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Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony

Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony: Preparations, process & more

15/04/2025 638 views

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is an essential tradition that marks the official promise of marriage between two families. If you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship, this guide will show you why the tea ceremony matters.

1. Overview of the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony, also known as the engagement ceremony, is a cherished tradition observed in many cultures, especially in Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony marks an important step toward marriage

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony marks an important step toward marriage (Source: Collected)

More than a formal process, it is a meaningful celebration of love, commitment, and the union of two families. This special occasion allows both families to meet, connect, and discuss the preparations for the couple’s big day. The ceremony usually takes place at the bride’s home, where the groom’s family will bring a tray of offerings. It usually takes place one to three months before the wedding.

2. Essential preparations for the tea ceremony

Here is a preparation checklist for the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony.

2.1. Mam qua (red trays)

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony gifts, also known as the red trays, symbolize wishes for the couple’s lifelong harmony and prosperity. Depending on regional customs, the trays may include betel leaves, areca nuts, tea, wine, fruits, sweets, and traditional foods such as sticky rice or roasted pork. The number of trays, often an odd number, is determined by mutual agreement between the families or according to local traditions. 

These trays will be brought to the bride’s home by a group of unmarried male attendants. In turn, they will be received by a group of unmarried female attendants.

The red trays reflect tradition and grace

The red trays reflect tradition and grace (Source: Collected)

2.2. Ao dai & makeup

For the engagement ceremony, the bride and groom usually wear ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese wedding dress. These outfits should be arranged and tried on in advance. Don’t forget to book makeup services for the bride and her mother so they can shine on this special occasion.

Ao dai is an integral part of every Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony

Ao dai is an integral part of every Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony (Source: Collected)

2.3. Home decoration

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is usually held in the comfort of the bride’s home. The bride’s family will clean and decorate the space, often enhancing the atmosphere with the help of professional vendors. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and memorable setting to receive the groom’s family.

The bride’s family should redecorate their home before the ceremony

The bride’s family should redecorate their home before the ceremony (Source: Collected)

2.4. Photography & videography

To preserve the memories of the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony, it’s worth booking professional photography and videography services. These services help capture every special detail, from the engagement to the wedding, in one heartfelt story.

2.5. Catering

Depending on preferences, the banquet for the engagement ceremony can be held at home, at a restaurant, or at a hotel. To ensure everything runs smoothly, the couple and their families should plan the menu, set a budget, and make arrangements at least a few weeks in advance.

Check out: Vietnam wedding packages: Everything you need to know

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3. A step-by-step guide to the tea ceremony process

The process of the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony varies across regions. Generally, the ceremony has evolved to reflect modern trends while still honoring traditions. Here are some common Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony steps:

  • The groom’s family arrives at the bride’s home, along with the red trays.
  • The groom’s family presents the red trays, placing them on the ancestral altar in the bride’s home.
  • The couple makes offerings at the ancestral altar, lighting incense to honor their ancestors.
  • The groom and bride are introduced by their families.
  • The bride’s family invites the groom’s family to a meal, fostering bonding between the two families.
  • The bride’s family gives some gifts to the groom’s family as a gesture of gratitude.
The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is always held respectfully

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is always held respectfully (Source: Collected)

4. Estimated costs of organizing a wedding tea ceremony

Like the Vietnam wedding cost, the cost of organizing a Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony varies depending on the scale of the ceremony. Below are some estimates for both the groom and bride’s families:

The cost for the groom’s family: ~16 million VND

  • Outfits for the groom and his parents (ao dai and/or suits): ~6,000,000 VND
  • Red trays (5 trays): ~4,000,000 VND
  • Attendants (6 people): ~1,000,000 VND
  • Transportation: 2,000,000 VND
  • Photography and videography: ~3,000,000 VND

The cost for the bride’s family: ~30 million VND

  • Outfits for the bride and her parents (ao dai and/or suits): ~6,000,000 VND
  • Makeup and hairstyling: ~3,000,000 VND
  • Home decoration: ~10,000,000 VND
  • Attendants (6 people): ~1,000,000 VND
  • Catering: ~10,000,000 VND

*Note: These are just estimates. The cost will vary depending on the scale of the ceremony.

5. Things to note in a Vietnamese tea ceremony

These customs should be kept in mind to ensure a smooth engagement ceremony:

  • Date and time agreement: The two families should discuss the date and time of the ceremony well in advance. Traditionally, a feng shui will be hired by either family to choose a lucky date and time.
  • No mourning guests: Those who are in mourning should refrain from attending the ceremony to avoid bringing bad luck. If either family is in mourning, the ceremony should be delayed.
  • No breakages: Avoid breaking items (glass bottles, vases, etc.) during the ceremony, as it will be considered a bad omen for the marriage.
Vietnamese brides dress in red for good luck

Vietnamese brides dress in red for good luck (Source: Collected)

6. FAQs about the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony

6.1. What to wear to a Vietnamese tea ceremony?

The bride and groom should wear ao dai in bright colors such as red, gold, or white. Alternatively, the groom can wear suits. Female family members should wear ao dai as well. Guests should dress formally.

6.2. Who will participate in the tea ceremony?

The groom’s family includes the groom, family members, and relatives. Same goes for the bride’s. Two groups of attendants will attend the ceremony as well. Close friends and neighbors can also come if they are invited by the families.

6.3. What to say during a Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony?

After the couple give offerings to the ancestral altar, the two families will in turn introduce the groom and bride and offer heartfelt blessings for their future. Traditionally, it will be the fathers of the groom and bride who will do the speaking. If a father cannot be present, an uncle can speak instead. 

Here are two very common well-wishes during the wedding tea ceremony:

  • Chúc mừng hạnh phúc hai cháu: Wishing you a lot of happiness
  • Chúc hai cháu trăm năm hạnh phúc: Wishing you a lifetime of happiness
The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is a meaningful celebration of love

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is a meaningful celebration of love (Source: Collected)

The Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is a beautiful tradition where both families come together to express their support for the couple. This meaningful celebration reflects the strong bonds between families. So, make the best preparations for your special day and ensure it is filled with love, joy, and cherished memories!

After arranging the wedding tea ceremony, it’s time to plan for the wedding itself. If you are looking for a perfect venue for your special occasion, look no further!. As a leading brand in the hospitality sector, Vinpearl is a top choice for couples seeking a luxurious yet meaningful wedding experience. 

The wide range of venues that Vinpearl has will spoil couples for choices, including Almaz Convention Center Hanoi, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, and Vinpearl Phu Quoc. All of these venues offer elegant banquet halls, impressive surroundings, and professional wedding planning services to ensure your big day is truly unforgettable.

Host an elegant wedding banquet at Vinpearl

Host an elegant wedding banquet at Vinpearl

After the wedding, couples can enjoy a memorable honeymoon by having fun at VinWonders Nha Trang, Vinpearl Harbour, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These entertainment complexes offer a perfect blend of romance and adventure, ensuring a flawless start to your married life.

VinWonders Nha Trang - a record-breaking amusement park 

VinWonders Nha Trang – a record-breaking amusement park

 

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VinWonders Nam Hoi An - where traditional art meets modern entertainment 

VinWonders Nam Hoi An – where traditional art meets modern entertainment

 

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VinWonders Phu Quoc - the largest theme park in Vietnam 

VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam

 

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