddings are highly spiritual in nature, the date and the time of the wedding ceremony must first be approved by an astrological expert or a fortune teller.

Contemporary Vietnamese Weddings

These days, blushing Vietnamese brides have at least three costume changes during the banquet. The bride usually dons two Western-style wedding gowns and a traditional Áo dài, which she has worn to the previous rituals and ceremonies.

Most modern Vietnamese weddings are infused with both western and eastern wedding practices to create the perfect balance between streamlined modern rites and complex traditional customs.

Vietnamese Wedding Attire

Expect the lovely Vietnamese bride to wear the glorious Ao mênh phu or the royal áo dài to her modern day Vietnamese wedding. The Áo mênh phu was once worn by the court ladies of the Nguyen dynasty. Today, this traditional garment is considered the height of elegance and style.

Vietnamese weddings has a rich culture. Just watch the video below.