A complete guide to traditional Vietnam wedding ceremonies and their meanings

The traditional Vietnamese wedding is one of the most significant milestones in life, and is also deeply rooted in culture, family values, and time-honored customs. In this guide, we’ll take you through the intricate customs of a traditional Vietnam wedding, exploring the rituals, attire, and cultural significance behind each ceremony.

Overview of traditional Vietnam wedding

A traditional Vietnam wedding is a significant event not only for the bride and groom but also for both families. More than just a ceremony, marriage customs in Vietnam symbolize the union of two families, honors ancestors, and upholds long-standing cultural values.

A typical traditional wedding consists of several important rituals, including the pre-engagement meeting (Le Dam Ngo), engagement ceremony (Le An Hoi), asking for the bride (Le Xin Dau), bridal procession (Le Ruoc Dau), official wedding ceremony (Le Thanh Hon), and post-wedding visit (Le Lai Mat). Each ritual carries deep meaning, reflecting the respect and careful preparation of both families. Additionally, traditional wedding attire, such as Ao Dai and Ao Gam, along with a rich wedding feast, are distinctive elements of Vietnamese weddings.

Today, despite Western influences, traditional Vietnamese weddings still preserve their core values. Many couples choose to blend traditional customs with modern elements, ensuring both a meaningful ceremony and a celebration that suits contemporary trends.

Traditional Vietnam wedding rituals

Wedding ceremony in Vietnam is not just a single event but a series of carefully arranged ceremonies, each carrying deep cultural and familial significance. From the pre-engagement meeting to the official wedding ceremony and post-wedding traditions, each step follows a structured order that reflects respect, harmony, and heritage.

While some customs have evolved over time, the essence of these rituals remains an integral part of Vietnam wedding culture. Let’s explore the key ceremonies that shape a traditional Vietnamese wedding.

Le Dam Ngo (Pre-engagement meeting)

Le Dam Ngo is the first official step in every traditional Vietnamese weddings, marking the introduction of the two families. This intimate gathering serves as a formal acknowledgment of the couple’s relationship and sets the foundation for the wedding arrangements. 

The primary purpose of Le Dam Ngo is to establish a connection between the two families and seek mutual approval for the marriage. It is also an opportunity for both sides to discuss initial wedding plans, including the engagement and wedding dates. This ceremony reflects the importance of family involvement in Vietnamese culture and the respect given to elders in making marital decisions.

During this ceremony, the groom’s family visits the bride’s home with symbolic gifts such as betel leaves and areca nuts, tea, and wine, representing good fortune and sincerity. The elders from both families engage in formal introductions and discussions, expressing their goodwill and future expectations.

Unlike later ceremonies, Le Dam Ngo is kept simple and private, usually involving only close family members. Once both families agree, they proceed with preparations for the next step – Le An Hoi (Engagement ceremony).

Though modern couples often make their own decisions about marriage, Le Dam Ngo remains a meaningful tradition, maintaining the importance of family consent and unity in Vietnamese weddings.

Le An Hoi (Engagement ceremony)

Le An Hoi is one of the most significant ceremonies in a traditional Vietnamese wedding, symbolizing the official engagement between the bride and groom. This event marks the moment when the groom’s family formally asks for the bride’s hand in marriage and solidifies the union between the two families.

The engagement ceremony is meticulously prepared, with the groom’s family bringing engagement gifts (tráp ăn hỏi) to the bride’s family. These gifts typically include betel leaves and areca nuts, tea, wine, traditional cakes, pork, sticky rice, and jewelry, all presented in beautifully decorated trays. The number of trays varies by region, often in odd numbers such as 5, 7, or 9, as odd numbers symbolize prosperity and luck.

During the ceremony, the groom’s family expresses their wish to take the bride into their family. If the bride’s family agrees, they accept the gifts as a sign of approval. The couple then performs a ritual at the ancestral altar, offering incense to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for a happy and harmonious marriage.

Following this, the bride officially receives the engagement ring or jewelry from the groom’s family, signifying her commitment. A small reception is usually held, where both families share food and drinks to celebrate this important milestone.

Although modern engagements have become more simplified, Le An Hoi remains a cherished tradition in Vietnamese culture. It serves as a formal declaration of the upcoming wedding and reinforces the cultural values of respect, family unity, and gratitude.

Le Xin Dau (Requesting the Bridge ceremony)

Le Xin Dau is a meaningful ritual that takes place on the wedding day, right before the bridal procession. This ceremony represents the groom’s family’s formal request to bring the bride to her new home, symbolizing the official union of the two families.

Before the main wedding procession, a small delegation from the groom’s side, typically including the groom, his parents, and a few close relatives, arrives at the bride’s house. They bring a modest offering, such as tea or betel leaves, as a respectful gesture. The purpose of this visit is to seek permission from the bride’s family to proceed with the wedding rituals.

At this point, the bride’s parents give their final words of advice to their daughter, expressing their blessings and hopes for her future happiness. Meanwhile, the bride, dressed in her wedding attire, waits inside until she is formally presented to the groom. Once the families exchange words of acceptance, the bride is officially handed over to the groom’s family, marking the transition from her birth family to her marital home.

Though simple, Le Xin Dau carries profound emotional and cultural significance. It highlights the values of respect, family honor, and tradition, reinforcing the deep connections between both families as they prepare for the official wedding ceremony.

Le Ruoc Dau (Bridal procession)

This ceremony marks the moment when the groom’s family officially brings the bride to her new home, symbolizing the beginning of her new life as a wife.

The procession begins at the groom’s house, where his family, dressed in formal attire, gathers to prepare for the journey. Accompanied by relatives and close friends, the groom leads the group to the bride’s home, carrying wedding gifts and offerings. In the past, the procession was often done on foot or with palanquins, but today, it typically involves decorated cars or other modern transportation.

Upon arrival, the groom’s family is welcomed by the bride’s family, and a brief ceremony takes place. The groom presents a bouquet to the bride, and together, they perform a small ritual at the ancestral altar, offering incense to seek blessings for their marriage. The bride’s parents then give their final words of advice before sending their daughter off with the groom.

As the bride steps out of her family home, she is accompanied by bridesmaids, and her mother or a close female relative often carries a lit torch or a tray of rice, symbolizing warmth and prosperity in her new life. The newlyweds then return to the groom’s house, where another small ritual is held to welcome the bride into her new family.

Le Ruoc Dau is more than just a formal transition, it is a moment filled with emotions, traditions, and well-wishes from both families. It signifies the merging of two families and the start of a lifelong journey for the couple.

Le Thanh Hon (Wedding ceremony)

Le Thanh Hon is the most sacred and meaningful part of a traditional Vietnamese wedding. It is the official moment when the couple is recognized as husband and wife, witnessed by their families, ancestors, and guests. This ceremony takes place at the groom’s house after the bridal procession, marking the bride’s official acceptance into her new family.

The ceremony typically begins with the couple standing before the ancestral altar, where they offer incense to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for their marriage. This act reflects the deep-rooted respect for family heritage in Vietnamese culture. The parents of both the bride and groom also participate in this ritual, symbolizing the union of two families.

Following the ancestral offerings, the couple may exchange wedding rings as a sign of their commitment. In some families, the groom’s parents present the bride with symbolic gifts such as gold jewelry or red envelopes, representing prosperity and good fortune.

Once the formal rituals are complete, the couple receives words of wisdom and blessings from their parents and elders. This is an emotional moment where the newlyweds express gratitude to their families and promise to build a happy life together.

Wedding reception 

The wedding reception is the grand celebration that follows the official wedding ceremonies. It serves as a joyful gathering where family, friends, and guests come together to congratulate the newlyweds and share in their happiness. While the structure of the reception may vary, it remains an essential part of Vietnamese weddings, blending traditional customs with modern festivities.

The reception is usually held at a banquet hall, restaurant, or the family home, depending on the couple’s preferences. The venue is typically decorated in red and gold, colors that represent happiness, love, and fortune in Vietnamese culture.

A traditional Vietnamese wedding banquet consists of multiple courses featuring symbolic dishes such as roasted pig (representing prosperity), sticky rice (symbolizing unity), and bird’s nest soup (signifying a blessed future). Throughout the reception, guests enjoy cultural performances, speeches, and toasts to honor the couple’s new journey.

One of the most anticipated moments is the “table greetings” ritual, where the bride and groom, accompanied by their parents, visit each table to thank guests personally. This gesture reflects the strong emphasis on hospitality and gratitude in Vietnamese culture.

Le Lai Mat

Le Lai Mat is the final ritual in a traditional Vietnamese wedding, symbolizing the bride’s return to her parents’ home after marriage. Usually held one to three days after the wedding, this visit allows the newlyweds to express gratitude to the bride’s family and update them on their new life.

During the visit, the couple brings small gifts, such as tea or fruit, as a token of respect. The bride’s parents welcome them warmly, offering advice and blessings for their future. This gathering strengthens family bonds and reassures the bride’s family of her happiness in her new home.

Though modern couples sometimes skip or simplify this tradition, Le Lai Mat remains a meaningful way to honor family values and maintain close ties between both sides.

Traditional wedding attire

Vietnamese wedding attire reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, with elegant and symbolic outfits worn by the bride, groom, and their families. Rooted in Vietnamese wedding customs and traditions, these garments showcase not only beauty but also respect for ancestral customs while adapting to modern trends.

Traditional wedding attire of the bride and groom

The bride typically wears an Ao Dai, a long, form-fitting silk tunic with high slits on both sides, worn over loose pants. The dress is often embroidered with phoenix or floral patterns, symbolizing grace and prosperity. To complete the look, the bride may wear a khan dong, a round headdress that adds a regal touch. Traditional colors include red and gold, representing luck and happiness, though pastel shades are also popular in modern weddings.

Some brides choose to change into a Western-style white gown for the wedding reception while keeping the Áo Dài for ceremonial moments, blending tradition with modern fashion.

The groom’s traditional outfit is the Ao Gam, a brocade tunic with intricate patterns, often paired with a khăn đóng. The designs on the Ao Gam commonly feature dragons, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Blue, gold, or deep red are the most popular colors for grooms, complementing the bride’s attire.

For the reception, the groom may opt for a classic Western suit, but many still prefer to wear their Ao Gam during the main ceremonies to honor tradition.

Read more: Top things to do in Central Vietnam: A complete travel guide

Vietnamese wedding cuisine

The wedding feast is a highlight of any Vietnamese wedding, bringing family and friends together over dishes that symbolize love, fortune, and a bright future for the newlyweds.

Roast pig (Heo quay)

In traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremonies, the roast pig holds significant importance as a ceremonial offering. It is often presented as part of the engagement gifts (trap an hoi) and symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. The presence of a whole roast pig in the ceremony conveys the family’s wishes for the couple to enjoy a wealthy and flourishing life together.

Beyond its association with wealth, the roast pig also carries the meaning of fertility and the hope for the couple to soon have children. This belief stems from traditional values that emphasize the importance of family continuity and the joy of welcoming new members into the family. Therefore, presenting a roast pig is not only a gesture of respect and generosity but also a heartfelt blessing for the newlyweds’ future filled with prosperity and offspring.

Red sticky rice

Xoi Gac is made from glutinous rice mixed with the red-orange pulp of the gac fruit, giving it a vibrant color. In Vietnamese culture, red symbolizes luck, happiness, and longevity, making this dish a must-have at weddings. The sticky texture also represents the hope that the couple will stay together in love and harmony.

Phu The cake 

Phu The cake, also known as Xu Xe cake, is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy often seen in wedding ceremonies. It features a translucent, chewy outer layer made from tapioca flour, encasing a sweet mung bean and shredded coconut filling.

The round shape of the cake symbolizes wholeness and completeness, while its chewy texture represents the strong bond and enduring love between husband and wife. As a meaningful wedding treat, Phu The cake embodies the hope for a harmonious and lasting marriage, making it an essential part of Vietnamese wedding traditions.

Evolution of Vietnamese weddings in modern times

Vietnamese weddings have undergone significant changes over time, adapting to social, cultural, and economic transformations. While many traditional rituals remain deeply valued, modern influences have introduced new customs, creating a unique blend of past and present.

In recent years, Western-style weddings have become more popular in Vietnam, especially in urban areas. Many couples now opt for white wedding gowns and suits instead of the traditional áo dài, and exchange wedding rings in a formal ceremony, similar to Western practices. Church weddings have also become common among Christian families.

While traditional engagement and wedding ceremonies still take place, they have been simplified in many ways. In the past, wedding celebrations could last several days, but modern weddings are usually completed in one day, with some traditional rituals being shortened or skipped.

Beyond the influence of Western culture, Vietnamese weddings have also embraced new trends, such as destination weddings at beaches, resorts, or even foreign countries. Many couples now prefer intimate weddings with a smaller guest list, focusing on quality rather than large-scale gatherings.

For a stunning beachfront wedding, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is an ideal choice. Located on Binh Minh Beach, this luxurious resort offers a romantic seaside setting, top-tier services, and a tranquil atmosphere. Whether exchanging vows at sunset or hosting an elegant reception by the ocean, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness ensures an unforgettable wedding experience.

Traditional Vietnam weddings are a perfect blend of heritage and modern elegance, celebrating love, family, and lifelong commitment. While traditions evolve, their essence remains, honoring the past while embracing the future. No matter the style, each wedding marks the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

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