A Wedding in Paradise
With unparalleled natural beauty, culture, tradition and history spanning thousands of years, Vietnam has been a destination for world travelers for years.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, secluded islands and mountain-top villas that have been attracting honeymooners for ages, Vietnam is increasingly playing host to the most important day in many couples lives – their wedding day.
Couples looking to tie the knot abroad by eloping or holding a destination wedding can count on Vietnam to offer an array of options to make their special day memorable. There are a number of exotic, luxurious and romantic locations dotted throughout the countryside, on the coastline and in cities that guarantee to cater to the most discriminating of tastes, ensuring couples experience the wedding of their dreams.
Tradition
Marriage traditions in Vietnam differ from American weddings in a number of ways. Prior to embarking on a wedding abroad in Vietnam, it is helpful to be knowledgeable and respectful of regional and cultural differences. There are many ideas worth considering for your destination wedding theme. As an example, often, a numerologist is consulted to choose an auspicious date for the wedding to take place, which is thought to ensure marriage longevity and success.
Traditionally, the wedding day ritual in Vietnam involves participation from both families in a long one-day, or sometimes two-day affair focusing on the joining of the extending families and honouring of their ancestors.
The wedding day usually starts with the groom’s entourage travelling to the bride’s house and escorting her party to the groom’s house, where usually the couple will also live.This tradition begins the wedding ceremony by honouring the ancestors and asking for their blessings. Next, the couple offers thanks to their parents and extended families for protecting and raising them. This is followed by a seven to ten course meal and reception, which can be an intimate family affair or an elaborate gathering with friends, family and the community to celebrate the new union.
Many couples choose to have a combination wedding, which includes a traditional Vietnamese ceremony where the bride and groom wear customary ‘Ao Dai’ clothing. After the ceremony, the couple change into western wedding attire, with the bride in a flowing white wedding gown and her groom in a dark suit. They then host a luxurious reception at an estate, hotel or event venue lasting into the late evening.
The color red plays a very important role on the wedding day, being symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Hence the tradition of couples visiting each table at the reception to collect red envelopes filled with crisp new money, instead of receiving wrapped gifts from guests. Gift giving can be a tricky endeavour, with odd numbers and the number four, which sounds like the word ‘death’ in Vietnamese, to be avoided at all costs. Any gift or bill with the number eight is highly sought after and welcomed.
Location and Specialty Services
Demand for western-style wedding receptions in Vietnam has steadily risen over the past twenty years, making the number of options to host a small or elaborate wedding plentiful and competitive. Resorts and hotels continue to upgrade ballrooms, design stunning outdoor landscaped areas to hold crowds, and develop breath-taking waterfront areas to create a perfect setting. Below is a selection of the most exclusive, top-rated, crème-de-la-crème wedding hotels from across Vietnam.
This exquisite resort is a majestic landmark in the vibrant heart of Saigon. Park Hyatt offers full wedding planning services including floral arrangements, musicians, Asian and western food menus, a champagne fountain, a freshly baked 5-tier wedding cake and a complimentary wedding night suite and luxury breakfasts for the newlyweds.
“Strike an unforgettable opening tone for your future life together by welcoming guests to one of the most luxurious and stylish five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh. From pre-planning ideas to the reception to the honeymoon, every detail of your wedding will be the essence of urban luxury and style.”
Vietnam Advisors viewers receive up to a 20% discount on rooms and breakfast from June 1 – August 16, 2016 at Park Hyatt Saigon. Go here to reserve.
Le Meridien Saigon
The beautiful Le Méridien Saigon is a shimmering jewel in the heart of the city. Designated wedding planners will help you create the wedding fit for a queen, on all scales and sizes. The Grand Ballroom accommodates receptions of up to 300 people. For more intimate celebrations the ballroom can be divided into a smaller space. The gorgeous Master Foyer provides a sophisticated pre-reception area with a view over the gently flowing Saigon River.
“Immerse yourself in the magic of the moment when you celebrate your wedding at Le Méridien Saigon. From exotic flowers to enticing dishes to your favorite music, you’ll enjoy an experience perfectly tuned to your unique perspective.”
For more information please contact our Wedding Specialist.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
For the privacy-conscience looking for a small wedding at the height of luxury, the ultra-exclusive Six Senses in Ninh Van Bay is a private “paparazzi-proof” eco-friendly resort & spa only accessible from the water by boat. Set at the end of a jungle peninsula, the secluded hotel boasts three restaurants, poolside bars and a number of unique luxury guest villas, each complete with their own private plunge or infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a number of water sports, fitness activities, fishing, day excursions to nearby Nha Trang, hiking tours and more.
“Delightful small wedding reaffirmations can be arranged at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay The special occasion can be set on the beach, on the Jetty or in the Wedding Pavilion.”
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc
For those looking to host a small to medium sized ceremony on an island in paradise, look no further. Set in the protected landscape of Phu Quoc Island, this boutique hotel (part of the MGallery collection), offers guests private rooms with balconies overlooking the manicured gardens and turquoise sea. Guests can escape the stress of city life by relaxing in the hotel’s award winning spa or by practicing Qi Qoung or Tai Chi on the beach in the lead up to the big day.
“Imagine your wedding in a magnificent land-and-sea paradise of Phu Quoc with a dramatic sunset as the backdrop and gorgeous outdoor settings. Let our Romance Specialists help you create everlasting memories of your special day. La Veranda offers endless ways which the magic of the islands will dazzle you on your holiday as a couple.”
Big City, Big Playground
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it’s more affectionately known to locals, is the place to host a wedding that’s big on glitz and glamour. Any dream that could possibility be imagined can be indulged. Saigon is home to several luxury casinos that offer tourists an opportunity to go wild gambling. Only foreigners can gamble in casinos and all of the betting/ wagers take place in American dollars. Insider tip – rates in casinos for exchanging Vietnamese dong to dollars can fluctuate wildly (and never in the gambler’s favour), so it may be wise to bring a stash of dollars if a casino visit is in the cards.
Rex Hotel Saigon
Keeping with the casino theme, Rex Hotel, situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is the ideal spot to host a Las Vegas themed wedding. In addition to amazing interior, Rex Hotel Saigon features “Club Dynasty”, where visitors can chance their luck on electronic gambling machines. Originally a French garage built in the early 20th century with 80 years of history as a landmark, the hotel symbolises Vietnamese hospitality and has a number of banquet rooms to host an intimate or over-the-top wedding reception.
“As a luxury wedding venue with stylish modern decor and discreet attentive service, the Rex Hotel will provide a sumptuous setting for your big day.
Caravelle Hotel Saigon
Another hotel with flair and style is the Caravelle Hotel Saigon. Nestled centrally in the city, Caravelle Hotel boasts an in-house casino called “Club Vegas”. With room for over 500 guests, couples can celebrate, dance and gamble to their heart’s content.
“One of Vietnam’s most storied hotels is adding sparkle to nuptials in downtown Ho Chi Minh City this season, with gifts for brides and grooms that go beyond the big day. Couples planning weddings at Caravelle Saigon can look forward to enticing rewards such as suite stays, five-star resort getaways & even far-flung honeymoons from the historic hotel.”
InterContinental Asiana Saigon
The team at InterContinental Asiana Saigon are all about luxury and adding a personal, local touch to every wedding they host. Their Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests in a banquet-style setting, so to anyone wanting a massive wedding, look no further.
“At InterContinental Asiana Saigon, we believe that your wedding should be unique as you are. With the largest pillar-less Grand Ballroom in Ho Chi Minh City and a dedicated Event team, we will provide the inspiration for the wedding of your dreams.”
Hotel Nikko Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon is a little piece of serenity in this swirling city of activity. With a distinctly Japanese influenced ethos, the hotel features crisp interiors and clean lines. Their Origami Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests and is the second largest ballroom in Saigon.
“Blending the latest trends into wonderfully tailored occasions, Hotel Nikko Saigon remains a highly sought venue from unique meeting events to memorable theme wedding reception venues. Our talented banquet team and attentive staffs are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of personalized service to make your wedding day everything you want it to be.”
Vietnam is for Lovers
Possibilities are endless when getting married in a country with some of the most jaw-dropping, beautiful natural wonders(like the largest cave in the world) anywhere on earth. Whether on a beach, in the jungle, high on a mountain, or in the heart of a city bustling with life, couples will find everything they are searching for in a destination wedding.
Discover the New Vietnam!
Go to Expedia.com to start your Vietnam trip.
Did you know there’s a Sheraton in Saigon? For all available hotels in Vietnam, take a look at Hotels.com.
Want to make your friends envious? Tell them “I stayed in a Bed & Breakfast at Ho Chi Minh City.”
Last of all, don’t forget Travel insurance. Like glue, boring but necessary.
