An old Vietnamese wedding is not merely a marriage ceremony, but a journey back to core cultural values, where solemnity and family bonds are honored through meticulous traditional rituals.
Enduring Values in an Old Vietnamese Wedding
When mentioning the concept of an old Vietnamese wedding, we often visualize brilliant red wedding marquees, flowing Ao Dai, and solemn rituals passed down from generation to generation. The ancient wedding of the Vietnamese people is a momentous event not only for the couple but also for both clans and the village community. It is a combination of life philosophy, filial piety, and the desire for a warm, prosperous family life.
In the Vietnamese mindset, marriage is one of the three biggest events in a person’s life (buying a buffalo, getting married, building a house). Therefore, preparing for an ancient wedding requires thoughtfulness and adherence to strict rules. From choosing an auspicious date to preparing betrothal gifts, every step carries deep spiritual and cultural significance.
The Six Ceremonies – Six Important Rituals in Traditional Weddings
To fully understand an ancient Vietnamese wedding, we cannot fail to mention “Luc Le” – the six important steps that any family must go through to complete a perfect marriage. Although many steps have been simplified today, their spirit always remains.
First is the “Nap Thai” ceremony, or the Proposal Ceremony. This is the first official meeting between the two families for the elders to raise the issue for the young couple to get to know each other. Next is the “Van Danh” ceremony, where the groom’s family asks for the girl’s name and date of birth to see if the two are compatible according to the five elements. The “Nap Cat” ceremony is to inform the bride’s family that the horoscope reading was favorable and the couple is a perfect match.
The “Nap Trung” ceremony, or Engagement Ceremony, is when the groom’s family brings betrothal gifts to the bride’s family to officially ask for the wedding. Then comes the “Thinh Ky” ceremony to agree on the date and time of the wedding. Finally, and most importantly, is the “Than Nghinh” ceremony (Procession of the Bride), when the groom officially goes to the bride’s house to welcome her to his home. Each ritual is performed in the presence of ancestors, demonstrating the nation’s principle of “drinking water, remember the source.”
Wedding Costumes – Symbols of Nobility and Elegance
Costumes are always the soul of any ceremony, and in an old Vietnamese wedding, the attire of the bride and groom bears the distinct characteristics of each historical period. The most popular and beloved to this day are the Ao Dai and the Nhat Binh robe.
Nhat Binh Robe – Masterpiece of the Nguyen Dynasty
The Nhat Binh robe was originally the casual wear of the consorts and princesses of the Nguyen Dynasty, but later became the noble wedding attire for ladies of wealthy families. The identifying feature of the Nhat Binh robe is the large rectangular collar, embroidered with phoenixes, clouds, and auspicious symbols. When wearing the Nhat Binh robe, the bride often wears a turban (khan van), creating a look that is luxurious and dignified yet incredibly gentle.
Five-Panel Ao Dai and Turban
Beside the Nhat Binh robe, the five-panel Ao Dai (Ao Ngu Than) was the common attire for both men and women in ancient weddings. The five-panel shirt symbolizes the four parents (parents-in-law, birth parents) and the wearer themselves. This shirt not only protects the wearer but also carries the meaning of family bonding. The groom often wears a blue or black five-panel Ao Dai and a turban, demonstrating the maturity and masculinity of the family pillar.
Betrothal Gifts and Cultural Symbols in Ancient Weddings
In a traditional wedding, betrothal gifts (also known as fruit trays or “mam qua”) are the means for the groom’s family to express respect to the bride’s family for the merit of giving birth to and raising the bride. Each gift in the tray carries a distinct symbol.
Betel and areca are the first and most important gifts. “The betel leaf begins the conversation,” symbolizing the strong, ironclad bond of husband and wife. Next are tea and wine, used to offer on the ancestral altar as a request for permission and to invite ancestors to witness. “Phu The” cakes (Conjugal cakes) with a square and round shape, wrapped in coconut leaves or green banana leaves, symbolize the harmony of yin and yang and the fullness of love.
In addition, the gift trays also include fruits, red sticky rice (xoi gac), boiled chicken, or roasted pig. The red color of the sticky rice and roasted pig symbolizes luck, prosperity, and complete happiness. These gifts not only have material value but are also the best blessings that the two families give to the young couple.
Space and Cuisine in Old Vietnamese Weddings
The space of an old wedding usually took place at home, with the enthusiastic help of neighbors. The wedding gate was meticulously braided with coconut leaves and areca flowers, creating a rustic beauty close to nature. Inside the house, the ancestral altar was decorated most magnificently with shiny brass incense burners, pairs of red parallel sentences, and brilliant fresh flowers.
Cuisine in ancient weddings was also very unique, depending on each region. In the North, the wedding feast often included dishes such as dried pig skin soup, pork sausage, mung bean sticky rice, and millet sweet soup. In the South, the menu was rich with hot pot, ginseng stewed chicken, or dishes with the bold flavors of the river region. Wherever it is, the wedding feast must be full and delicious to show the hospitality and kindness of the host.
Regional Differences in Wedding Rituals
Vietnam is an S-shaped land with diverse regional cultures, and this is clearly reflected in the way weddings are organized.
Northern Wedding – Sophistication and Etiquette
Northern people often value etiquette and standards. Rituals are usually conducted in a methodical, solemn manner. Betrothal gifts of Northern people are usually in odd numbers (5, 7, 9 trays), but the number of items in each tray is an even number, meaning couples and pairs.
Central Wedding – Simplicity and Sincerity
The Central region, with its harsh sun and wind, has formed a simple but profound lifestyle. Central weddings are not too ostentatious but focus heavily on family affection. A special point is that in the fruit trays of Central people, there is often an extra bottle of wine and a packet of tea to worship ancestors respectfully.
Southern Wedding – Liberality and Joy
Southern people are inherently liberal and open, so weddings often take place in a bustling, happy atmosphere. The number of fruit trays is usually an even number (6 or 8) because, according to the Southern concept, the number 6 symbolizes fortune, and the number 8 symbolizes prosperity.
Trend of Reviving Ancient Beauty in Modern Weddings
In recent years, the trend of organizing weddings in a nostalgic style is returning strongly. Many young couples, instead of choosing gorgeous Western wedding dresses, look back to traditional Ao Dai, Nhat Binh robes, or hold weddings in ancient house spaces. Learning about traditional values helps the younger generation better understand their roots while creating a distinct, unique mark for their big day.
However, getting a wedding outfit that carries the true ancient spirit while ensuring comfort and suitability for the modern physique is not an easy problem. This requires a deep understanding of culture, materials, and skilled tailoring techniques.
Bespoke Wedding Dress Design at CeesBridal – Preserving Vietnamese Essence
CeesBridal is proud to be a leading unit specializing in providing design and bespoke services for wedding dresses and wedding Ao Dai bearing the breath of tradition. We understand that each outfit is not just an item worn on the body, but a work of art containing the enthusiasm and unique story of each bride.
Reasons You Should Choose CeesBridal
At CeesBridal, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design thinking. Each product is made by a team of skilled tailors who understand the structure of traditional Ao Dai and high-end fabrics such as silk, brocade, and chiffon. We always listen to customers’ desires to create unique designs, helping you shine the brightest on your wedding day.
Professional Workflow at CeesBridal
We have built a closed and transparent process so customers can be completely assured, even if you are not in Vietnam:
- Consultation on Model Selection: Our team of experts will listen to your ideas, preferences, and body shape to advise on the most suitable dress/Ao Dai model for the wedding style you are aiming for.
- Detailed Quotation: Based on the selected design and material, we will send a detailed and most competitive quote.
- Deposit: After agreeing on the design and price, the customer will proceed to deposit to start the implementation process.
- Sending Measurements (For Overseas Customers): If you are living abroad, CeesBridal will guide you on how to take accurate measurements through instructional documents and online support.
- Sewing to Measurements and Videocall Check: We proceed to cut and sew meticulously according to the exact measurements. Before finishing and sending, we will make a videocall for you to check the shape, patterns, and details on the dress.
- Payment and Delivery: After you are completely satisfied, the customer pays the remaining balance, and CeesBridal will pack carefully to send to your hands wherever you are in the world.
If you are looking for a perfect combination of the traditional beauty of an ancient wedding ceremony and modern sophistication, let CeesBridal accompany you. We are committed to bringing the most wonderful experiences, turning you into the most beautiful and graceful bride.
Contact Information:
Cees Bridal Hotline/Zalo: +84 378 220 630 Website: https://ceesbridal.com/ Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/CeesBridal/ Address: 16/8 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Contact us today to start the journey of creating your dream wedding dress!