Not sure which Vietnamese ceremony name belongs on your wedding invitation?
If you’re planning a Vietnamese wedding in Australia, you may have come across terms such as Lễ Vu Quy, Lễ Tân Hôn and Lễ Thành Hôn while looking at invitation designs.
They can sound similar, and it’s not always clear which one to use.
Perhaps your parents have a particular term in mind, while the invitations you see online use something different. Or perhaps you’re planning a tea ceremony at home followed by a reception at a separate venue, and you want each event to be worded correctly.
These terms carry cultural meaning, so choosing between them is about more than aesthetics.
Here’s what each term generally means, when it is commonly used, and what to consider before finalising your Vietnamese wedding stationery.
1. What does Lễ Vu Quy mean?
Lễ Vu Quy (lễ vu quy) is traditionally associated with the bride’s family and the ceremony marking the bride’s departure to begin married life with her husband.
It is commonly used on wedding signage and stationery for the celebration held at the bride’s family home.
For example, if your family is hosting a ceremony at home before you leave for your husband’s family home or the reception, Lễ Vu Quy may be the appropriate term.
You might see it used on:
- Tea ceremony or family ceremony invitations
- Welcome signs at the bride’s family home
- Decorative signage for the ceremony space
The exact structure of the event can vary between families, so it is worth confirming the intended meaning with your parents before printing.
2. What does Lễ Tân Hôn mean?
Lễ Tân Hôn (lễ tân hôn) is traditionally associated with the groom’s family welcoming the bride into the groom’s household.
It is often used for the ceremony or celebration on the groom’s side following the bride’s departure.
For example, if the groom’s family is hosting a ceremony at their home to welcome the bride, Lễ Tân Hôn may be the wording your family expects.
It may appear on:
- Invitations for the groom’s family ceremony
- Welcome signs at the groom’s family home
- Decorative stationery for the welcoming ceremony
As with Lễ Vu Quy, the term’s use can vary depending on family customs and how the wedding events are organised.
3. What does Lễ Thành Hôn mean?
Lễ Thành Hôn (lễ thành hôn) is a formal term referring to a wedding or marriage ceremony.
It is often used on wedding invitations, particularly when the wording needs to communicate the formal occasion rather than identify a ceremony specifically associated with the bride’s or groom’s family.
For couples planning a modern Australian wedding, this can be a useful option when creating a formal Vietnamese invitation for a wedding celebration involving both families.
However, it is not a universal replacement for Lễ Vu Quy or Lễ Tân Hôn. If your families distinguish between the ceremonies on each side, the wording should reflect that arrangement.
4. What about Lễ Cưới?
You may also have seen Lễ Cưới, a familiar, general term for a wedding.
It is commonly understood and can feel natural for contemporary celebrations. Depending on the context, it may refer broadly to the wedding rather than identify a specific family ceremony.
The distinction is useful when choosing your invitation wording:
- Lễ Vu Quy: traditionally associated with the bride’s family
- Lễ Tân Hôn: traditionally associated with the groom’s family welcoming the bride
- Lễ Thành Hôn: a formal term for the wedding or marriage ceremony
- Lễ Cưới: a general term for the wedding
These descriptions are a guide rather than rigid rules. Vietnamese wedding customs differ across families and regions, and some families use these terms differently.
5. How do you choose the right wording for your wedding?
Before selecting a term for your invitations, consider three things.
Where is each ceremony taking place?
If you are hosting separate ceremonies at the bride’s and groom’s family homes, you may need different wording for each event.
Who is the invitation for?
An invitation for a family ceremony may need to reflect the traditions of that side of the family. A main wedding invitation for the broader guest list may use different wording.
What does your family expect?
This is particularly important if your parents or grandparents are involved in the planning. A term that feels natural to one family may not be the preferred choice for another.
You do not need to make these decisions based on an online guide alone. Use it as a starting point for a conversation with your family, then confirm the wording before anything goes to print.
Bringing tradition and design together
Choosing the right ceremony name is only one part of creating wedding stationery that feels right for your family.
The wording also needs to sit naturally within the design, whether you prefer a minimal invitation, a traditional red detail or a coordinated suite for your tea ceremony and reception.
At Lotus & Paper, I create Vietnamese, English and bilingual wedding stationery for couples in Australia, with guidance on wording and layout throughout the design process.
If you are still deciding how to word your wedding or tea ceremony invitations, you can explore the Vietnamese Wedding Invitation Wording Guide (Australia Edition) for further guidance.
Planning your Vietnamese wedding stationery?
If you would like help choosing the right wording and bringing your invitation suite together, you are welcome to enquire with Lotus & Paper.
I’ll help you create stationery that feels considered, personal and respectful of both families.