Wanted to incorporate Tea Ceremony into Western style wedding?

Hmm, this is a tricky one. What if your officiant just says, "and now, the bride and groom will serve tea to their parents. The symbolism of this gesture is..."

Or you could just explain the significance in the program, and just have the officiant be silent as you are serving. I really don't think a play by play is necessary in that case.

Where in Vietnam did your family originate? I was just there in January

I think you would just treat it like a rose ceremony or sand ceremony. No explanation is needed beyond this symbolizes...

I hope your wedding goes off without a hitch. I'm sure it will be amazing enjoy these last few days as a single woman.

CK, what about having the tea ceremony at the beginning of the reception instead of during the wedding ceremony?

Pardon me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it come after the ceremony, generally speaking? So as to thank your family. I mean nowadays, it really doesn't matter what you do, but just thought I'd check.

I like it. Traditionally, it's not included in the ceremony, but I've done a few that have had included it and I think it's sweet.

I think a simple explination in the program would probably suffice for those who don't know of the tradition. I also think it is awsome that you are comlbining your two cultures in the cerimony.

I agree with Kirsten. I think that an explanation in the program would be sufficient.

I have seen this done separately...sometimes in the morning before the ceremony, sometimes in betw the ceremony and the reception, sometimes during the cocktail hour before the dinner reception (which I think is perfect timing)...nothing too elaborate unless your families are traditional.

You could do it very simply and only include each set of parents, almost like a rose ceremony presentation...i could see that done potentially well~

good luck. you'll be fine, as long as you have a good officiant.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

We decided to put it right after the opening intro by the officiant.

Everyone was touched esp. the elders who really thought it was a thoughtful gesture to recognize our culture.

We had 3 cups of tea to share between the 2 sets of parents & us.

Sharing tea...a perfect beginning to uniting the families.

Everything was as we hoped it would be.