Here Comes the Bride

Lucky me.  One of my students was getting married, so I got an invitation to attend her wedding last Saturday.  Ordinarily, I would not be so interested, but its different in Vietnam.  In fact, most everything is different in Vietnam, including the wedding ceremony.  Here's how its done over here.

A November bride doesn't sound so "hot" but it is the most popular month to get married in N. Vietnam (perfect weather).  The wedding was at 11:00 am inside a fancy hotel.  The bride and groom met guests at the front door.  He wore a suit and she had on a white wedding dress.  As we entered, guests placed an envelope inside a large, red heart for the couple.  No presents, just money.  Then we were seated in a large ballroom.  It was really crowded - about 500 people were there.

The couple entered the ballroom and moved to center stage without much fanfare - no bridesmaids or groomsmen.  People remained seated while she entered the room.  No songs were sung, however, there was some pre-recorded music and a few short speeches.  They cut the cake and drank some champagne - balloons were popping and confetti was falling.  It was quite enchanting.  The couple did not exchange rings or vows, nor was there a pastor / clergy to pronounce them as man and wife.  The groom did not kiss the bride, but I imagine that he has done so before.  Just a guess. 

There was a huge meal prepared for us.  Vietnamese just love to eat and drink, so no one left hungry or thirsty.  It was a highly social event.  I met many people, probably because I was the only Westerner there.  But it was a good cultural experience for me and I was glad that I went. 

If you are a Vietnamese reader, and have not been to an American wedding, then just reverse most everything I said (above) and you will have a good picture of how it's done over there.