A Traditional Vietnamese Wedding is more than a ceremony—it’s a vibrant celebration of love, ancestry, and community. From ceremonial offerings to joyful karaoke at night, each moment weaves a story of cultural pride and family unity. Here’s what a typical wedding day looks like, hour by hour.
🌅 Early Morning: The Groom’s Procession (Lễ Ăn Hỏi)
The morning begins with the groom’s family forming a formal procession to the bride’s house. They carry tráp cưới—red-lacquered trays wrapped in silk, filled with symbolic offerings:
- Betel leaves & areca nuts
- Tea and rice wine
- Candied fruit, pastries, and jewelry
Each tray is exchanged with a matching partner from the bride’s side, marking the respectful union of two families.
🏡 At the Bride’s House: Traditional Ceremonies Begin
Upon arrival, both families greet each other with respectful bows. Incense is lit to honor ancestors, and a master of ceremony or elder speaks words of blessing. The bride, radiant in red or gold áo dài and khăn đóng (circular headdress), is formally introduced.
Highlights:
- Ancestral altar blessings
- Bride and groom bowing to elders
- Exchange of symbolic gifts and red envelopes
☕ Midday: The Tea Ceremony (Lễ Vu Quy)
The tea ceremony is deeply spiritual and emotional. The bride and groom serve tea to their elders to express gratitude. In return, they receive blessings, heartfelt advice, and often gifts of gold jewelry or money in red envelopes.
This part of the wedding is quiet, sincere, and filled with shared memories and laughter.
🍽️ Afternoon: The Wedding Banquet (Tiệc Cưới)
Guests gather at a large venue for a festive multi-course feast. Emcees introduce the couple, who then perform symbolic acts:
- Champagne tower pour
- Cake cutting
- Toasts to parents and guests
Popular dishes include steamed prawns, roasted pork, lotus root soup, and traditional desserts like chè đậu xanh (mung bean pudding) or bánh xu xê (husband & wife cake).
💃 Evening: Dancing, Karaoke, and Celebration
As the sun sets, the mood turns lively! Expect:
- Karaoke (a Vietnamese wedding essential!)
- Dance performances or live bands
- Photo sessions with every guest table
Family and friends dance, laugh, and enjoy the night, often until midnight. The bride and groom might change into more comfortable outfits for mingling. Some guests even take home dessert boxes—symbolizing abundance and generosity.
🎁 Final Thoughts: A Wedding Full of Heart and Heritage
Traditional Vietnamese weddings are unforgettable not just for their beauty, but for their depth of meaning. Every ritual honors love, lineage, and family. Whether you’re a guest or part of the wedding party, you’ll leave with a full heart—and probably a very full stomach!
📸 Bonus Tip: If You Attend One…
Bring:
- A red envelope (lì xì) with money (avoid amounts ending in 4—it’s unlucky)
- An appetite for amazing food
- A few Vietnamese phrases like “Chúc mừng hạnh phúc!” (Wishing you happiness!)
🧭 Want to experience one for yourself? Join us on our upcoming guided trips to Vietnam!
🔗 Explore TraditionalVietnam.travel for details