Traditional vietnamese wedding
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A traditional Vietnamese wedding morning will be greeted with the popping sounds of firecrackers to announce the beginning of the union of two families. The bride will be wearing a traditional Vietnamese red Ao Dai (long dress)–red is the color of good luck in Vietnam whereas white is only worn when in mourning. The bride and bridal party dressed in traditional Vietnamese dress Ao Dai anxiously wait at the home of the bride’s family for the arrival of the groom and his family.
The procession of the groom’s family will consist of married couples and the leading couple will be the wealthiest therefore bringing good fortune to the bride and groom. The groom and his family will arrive at the bride’s home bearing red boxes lined with red paper filled with traditional gifts of betel leaves, areca nuts, wines, fruits, cakes, and jewelry for the bride and her family. The gifts symbolically represent the wealth the groom is bringing to the bride’s family. The leading couple will enter the bride’s house offering the first gift of wine to the bride’s parents. By accepting the wine, the parents welcome the groom’s family into their home. After each gift of food is accepted by the brides parents, the wedding ceremony will take place.
The ceremony will take place in front of an altar in the bride’s home. The bride and groom will then kneel down in front of the altar asking permission from their ancestors’ to bless their marriage and their future family. Now, that they have blessing from their ancestors, the couple will turn and bow to their parents giving thanks for raising and protecting them. The bride and groom will then bow their head to each other signifying gratitude and respect towards each other. Each parent will then give advice about marriage and family to the couple. A candle ceremony will follow, symbolizing the joining of the bride and groom and their families. The red gift box filled with jewelry will be opened by the groom’s mother who will then put each piece on the bride for good fortune. The couple will exchange their wedding vows and rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other. In front of both families, the couple will sign a marriage certificate declaring their marriage to each other. The bride and groom will then be presented with small red envelopes containing money from everyone present to start off their life together. Even though the couple are officially married in the eyes of their ancestors and families, for some couples another ceremony will take place; a more traditional western wedding ceremony. The bride will change from her red Ao Dai into a traditional white gown and she will meet her groom at the wedding party.
Next, will be a celebration similar to that of any western wedding. There will be lots of food and festivities. After the bride and groom have greeted their guest, the bride will change back into her Ao Dai showing respect for family and culture. The festivities will go well into the night with lots of dancing, live music, and toasting to the newly weds.
