Wedding Planning
Planning a traditional Vietnamese wedding is not only about choosing a venue or defining a style. It is also about navigating a series of rituals you may have never encountered before, from Dạm Ngõ to Đám Hỏi, and the Rước Dâu ceremony. Having walked alongside many couples through their journeys, we have come to realise that it is not as complicated as it first seems.
In Vietnam, a wedding rarely happens in just one day. We always share this with our couples from the very beginning. Instead, it unfolds through a series of moments before and during the wedding day, as two families meet, get to know one another, and gradually form a connection.
At its heart, these rituals are a way for Vietnamese people across generations to express respect for family, loved ones, and the new journey the couple is about to begin together.
If we set aside formal definitions, this is how we usually explain them to our couples.
Dạm Ngõ is the first official meeting between the two families. It is a time for introductions, conversations, and sharing initial thoughts about the upcoming wedding.
Đám Hỏi represents a formal engagement, a promise between two families. From this moment on, the relationship is no longer only about the couple, but one that is acknowledged and embraced by their loved ones.
Rước Dâu and Đón Dâu are among the most emotional moments of the wedding day. It is when the bride steps into a new chapter of her life, witnessed and supported by both families.
And finally, the wedding reception is where everyone comes together, raises a glass, and celebrates as one.
There is no fixed formula. Each family holds onto different traditions, placing emphasis on what matters most to them. Our role is to understand this, and help bring everything together in a way that feels true, intentional, and complete for each family.
Inspired by hundreds of weddings we have had the privilege to plan, we have created a checklist that breaks everything down month by month, guiding you step by step toward your big day.
This checklist is designed for weddings planned over the course of one year. If your timeline is shorter, six or nine months, you can simply adjust the schedule without changing the order of priorities. With this, we hope you will not miss any important detail along the way.
You can download the checklist via the link:
If you’re just starting your journey to plan a traditional Vietnamese wedding, we hope this guide makes things feel a little clearer, and a little lighter.
If you found this helpful, let us know on Facebook or Instagram, and feel free to share it so more couples can access this free template.
Wishing you a wedding journey filled with inspiration,
With love,
Meraki Team