What are some unique customs at Vietnamese weddings?

Question

Vietnamese weddings seem to have many special traditions. Can you tell me about the most memorable or meaningful ones?

Answer 1

Wearing Áo Dài and Traditional Costumes
The bride typically wears a red or pink "áo dài" (the Vietnamese traditional dress) with an elaborate headdress called "khăn đóng". The groom may also wear a matching "áo dài" or opt for a modern suit. In some regions, especially among ethnic minorities, different vibrant traditional costumes are worn, reflecting local cultural identity.

Answer 2

Ancestor Worship Ritual
At both families’ homes, there’s usually a small ceremony where the couple offers incense and food to the family ancestors at the family altar. They invite the ancestors to bless the marriage, showing that marriage is not just between two people but between two extended families, including past generations.

Answer 3

Here are some unique customs at Vietnamese weddings, with each one explained clearly:

Engagement Ceremony ("Lễ Ăn Hỏi")
Before the actual wedding, there's an official engagement ceremony where the groom’s family visits the bride’s family bringing elaborate gifts like betel leaves, areca nuts, tea, fruits, wine, and cakes — all carried in beautifully decorated trays. The gifts are usually wrapped in red (symbolizing luck) and are presented in odd numbers like 5, 7, or 9 trays. This ceremony formalizes the couple’s relationship, and after it, they are considered officially promised.


Asking for the Bride ("Lễ Xin Dâu")
On the wedding day, the groom’s family forms a procession to the bride’s house, bringing gifts and accompanied by friends and relatives. They politely ask permission from the bride’s family to receive the bride. The groom traditionally has to offer formal greetings (like bowing) and sometimes answer playful "challenges" or riddles posed by the bride’s side before he can meet his bride.

Double Ceremonies (Two Homes)
In many cases, after the ceremony at the bride’s house, there’s a second formal reception or blessing held at the groom’s house. Traditionally, it is important to honor both families separately. Each home ceremony has its own offerings, prayers to ancestors, and presentations of the couple.

Answer 4

Wedding Reception
Most Vietnamese weddings today end with a large reception held at a restaurant or hotel. It can involve hundreds of guests — sometimes more than 500! Guests are expected to bring a red envelope ("phong bì") with money as a gift. There’s a meal, music, dancing, and sometimes a few rounds of karaoke. The couple will go table to table during the meal, greeting and thanking each group of guests.