Traditions are vital to the rich beauty and symbolism of Vietnamese, Indian and Chinese weddings.

Asian weddings are known to go beyond extravagance. With multi-day celebrations and symbolic traditions that have been passed down for centuries, these cultures honor their roots in stunning ways.

Starting off with Vietnamese weddings.

They hold a strong respect for the joining of the two families rather than the joining of two people. A tea ceremony is held before the actual wedding and is one of the most sacred moments of the entire event. The bride and groom kneel before their elders and serve them tea as a gesture of devotion and appreciation. In return, the couple will receive blessings, advice, and most of the time li xi envelopes or gold jewelry.

The bride and groom will usually wear complementary red or gold áo dàis which are traditional Vietnamese silk gowns that symbolize the unity of masculine and feminine energy. At more modern Vietnamese weddings, Western-style receptions and white bridal gowns have been implemented, but the tea ceremony will always remain as the cultural centerpiece.

There is a reason Indian weddings are sometimes described as “festivals of love”. They are filled with color and excitement and every ritual holds spiritual meaning. Like in Vietnam, Indian weddings emphasize the bond between the two families starting with the Haldi ceremony. Family and friends apply turmeric paste to the bride and groom, symbolizing the cleansing of past energy. The Mehndi ceremony is next, where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with henna patterns that represent protection, fertility, and joy.

Following the Mehndi ceremony is the Sangeet, which is an evening full of dancing and laughter, similar to what Westerners know as a wedding rehearsal. On the actual wedding day, the Baraat commences and the groom makes his breathtaking entrance. The Saat Phere is one of the most meaningful rituals of the event and is performed around a sacred fire, where the bride allows her groom to mark her as married. Indian weddings hold more than just lavishness, they reflect the sacredness of the celebration and the continuity of tradition.

The celebration of a Chinese wedding begins long before the wedding day and starts with a series of customs that are meant to bless the couple. The Three Letters and Six Etiquettes include everything from the proposal date to the selection of the ceremony date, which usually is chosen to be aligned with the couple’s destiny. A hair combing ceremony takes place on the morning of the wedding day as well as a tea ceremony to formalize the unity of two families.

During the actual wedding, red dominates everything, as it symbolizes good luck and wealth. The reception features an authentic multi-course family-style feast with each dish holding its own history. A Chinese wedding is much more than a luxurious celebration, it is a poetic way of honoring unity and the hope for everlasting love.