What should I wear?

Cocktail attire. Suits for men, long or short dresses for women. Avoid red and white. In Vietnamese culture, the color white is associated with funerals and mourning and represents sadness. Avoid red as the bride's traditional Vietnamese gown is red.

What is the bride wearing?

The bride will wear a red traditional Vietnamese ao dai as well as a white wedding gown. The colors red and gold are both considered lucky and are incorporated into the Vietnamese wedding.

Who can attend?

This event is invite-only. The venue has limited seating and the guest list has been reserved to only close family and friends. Any additional guests that have not been accounted for may be turned away.

Will there be food and drinks?

Yes, both food and drinks will be provided. The venue is BYOB if guests would like to bring their own alcohol. Vietnamese weddings will usually have a 5 to 7 course meal. The Le & Petersen wedding will have a 9-course meal followed by cake. If you have a food restriction, please let the family know.

What are the customs around Vietnamese gifts?

In Vietnamese culture, guests traditionally gift the bride and groom a Red Envelope with cash (or a check) to wish them happiness and prosperity. Typically guests will gift an amount to at least cover their meal to help the couple start their life without debt. Additional amounts are appreciated. If you would like to honor the Vietnamese tradition, some red envelopes will be available at the welcome table. If you prefer to provide a gift to the couple virtually, they also have a registry on The Knot, Williams Sonoma, and Amazon.

What are Red Envelopes?

Red Envelopes with cash symbolize wishes for happiness, prosperity, and health of the newlyweds. A few etiquette rules: use new bills or a check and make sure to put your name on the envelope so the couple knows who the gift is from. You may drop the Red Envelope in the box at the welcome table.

What is a Tea Ceremony?

The purpose of a Vietnamese tea ceremony is for the groom to ask the bride’s family for her hand in marriage and to celebrate the union of the two families whilst honoring the parents, family, and ancestors. During the ceremony, the groom’s family will present the bride’s family with gifts—usually a roasted pig, desserts, wine and tea which symbolize prosperity and wealth. The bride and groom will bow to their ancestors and parents and serve them tea as a sign of respect. The parents will give the couple gifts to wish them happiness. The bride’s mother-in-law will bring the bride jewelry as a symbol of accepting her into the family and adorn her with the gifts. The parents will give the couple advice for a long-lasting marriage and the families will enjoy a meal to celebrate the union of the two families.

Do I need to attend the Tea Ceremony?

No, you do not need to be present for the tea ceremony. If you are unable to be at the venue by 6:30, you may come when dinner is served. If you arrive during the tea ceremony, please wait until the ceremony is over to enter the venue.