Vietnamese weddings are filled with interesting and colorful rituals, from traditional tea ceremonies to the groom taking shots with everyone. In these weddings, where family ties are extremely important, not only the couples but entire families come together.
So, what is a wedding day like in Vietnam? Let’s take a closer look at this unique culture!
1. Pre-Wedding Rituals: A Blend of Tradition and Respect
The marriage process in Vietnam goes through several important stages. These are meaningful traditions that strengthen the bond between the couple’s families.
💍 Engagement Ceremony (Lễ Dạm Ngõ)
This is the first step in the wedding process. The groom and his family visit the bride’s family. As the families get to know each other, the marriage is approved and the process officially begins.
🍵 Tea Ceremony (Lễ Ăn Hỏi)
One of the most important traditions in Vietnamese weddings is the tea ceremony. The groom’s family brings special gifts to show respect to the bride’s family. These include:
✔️ Betel leaves and areca nuts (symbols of love)
✔️ Tea and rice wine
✔️ Sweets and money in red envelopes
During this ceremony, the couple prays at a family altar to show respect for their ancestors.
2. Wedding Day: What Is a Wedding Like in Vietnam?
Vietnamese weddings are usually large, fun, and full of food. Let’s take a look at what happens on the wedding day!
👥 How Many Guests Attend Vietnamese Weddings?
- Small weddings have around 100–200 guests.
- Medium-sized weddings host 300–500 guests.
- Large weddings can have up to 1,000 guests!
In Vietnamese culture, not only family members but also distant relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even the family’s business connections are invited to the wedding.
🥃 Does the Groom Have to Take Shots with Everyone?
Yes! It is a tradition in Vietnamese weddings for the groom to take shots with guests one by one while shouting “1-2-3 dzô!” (cheers!).
- The groom is usually expected to drink rice wine (rượu) or beer.
- The bride, however, is not required to drink. Her role is to politely greet the guests.
- If the groom drinks too much, his “drinking buddies” step in to help!
Vietnamese weddings are fun but can be a bit challenging for the groom! 😆
💸 The Tradition of Giving Money (Phong Bì)
In Vietnam, everyone attending a wedding must give money to the couple in red envelopes (Lì Xì or Phong Bì).
This money helps cover the wedding expenses.
Whoever gives how much is remembered—and that amount must be returned to them in the future!
On average:
- Per guest: 500,000 – 1,000,000 VND (20–40 USD)
- Close relatives: 2–5 million VND (80–200 USD)
- Wealthy businesspeople: 10 million VND (400 USD) and above
In Vietnam, the tradition of giving money serves as a social and economic balancing system at weddings.
3. Traditional Vietnamese Wedding Attire
In Vietnamese weddings, there are special outfits for the bride and groom:
👗 Bride: She wears a long, embroidered silk dress called “Áo Dài,” usually in red or gold.
🤵 Groom: Traditionally, he wears an embroidered tunic and trousers called “Áo Gấm.” However, nowadays many grooms prefer to wear a suit.
4. Wedding Feast: A Celebration of Flavors
Vietnamese weddings are also like a feast! Here are the most popular wedding dishes:
🍲 Bánh phu thê – A rice cake known as the “husband and wife cake.”
🥩 Bò nướng lá lốt – Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves.
🦐 Chạo tôm – Shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane.
In Vietnamese weddings, food is not just for satisfying hunger but also symbolizes unity and prosperity.
5. Interesting Superstitions About Vietnamese Weddings
🔮 Rain Means Prosperity! – If it rains on the wedding day, it is believed that the couple’s marriage will be full of blessings.
🕊️ White Clothing Is Forbidden! – Since white symbolizes mourning, wearing it at weddings is considered inappropriate.
🌿 Betel Leaves Symbolize Love! – Betel leaves are offered during the wedding to symbolize and strengthen the couple’s love.
6. A Love Story from Vietnamese Mythology: Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh
Once upon a time in Vietnam, a king’s beautiful daughter, Mi Nuong, was loved by two powerful men: Sơn Tinh (the Mountain God) and Thủy Tinh (the Water God).
The king gave his daughter to Sơn Tinh. However, Thủy Tinh, angered by this decision, began sending floods and storms. Every year during the rainy season, Thủy Tinh’s battle against Sơn Tinh would continue.
This story is told in Vietnamese weddings as a meaningful reminder of nature’s power and the sacrifices that love may require.
Conclusion: Vietnamese Weddings – Enchanting Celebrations Where Tradition and Modernity Meet
Vietnamese weddings are joyful, tradition-filled celebrations that strengthen family bonds and feature plenty of food. If you’re ever invited to a wedding in Vietnam:
✔️ Don’t forget to bring money in a red envelope.
✔️ Be ready to take a shot with the groom!
✔️ Prepare to eat a lot!
Would you like to explore this enchanting wedding culture? 🎊