Pretty much all of our friends work for the civil service, or are political staffers, so everyone is making a decent salary. Family expectations (11%), how much they'd already spent on attending the wedding (7%), the type of venue (5%) and whether it was a destination wedding (5%) were some other factors people said they would consider when deciding on an amount. Family values are very revered here, so the preparation for the wedding are thorough. Yes, all the rules and rituals can be tiresome at times, but they are done in hopes that the newlyweds will have a happy, fulfilling life together, and witnessing them is a way to be part of their lives and convey your best hopes for their future. On average, most wedding guests give a gift of around $150 to $160 as a wedding present. ", Of Vietnamese wedding reception dinners, Nguyen explains that "while the morning is filled with respectable customs, the receptions are usually parties to remember! This alleviates financial stress on the newlywed couple, who typically pay for the wedding themselves, and allows for a more lively atmosphere with higher attendance." , such as When are you going to have a baby? or How much are you spending on your honeymoon? you get the idea. In the North it'll be very different. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In Viet Nam, early marriage is considered a marriage where one or both partner(s) have not reached the minimum legal age for marriage, which is 18 years for girls and 20 years for boys (Art. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The fiancs family prepare these gifts before the engagement, placing them in an odd number of trays, and covered the whole thing with red cloth because the odd numbers and red color are believed to bring young couple luck and happiness. And once they're in, they work even harder to be top of their class. Wedding pros explain the elements often included in traditional Vietnamese nuptials. In 2015, Erin decided to pursue her passion for writing and launched "Erin Krespan". After obtaining permission from the brides family, the groom is then allowed to enter her room and bring her out. If you are a couple and know them well, a joint gift of 100 to 150 might be expected. On paper, you are not explicitly asked to bring gifts while attending a wedding, but it is kind of an unspoken rule that you do. Traditionally speaking, the proposal ceremony known in Vietnamese as l dm ng is when the mans family visits the womans to introduce themselves, and ask for the approval of the young couples relationship with the aim of getting married. 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. This ceremony often takes place without any complicated rituals, and the gifts that the grooms family brings to the bride's are expected to be the betel and the areca. Stay updated with the latest news of the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam and information for traveling to Vietnam. Originally loose and plain, it wasn't until French-trained artists began playing around with the fit, the ao dai became a symbol of beauty and elegance. That means no shorts and sleeveless shirts, and even short-sleeved shirts are best avoided. That means no shorts and sleeveless shirts, and even short-sleeved shirts are best avoided. Sometimes red envelopes filled with cash are offered first before presenting the mam qua red tins. What Is the Dollar Dance Wedding Tradition? If I have to travel for the. This guide will focus specifically on Vietnamese wedding traditions. Depending on their relationship with the families, the amount varies from 20-100 USD. The bride's family guards the door to see what the groom has to offer the bride's family. Most wedding guests will give at least that much. As the grooms family brings offerings to the brides house, the gift receivers join hands with the gift carriers, and together they bring the gift trays to the ancestor altar, where the betrothed couple pray and ask for their ancestors blessings. Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony Tradition - Custom & Checklist (+84) 989 383 767 Culture & Arts Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi Attractions Hoi An Halong Bay Sapa Hue Da Nang Nha Trang Phu Quoc Island Mekong Delta More. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Engagement Ceremony 4. The groom's family will fill up 'mam qua,' which are red tins that are filled with gifts, known as a dowry in the old days. The average amount is about VND 500,000, but you can put more or less depends on how close you are with the newlywed. 8(1) of the Law on Marriage and Family). The rules are less strict today and you dont have to wait that long, but if you just attended a funeral in the past couple of months, you should still call the couple to let them know and apologise for your absence. I'm after some up-to-date advice on how much dong to give at a Vietnamese wedding. LOL I'm a Vietnamese and I'm reading this for my school Vietnamese and I'm reading this for my school assignment :D, 2013-2022 i Tour Vietnam | All Rights Reserved | contact: info@itourvn.com, MUI NE, DA LAT & NHA TRANG (6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS). Bennifer is married and better than ever. The Ao Dai is worn by both the bride and groom during the Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony and/or during the reception as the couple makes their rounds to greet and thank their guests. Meanwhile, it is the exact opposite in the south: the grooms family brings an even number of gift trays with an odd number of offerings. This is the part of the wedding where you light incense and candles, bow and pray to your ancestors. Image credit: @minh_trang216. The wedding procession, known as "the procession to receive the bride," is a time-honored tradition in Vietnam. 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." ", Overall, a traditional Vietnamese wedding looks very similar to m Hi, the traditional Vietnamese engagement ceremony and engagement party. Brides typically have three outfit changes throughout the day. #6 California. Get Our Wedding Planner App On Your Mobile Device. As that is the common procedure of a wedding, if you prefer to present other gifts, you should tell the bride and groom in advance that you want to give them a present instead of money. Image credit: @thiepcuoi.meoo. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Erin's engaging writing style and keen eye for fashion. The majority of people (66%) agreed that their relationship to the couple would influence how much they spend. You will find bottles of the most expensive Cognac, stick rice, luxury teas, desserts, fruits and items that symbolize prosperity, wealth and luck. Therefore, the traditional Vietnamese wedding costume of a bride must always be the newest and the most gorgeous one. With 5 outlets in Singapore, you can easily find The Chinese Wedding Shop to get your wedding needs fixed. ", During the m Hi, Chan advises that "the groom's side lines up with offerings of food and alcohol. Sometimes, close . Learn more about Vietnamese superstitions. Can you wear white to a Vietnamese wedding? $100 per guest is recommended since food, drinks, and wedding venue rental alone would cost the couple that much. Vietnamese people take education seriously. So be careful, you can be taking a shot of alcohol or enjoying a sip of hot tea. How much did Brooklyn Beckhams wedding cost? Ao Dai is the name of a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress. When visiting a Vietnamese family's new home for the first time, it is customary to give items the family can put to use in the house. In Vietnam, the process is split into several ceremonies leading up to the big day. The groom himself will be at the end of the procession, often carrying a bouquet. Traditional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism. Engagement photographs. One bow represents our gratitude to our parents for raising us to who we are. Learn about the wedding traditions that make Czech weddings charmingly unique. Finally, the union is bonded by the candle lighting custom, where the couple light a dragon and phoenix candle. At the grooms house, the couples first task is again to light incense and pray at the ancestors altar. Vietnamese Wedding Customs. . It might sound a bit excessive, but if you look at it from another angle, its just another way to show respect and consideration toward the hosts on their big day. However, if you want to bring, say, your partner who isnt invited this can happen if the newlywed couple dont know your partner its recommended that you, In Vietnam, it is believed that if you just lose a family member, you should, such as weddings so as not to bring bad luck to the hosts. Both formal and casual clothing are fine but the most important thing is to dress conservatively. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Vietnamese weddings can be intimidating for a foreigner, but don't worry, we've got you covered with this informative article. Vietnamese often enjoy drinking beer during the wedding, and some do get drunk, but being drunk in this ceremony would annoy other guests. If you are close friends, a gift of 75 is considered about the right amount. A wedding gift calculator will help you decide how much to give for the couple's wedding. If you have, share with us your experience in the comment section below. It is not uncommon for modern engagement ceremonies to be held only a few days before the wedding. Family and friends give offerings to the deceased like incense, food, and money. , a ceremony that marks the couples official, As the engagement ceremony is a major occasion in preparation for the wedding, participants are required to dress formally men in suits and ties and women in the traditional, . If you know them both, you can choose either box. Traditionally, the date for the engagement is often chosen carefully by both families based on couples birthdays and the time they were given birth according to the Lunar calendar. Lion Dancers 1. They may challenge him to push-ups, jumping jacks and other activities to show that he is strong.". For the sake of comparison, at my wedding, my wife and I were 28 and 27, respectively. The groom and his family traditionally carry the gifts in lacquer boxes covered in red cloth to symbolize wealth. The bride's family will accept the gifts, taking the trays, and someone from the bride's side (usually the bride's dad) will give a speech welcoming the groom's family. Dos and Donts at Vietnamese Weddings Dont bring anyone along if there is no + sign or other names next to yours on your wedding invitation. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. An Asian wedding could have a lot of guests. My sister told me the story about one of her friend's wedding. What about the le te to hong (the pink silk thread ceremony? In this case, the bride will still be taken to the grooms house first to pay tribute to his ancestors, but the wedding ceremony will be held at the wedding centre in front of the guests. Gifts used in a dm ng ceremony Image credit:Trng ng Palace. If you cant be at the wedding, ask someone else to deliver an envelope in your name Important Colors and Attire 7. An Introduction to Vietnamese Etiquette - the Dos and Don'ts Updated September 2018 Welcome to Vietnam! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Cognac and Lots of Food 11. Dont go to a wedding if there is someone in your family had just passed away. Chan explains that a lion dancer performance "is to bless the couple for a long and happy marriage. Image credit: Nh hng tic ci The Venus. Find more hotels to stay in Vietnam below: Ho Chi Minh Private Tours:Saigon Shore ExcursionsMotorbike City ToursSaigon Food Tours, i Tour Vietnam - Private Tours Ltd. Outside Vietnam +84 986188801Inside Vietnam 0986188801 (English)info@itourvn.com. The brides parents give an average $12,000, and the grooms, $7,000. It would surely impress the to-be-weds.". One of the bridesmaid ran off the money (30,000$ in cash). In many cases, they may borrow from various associations. If you are a foreigner, a gift of 500,000 VND ($22 USD) is appropriate. Take Vietnam and birthday parties as an example. Why? What color should you not wear to a Vietnamese wedding? Have a look at What to Know about Vietnamese Wedding Traditions and Customs guide to understand more about Vietnamese weddings. First, for the first time in Vietnamese history, arranged marriages were abolished, and both men and women were granted the freedom to make their own decisions. Tea Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony. This is where the groom will present her bouquet to her. While the bride and groom are busy with the ceremonies, they might not have much quality time to greet everyone. I typically give $75-150 (per person, if it's my husband and I), and it varies on a number of factors: our relationship to the couple, what we had to spend to attend the wedding [have I already shelled out $1k for flights and hotels and rental cars], my current personal financial situation [I won't overburden myself for a gift! As a country with diverse religious and ethnic groups, Vietnam also has other wedding customs that are specific to groups of certain ethnicities and religions. Loose or bags will be OK. Or some good quality bath towels and the Vietnam ones do tend to be thin. Many Vietnamese wedding receptions will showcase lion dancers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Which religion has the highest divorce rate in the world? 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. How much to spend as a wedding gift? Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: So, whether youve been invited to a wedding, or are planning your own big day, here are all the. How our wedding gift calculator works is we take into account the most relevant cost factors for a wedding and then factor in the average out-of-pocket costs to you, the guest creating a single monetary amount that you should give as your wedding gift to the newlyweds. It's served family-style and may have a minimum of eight courses." "It involves the same procession, the same reception, the same gift-giving, the same speechifying and presentation of the bride, and the same tea ceremony. - phuclv. You can dress casually at a wedding, but just be sure to dress politely Traditionally, the bride and her family are responsible for paying for all wedding planning expenses, the brides attire, all floral arrangements, transportation on the wedding day, photo and video fees, travel and lodgings for the officiant if he comes from out of town, lodging for the bridesmaids (if you have offered . After initial greetings, the bride will be brought out to join the groom to commence the tea and candle ceremony," explains Nguyen. In more recent years, Vietnamese brides have chosen to wear white versions of the Ao Dai as a way to pay tribute to both the traditional Western Wedding Dress and the Ao Dai. So important is the occasion that the master of ceremony will give guests and newlywed water or shower break of about 10-15 minutes. While tables with elders are simply met with words of wisdom and cheers, tables with younger guests would tend to play short drinking games with the couples. How much to give at weddings is always a source of debate amongst wedding guests. Experts generally note that while still appreciated by couples, amounts below $50 should be avoided. Considering we're family and there are two of us + a toddler, what's an acceptable amount to give in 2015? Prayer at the Altar 6. Don't go below it. The engagement is not only a ceremony but also a milestone of the brides life, in which she officially becomes the grooms fiance. Traditionally, they are red envelopes of money, other congratulatory gifts and words of wisdom. As the couple walks onto the stage, the ceremony will start with the announcement of the host together with many cheers from guests. 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. Smart casual is highly recommended. You will notice that the engagement process will have some similarities in the next article when the groom and his family come to retrieve the bride after the wedding ceremony takes place. Picking a suitable wedding date. Keep scrolling to learn more about this unique Southern wedding tradition. This Vietnam travel information page is written by a team of professional tour guides in Vietnam. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-64580243', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Da Nang and we are all coming over from New Zealand for the ceremony. Dont get drunk at the wedding. What dos and donts guests should notice when attending a Vietnamese wedding? 1. The actual reception ceremony. Image credit: Xanh. Chan agrees, explaining that Vietnamese couples don't have wedding registries and "all gifts are monetary gifts. ", Food is a big part of Vietnamese wedding celebrations as is alcohol, notably cognac. waiting for your next post. View. Such questions are off-limits unless you are really, really close to the marrying couple. Make sure you put a note with your name on the envelope. This is also where both sides will introduce themselves with family introductions, a welcome speech and prayer. How do I make my town hall wedding special? In the north, the number of gift trays has to be an odd number, while the number of offerings on these trays has to be even such as two bottles of wine, 12 boxes of cakes, etc. 11 Beautiful Vows From Couples Who Wrote Their Own, The Meaning Behind Something Old, Something New, Say "I Love You" with 24 Love Quotes for Him, 25 Modern Unity Ceremony Ideas to Consider, A Complete Guide to the Wedding Ceremony Order, 29 "Something Blue" Wedding Ideas That Feel Fresh, Muslim Wedding Traditions Practiced Around the World, The Mother of the Groom Speech: What to Write, Say & Do, How to Write a Best Man Speech Like a Pro, The 51 Best Non-Religious Wedding Readings, The 19 Most Common Hindu Wedding Traditions, This is What You Can Expect at an Indian Wedding, How to Write a Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony Script, 73 Perfect Wedding Ceremony Readings You'll Love, A Guide to Nailing Your Maid of Honor Speech, 9 Korean Wedding Traditions You Need to Know About, 12 Moroccan Wedding Traditions and Customs to Know, Traditional Cambodian Weddings: Customs, Rituals & More, Chilean Wedding Traditions: Your Complete Guide, Wedding Traditions in Kenya That You Should Know, Your Expert Guide to Ethiopian Wedding Traditions. "Most Vietnamese couples take engagement photos in their actual wedding attire," says Chan. ", Nguyen elaborates, sharing that "Vietnamese couples honor their elders by involving them in each step of the wedding process leading up to the reception. 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. This procession will include the groom's close family and friends, and is headed by a couple, usually the parents of the groom or an elder couple of the clan. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Erin grew up with a passion for fashion and beauty. This could include trays of fruit, liquor, pastries, and jewelry underneath red embroidered silk linen. You don't need to stick to that . In modern life, the traditional wedding has gradually changed to save time and money, but the main customs like paying gratitude to the parents and asking one's hand in marriage are still be kept. So, do refrain from asking questions that are too personal, such as When are you going to have a baby? or How much are you spending on your honeymoon? you get the idea. 1. We might mean well, but such questions might make the bride and groom uncomfortable, yet they are still forced to answer out of courtesy. We also had a small wedding (~80 attendees, $12K total cost). Sometimes the bride's family will challenge the groom to show that he has the strength to take care of his future wife. ", Chan elaborates by explaining that some modern couples forgo tea in favor of alcohol. On the wedding day, the grooms family and some of their close friends will come and receive the bride at her house. Like other countries, this ceremony is also considered the happiest event of one's life. We'd love to see more couples honor local cultures and traditions in their 2021 weddings! Before the main ceremony, the couple will stand by the door, welcoming the guests and take pictures. The best page to read and getting more knowledge. The requirement for those who bring or receive engagement gifts is that they havent got married. Vietnamese Wedding process Wedding process in the past Proposal ceremony Engagement ceremony Wedding ceremony 2. If you want to give money get some brand new, uncreased $2USD notes as these are classed as lucky. The choice of location for organizing a traditional Vietnamese feast depends on the financial possibilities of the families. at ceremony time). In other parts in the South you'll go at the exact invited time. Resort weddings are popular. This is when the groom and his family come to the brides house on the wedding day to ask for her. Monetary gifts may be given to the couple, often in small envelopes (l x). Guests are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothes to signify happiness for the couple," advises Nguyen. Read more about, Summary of What to Know about Vietnamese Wedding Traditions and Customs, Vietnamese Flower Markets in Ho Chi Minh City, This Vietnam travel information page is written by a team of professional tour guides in Vietnam. Vietnamese consider this unlucky thing to the bride and groom. 219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348, The opinions expressed by our users do not reflect the official position of TheSmartLocal.com or its staff. ", 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. As simple as aforementioned, gift-giving is still an art that transcends geographical boundaries and varies across cultures. In short, wedding dress according to Vietnamese tradition, women can wear traditional ao dai, innovative ao dai, and dress (in the style of a gala dinner). In todays society, engagement is not as essential as it used to be as the bride and groom often try to reduce unnecessary customs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Asian weddings in the United States represent a magnificent culmination of historic and contemporary traditions. On the internet if you look for average price of the dowry, you mostly find either amounts for Thailand/India or you will find some for Vietnamese brides that are sent to China, but the other numbers you can find seem low to me. "Once the bride's family accepts the gifts and the groom passes these challenges, the groom's side is welcomed into the home," explains Chan. Checks or cash are much more appreciated as they will help pay for the wedding or help the couple get started with their new life's journey. There isn't one to shop off of since it's a Vietnamese tradition that we. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Once there, they will ask for permission for their son to marry the daughter. Come to share the joy and wish the newlyweds good luck, but refrain from asking questions that are too personal The Wedding Ceremonies & Style. While Vietnam made economic progress under French rule in the 1900s, it mostly served a small number of wealthy Vietnamese. Sign up on The Knot to reach more couples and book more weddings! Likewise, the brides family will also have a respected figure to respond in kind. At this point, the couple may exchange jewelry, placing wedding rings on each other's fingers, and if there was a gift of jewelry in the procession earlier, this will be ceremoniously put on the bride. The bride and groom serving tea to their family elders "$50-$100, depending on how close I am to the bride/groom. During the meeting, the two families can also discuss the next steps of the wedding. Tea Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony 9. In regard to structure, the engagement ceremony or m Hi is "almost step-by-step a mirror of the wedding," explains Bui. If you are to attend these weddings, make sure you have the locals fully explain the traditions as they are quite different (and fun) from the popular majority. Second, polygamy was declared illegal, and monogamy was adopted as the official form of Vietnamese marriage. After the receiving-gift ritual, the couple will pray in front of the fiances family altar in order to ask for approval from the fiances ancestors. Following the release of their Netflix docuseries, this tell-all book reveals even more details about the couple's private struggles. ", Some people may be surprised to learn that there isn't a specific moment in Vietnamese ceremonies where an officiant pronounces the couple married. It marks a celebration of the bride and groom coming together as a couple. 3. friends gave anywhere between $50 - $150 depending on how close they were. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. With its rich culture history and high frequency of acculturation, the gift etiquette in this Southeast Asian country is slightly more complicated than its Western counterpart. Traditionally, they are red envelopes of money, other congratulatory gifts and words of wisdom. Vietnamese preserve Ao dai dresses for the wedding. You may also like: Vietnamese Gift GivingVietnamese Flower Markets in Ho Chi Minh CityShopping Malls in Ho Chi Minh City, itourvn.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Have you ever been to a Vietnamese wedding? Some weddings in the countryside often last for 2 to 3 days with a large number of guests. For a colleague or acquaintance, $50 to $75 is acceptable. If youre invited to a Vietnamese wedding but are not familiar with the traditions and customs, the first question you probably have is, How should I dress for the occasion?. Traditionally, the grooms family also pays for the honeymoonbut nowadays, the couple is usually taking on those expenses themselves (or setting up a honeymoon registry so guests can contribute). The Bridal Party Information 4. After all, preparing for a wedding that can involve hundreds of guests is a daunting task, so do your part to let the groom and bride know how many people will be present so as not to catch them by surprise. A part of the ceremony is when we bow twice to our parents. Moreabout usor visit home page, Check out the necessary information for traveling to Vietnam, Airport Arrival Tips at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh), Airport Arrival Tips at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). *My presence is a present. After the ceremony, the bride is considered to have joined the grooms family, and she will follow her soon-to-be husband to his house to proceed with the next step: A couple arriving at the grooms house on their wedding day, A wedding ceremony held at a wedding centre, Trung Tm Hi Ngh Tic Ci & Khch Sn King Garden, You can dress casually at a wedding, but just be sure to dress politely, Both formal and casual clothing are fine but the most important thing is to, . In both Vietnam and the West, guests present the newlyweds with gifts to wish them luck. No Officiant 13.