The groom, accompanied by the groomsmen and all of the groom's family goes to the home of the bride to claim her. The enhanced bridal version (or o Di Ci) has been modernized with long trains or capes and can be paired with khn ng, a traditional circular Vietnamese headdress, that coils around the head that resembles a halo and brings a more regal feel to the attire. It's also very. For men, the main outfit is a suit, including trousers, a light shirt, a tie, and a vest. These boxes often include items such as cakes, wine, fruits, and even a roasted pig. While the couple's at it, the guests will typically present them with envelopes packing money. The wedding ceremony is always considered the most important and indispensable part by Vietnamese people. Bride Spotlight: How to Complement Your Wedding Qipao with the Perfect Hair Accessory. Guests are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothes to signify happiness for the couple," advises Nguyen. The south of Vietnam still calls for summer-like clothing, but in the north, it can get quite cool. At the wedding of my brother, the wedding location was used as stand in for both of their homes. Most brides will have several outfit changes, with red being one of the dresses, if not the main one. Beach cities/towns like Nha Trang and Mui Ne are naturally going to be a little more casual, but still, you wont see Vietnamese people wearing beach attire away from the beach. Most of the time, really formal attire or a suit is not required. The wedding dress for the bride in a party is quite expensive compared to the living standard of Vietnamese people. Off the bat it should be noted, however, that while many of these traditions describe the marriage of a bride and groom, LGBTQ+ couples celebrating a "Vietnamese wedding might work much the same way, though the partners may modify the traditions to better suit," explains Bui. Natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis are not common. The most important thing you should pay attention to isnot to upstage the bride. It isn't particularly unusual as people in this country believe that holy matrimony isn't solely a union between a man and a woman. It was a very interesting experience I didn't want to miss! Additionally, content creator Hong-Kim Cung, a member of The Knot's Most Influential Weddings crew, opens up about her recent nuptials and how she infused her Vietnamese heritage into the celebration. The wedding started on the spot at 18:00 and had a tight schedule with pictures, a movie about the couple and show dance on a stage among other events. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You caneven wear black, which is one of the unique things about Vietnamese wedding culture. Getting married is undoubtedly one of the most important events of all. Ao Dai is the name of a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress. If on the wedding day, the bride is required to wear a traditional Vietnamese dress ao dai, for the groom, the clothing element is much simpler. I know the groom very well, but I have seen his parents only once. For women, pants or shorts/skirts longer than the knees are acceptable. The top garment of a weddingo di is the long, split tunic that fits somewhat close to the bodice. Then, representatives of both families will introduce the families to each other. However, it's not unusual that it's organized on the morning of the wedding day. Thoughtful Wedding Gifts 12. White And Any Colors Close To White White is traditionally considered the color of the bride. There are plenty of other beliefs and traditions associated with this sacred day. Also, since the groom's family didn't speak Vietnamese, a relative of the bride translated everything for their benefit. Therefore, almost every nation in the world considers the wedding ceremony as a great celebration in life. The brides coat always has an eye-catching pattern design with a dragon and phoenix image or a symbol of luck to create a prominent highlight for the main character in the wedding. Many Vietnamese wedding receptions will showcase lion dancers. At this point in the wedding day, it's time for the couple to pray at the altar that's been set up in the ceremony space. Gifts are traditionally money in envelopes, preferably red. Groom's outfit: If on the wedding day, the bride is required to wear a traditional Vietnamese dress - ao dai, for the groom, the clothing element is much simpler. Attending a wedding of a Vietnamese couple soon? Therefore, avoid wearing something similar to what the bride will wear and try not to choose white, red, and pastel colors. Even the dress code among locals in Vietnam varies quite a bit. - Being one of the most affordable countries in the world, Vietnam is great for expats. We cover this topic more in depth in our guide to when to visit Vietnam. And with the thought, the wedding is only once in a lifetime, so the groom often orders himself a satisfactory outfit. But before you experience some of them, you need to figure out what to wear when invited to a, Vietnamese wedding traditions and customs, Even though many Vietnamese couples nowadays decide to have a. , some still prefer to tie the knot in a traditional way. Cognac and a ton of food are considered a standard part of Vietnamese wedding traditions and customs. Most noticeable and outstanding is the brides wedding dress. Before we give you tips on what you should wear, here's what you can expect to see the bride and groom wear. Winter, by contrast, tends to be dry. You will find bottles of the most expensive Cognac, stick rice, luxury teas, desserts, fruits and items that symbolize prosperity, wealth and luck. But before you experience some of them, you need to figure out what to wear when invited to a traditional Vietnamese wedding. While red is the most well-known wedding color in Chinese culture, green is actually one of the traditional Chinese wedding dress colors. In regard to structure, the engagement ceremony or m Hi is "almost step-by-step a mirror of the wedding," explains Bui. Brides typically have three outfit changes throughout the day. But I can add some personal experience as well, which largely confirms the article, as earlier this year my brother married his Vietnamese wife. To ensure solemnity and courtesy for the ceremony, most attendees in the wedding have to choose their outfits carefully. Will all accommodation be full (or at inflated prices) if arriving in Vietnam right in the middle of Tt? Wearing these colors to a wedding could bring bad luck to the couple, and is just considered impolite, so they should be avoided. o di is the long, split tunic that fits somewhat close to the bodice. This particular event is when a formal meeting between two families occurs. During this wedding tradition, two families are brought together to have aformal meeting during which the groom and his family ask for the bride's hand in marriage. Here's what you need to know before relocating to Vietnam: Back to Cheongsam Corner | East Meets Dress. This is where they bring traditional Vietnamese wedding gifts packed in red boxes - the red color symbolizes wealth and prosperity. The groom's family is expected to bring gifts such as fruits or sweet treats. This article walks you through what to say during your wedding tea ceremony to show respect and gratitude to your elders and unite your two families as one. Yes, there is actually an Ao Dai for men. Both the bride and the groom can wear it, although the color varies slightly. For those coming to teach English in Taiwan, the dress code for teachers is going to be modest, but not too formal. Usually, this ceremony happens before the wedding day. This price is only for a small number of rich buyers. Traditional Vietnamese dressesfor women are calledAo Dai (o di), which is a long (floor-length) dress with a tiny turtleneck and long sleeves. Avoid wearing too much black or white Both white and black symbolize mourning and death in Chinese culture. But enough about that! Let's first identify the suitable wedding colors you can wear to a wedding. Bui explains that "a Vietnamese wedding day starts with the groom's family and friends forming a procession line, traditionally at the groom's house, and parading to the bride's house. Ao Dai are made traditionally of silk and come in different colours and designs. As most weddings used to be arranged in the past, this was usually the first time the couple would meet. The second is a formal engagement party where the groom's family brings gifts to the bride's family and this is usually the first time the extended family gets to meet the couple. But I was distracted by the fact, that in my mother's tongue there is no wikipedia article. They all meet at the groom's house for a secondary tea ceremony and followed by lunch hosted by the groom's side," notes Chan of the m Hi engagement ceremony, which actually carries a striking resemblance to the flow of a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony. That is a common thing in all wedding cultures. Or Whatsapp +84 934 889 667 to our phone! A roasted pig is also part of the offering. Traditionally, they are red envelopes of money, other congratulatory gifts and words of wisdom. While in many Western weddings it's commonplace to have a first look where to-be-weds see each other in their wedding attire for the first time, that's less common within Vietnamese weddings. It is best to avoid flamboyant or brought colors typical, darker, or neutral colors are best. Bridesmaids wear brightly colored o di in yellow, blue, or pink that either compliments or contrasts with the brides. Vietnamese people are big on alcohol, especially cognac. As an accessory to the dress, they wear a headband resembling a halo - or rather, Khan Dong. Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, so it's no wonder many people decide to relocate there. Thank you! Red is the most popular since, according to Vietnamese, it signifies luck. You know those Thai-pants that every second traveler in Southeast Asia seems to be wearing? Vietnamese wedding traditions and customs regarding reception don't differ much from those in other cultures. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? Wearing an ao dai in a lovely bright color or a gorgeous formal dress can help you make a great impression. More modern brides have worn colors such as green, white, or pink. Doing a traditional m hi is not too common these days but back in antiquity, the m hi was sometimes the event where the groom met the bride for the first time, so you can imagine that this ceremony, when it exists today, is quite amended to be more of an engagement party that, together with the m ci, bookends the engagement period of the bride and groom.". If you order a special airline meal (e.g. Important Colors and Attire 7. Will the locals be angry if you do that, or will you be accused of cultural appropriation? For men, whether shorts are allowed or long pants are a must is going to depend on the schools policies, which can vary quite a bit. While traditionally the groom will offer gold necklaces and bracelets, more modern couples now offer diamond jewelry instead. In Vietnamese culture, there are three ceremonies: a formal engagement ceremony when the groom's family asks the bride's parents if their son can marry their daughter. , which is one of the unique things about Vietnamese wedding culture. Bui explains that "after the short wedding ceremony, there is an opportunity for more speeches and bonhomie, and then the couple serves hot tea to their elders; each set of parents, and grandparents if they are there, as well as aunts and uncles. During dinner service, the bride and groom greet each table to thank them for coming in a custom called cho bn, which literally translates to a greeting table. In some special situations or due to economic conditions, the party may be grand or omitted. Learn about the wedding traditions that make Czech weddings charmingly unique. Therefore, in my experience, when I wear a raincoat or poncho that is too thick, I become a sweaty mess under it, and it tends to stick to my skin. The baju kurung is typical everyday wear as well. ", During the m Hi, Chan advises that "the groom's side lines up with offerings of food and alcohol. The Thnh Hn follows the Vu Quy, but it takes place at the groom's family home. If you are looking for the ultimate packing list for Vietnam, either backpacking, travelling with kids or motorbiking, check out ourVietnam packing list for travelersor packing list for anyone moving to Vietnam. However, nowadays, most couples choose awedding venue. This doesnt mean you have to. The most important thing you should pay attention to is, . The groom wears ao daior a suit. If you're looking for a moderno di to wear for your wedding, get in touch with us here! Don't worry about not speaking Vietnamese, as little communication is needed for the groomsmen; they're mostly the bearers of the gifts. Before he officially gets the green light to see his bride, a groom must show the gifts to her family members. ", As for guests, it is important to keep in mind the colors that are reserved for the to-be-weds and plan a wedding guest outfit accordingly. She said she reached out to DeBose, concerned all the internet attention might be getting . Requesting guests to either wear bright, bold colors, pastels, or all white or all black.". Tea Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony. The guests are also free to wear formal clothings or ao dai. Tea Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony 9. However, it is important to wear the clothing respectfully in other words, wear it in the same way that the locals do, and dont, for example, modify this traditionally humble clothing to be provocative. After the official proposal ends with cheers and merriment, the families have lunch to celebrate the union together. In the engagement ceremony, the bride wears the traditional ao daiin bright gold or red colors. If you find yourself in a situation where you can have an intelligent conversation with a Vietnamese person regarding this topic,try to explain your sidewithout being too arrogant. In other cities, almost no famous designer can be found. This is also where both sides will introduce themselves with family introductions, a welcome speech and prayer. Purple florals represent sadness, and white florals represent funerals and death, so they are a big no for wedding guests. It is a frustrating fact that women are still struggling to gain equal rights in Vietnam and that we are the ones who need to adjust. Most of the options are suit with trousers, white shirt, light tie, and elegant vest. The power of social media was made apparent after a daughter posted a clip of her parents' empty Vietnamese restaurant to TikTok, and it blew up, amassing over one million views. This is not America. The ceremony is significant in Vietnamese culture, as marriage is not only viewed as a union of two people, but also the union of two families." Our East Meets Dress bride, Renee, shares her wedding story and how she found the perfect Chinese bridal hairpin to complement her modern wedding qipao. Wedding Processional: What's the Traditional Order? So to dress it up for weddings, some guests may wear a variation known as baju kurung cekak musang, which has a Mandarin-style collar with five buttons. What to Say During Your Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony. When and how was it discovered that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas? "The m Hi is the process of the groom and groom's side asking the bride's family for her hand and marriage. Nguyen goes on to explain that there's a misconception that since Vietnamese couples often choose to wear traditional attire, there isn't space for personalization within their wedding-day outfits. But what it does mean is that you should just pay a little more attention to what youre wearing and err on the side of modesty. In addition, the procession of gifts to the bride's family (or the mm qu), is another way to pay respect to the bride's family and thank them for raising the bride to the individual she is today. After the wedding ceremony, the bride should say goodbye to her parents and follow the groom to his house where the reception is held. Fun fact! The only mandatory element for the grooms outfit is to be polite and bright. Robertshaw mentions keeping in mind that, as a guest, you want the couple, as well as their wedding party, to stand out. Purple florals represent sadness, and white florals represent funerals and death, so they are a big no for wedding guests. So, lets start! The groom's family is expected to bring gifts such as fruits or sweet treats. Chan agrees, explaining that Vietnamese couples don't have wedding registries and "all gifts are monetary gifts. The couple should always serve the oldest members first to show respect and appreciation. She goes on to explain that Vietnamese wedding receptions involve "a lot of food during the wedding reception. Additionally, she encourages wedding guests attending Vietnamese wedding celebrations to "always wear something formal, do not wear jeans, khakis or casual attire to a Vietnamese wedding. At the BAFTA Film Awards, both Ariana DeBose and Angela Bassett went viral after the former named checked the latter in her rap at the ceremony. And, please tell me if the guide above gives you an idea for choosing costumes! Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Ao dai attire is still widely used in most of the Vietnamese wedding. The south of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne, is a hint more lack when it comes to dress code. In this article, we'll introduce you toVietnamese wedding traditions and customsand help you choose the perfect outfit. The colors in an o di is indicative of the wearer's age and status. It is best to avoid flamboyant or brought colors - typical, darker, or neutral colors are best. In fact most guests used the white envelope in which they had received their invitation to deposit their gift. Discover your dream cheongsam and get $10 off ->. All that good food brought in by the groom's side, and whatever feast has been prepared by the bride's side, is set upon by one and all. "Wedding guests should not wear black because that's what you wear to a funeral, no purple florals as they represent sadness and no white florals as they represent death and funerals," advises Chan. In spring, in the months leading up to the wet season, the temperatures get hotter and hotter, so bring clothes that are light and cover lots of skin. Because ready-made suits often do not fit everyones body. Most Vietnamese brides choose modern-style wedding dress designs. Both the bride and the groom can wear it, although the color varies slightly. At the end of the Tea and Candle Ceremony, they light a dragon and phoenix candle, officially symbolizing the unity of families. ", Some people may be surprised to learn that there isn't a specific moment in Vietnamese ceremonies where an officiant pronounces the couple married. Tank tops are not OK, nor are sandals. For example, in the northwestern highlands around Sapa, many women dress differently according to their tribe (see image above). Famous clothing designers concentrate in Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. Vietnam is probably like no other place you've ever seen. Of course, regardless of the choice, the beauty and splendor factor is still the top selection criterion of every Vietnamese bride. It appears that your cart is currently empty! Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 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