Vietnamese Wedding Checklist

Consult for Auspicious Date

Visit a temple or a fortune teller, or consult the lunar calendar, to choose a lucky wedding date based on your zodiac signs and elemental compatibility.

Schedule Lễ Dạm Ngõ

If your family observes the pre-engagement family meeting separately from the engagement, arrange it now.

Order Bridal Áo Dài

Order a custom red, gold or colored áo dài with a khăn đóng headdress for the tea ceremony. Leave plenty of time for fittings and embroidery.

Order Groom's Áo Dài / Áo Gấm

Order a matching áo dài or áo gấm in blue, dark red or gold for the groom.

Purchase Traditional Tea Set

Buy a red or gold tea set for the tea ceremonies at both families' homes.

Prepare Betrothal Gift Trays (Mâm Quả)

Arrange the traditional betrothal gifts on red-covered lacquered trays: betel and areca, tea, wine, fruit, cakes, sticky rice, roast pig and jewelry. Confirm the number of trays and their contents with both families.

Recruit Tray Carriers (Đội Bưng Quả)

Invite unmarried young men and women, in matching pairs, to carry and receive the gifts.

Source Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts

Get fresh betel leaves (lá trầu) and areca nuts (cau) for the ceremony.

Prepare Ancestor Altar Offerings

Arrange incense, Dragon-Phoenix candles, fruit and other offerings for the ancestor altar prayers at both homes.

Book Banquet Venue

Reserve the restaurant or banquet hall for the reception. Confirm the multi-course Vietnamese menu and the capacity, since 300–500+ guests is common.

Order Red and Gold Decorations

Buy or rent red and gold decorations, Song Hỷ signage, lanterns, dragon-phoenix motifs and floral arrangements.

Prepare Wedding Program

Create a printed program, or a short explanation, for guests who are not Vietnamese. It should cover the meaning of the ceremony and the etiquette.

Complete Legal Registration

Register the marriage with the local authorities as required. In Vietnam, civil registration is separate from the traditional ceremonies.