My wife and I will be attending the wedding - well, the reception, actually, inasmuch as the wedding ceremony itself is just for the immediate family - of a coworker of hers who is Vietnamese.

We've been told that gifts are not customary, but would be appreciated - this from another coworker who is not Vietnamese.

So, what's an appropriate wedding gift for a (traditional, apparently) Vietnamese couple?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

I gave a red envelope with money on it to my friend at his wedding. Asian people usually do that. Hope this will help.

 

I've attended a bunch of Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and American weddings, and I honestly don't think there's much of a difference between them when it comes to appropriate gifts. It's always been the typical wedding gifts, meaning anything from a practical gift (i.e., cookware) to decorations (i.e., potted bamboo stalks with porcelain figurines).

If you're not sure, then just stick with what's safe. Just bear in mind that, in general, traditional Asian folks tend to like practical things. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on how "hardcore traditional" this particular couple is.

Oh yeah, also double check the dress code if you're accustomed to American-style weddings. I've found that American weddings tend to have a more formal dress code compared to Asian weddings, particularly if it's just the reception.

Have fun and drink lots of XO.

 

If you're not going to the reception (just ceremony), then yes, gifts are not customary. But if you are, then heck, yes they are (even required). The most popular and appreciative gifts for Vietnamese (or most Asian) weddings are money. To attend a wedding reception, the current "rate" is about $75 per adult head.

 

Yup, practical things like money are always appreciated. If in doubt, just get a red envelope and stuff a few bills or possibly gift certificates into it. It might seem a little odd for non-Asian folks, but that's the way it goes. Practical is the name of the game.

I don't see it being a big deal either way, though. The fact that you're bringing a gift is nice enough. No one's going to mind if you bring something "non-Asian." If you're not Asian then it's probably what they'll expect anyway.

 

Red envelope and $$.
If its a coworker, you could get away with giving less!

 

Give money. Go to any Traditional Vietnamese wedding and all you will see are envelopes of money... and the groom in a dress and headpiece greeting/thanking you. Should be interesting to those of you who are new to it. Plan on eating lots of seafood at the reception and possibly if you are lucky enough a bout of karoake.

 

Not at any of the Vietnamese weddings I've attended. I don't which Vietnamese tradition that is, but I've never seen it. Maybe you meant the bride.

 

That's right on the dot. Basically if it's just you.. $50-$100, you and your wife.. $100-$200. They come around to thank you (collect money) during the dinner.

 

Sorry, I should clarify... at the wedding itself, which is usually at some family member's house or at a private place for the family most of the times, the groom wears a shiny long dress (typically blue) with a gold head piece. Then usually at the reception they wear a tux or what not. I have seen the groom still wear that outfit for a short time at the reception greeting people then go change into a tux on one occassion.