On the morning of the wedding, before anyone else arrives, our two families meet at Mai's parents' home for the tea ceremony. Khoa's family comes to ask for Mai's hand, the eldest relatives are served tea by the two of us, and there are gifts, blessings and a great deal of photographs.
It is small and private, and it is the part our grandparents care about most.
It is small and private, and it is the part of the day our grandparents care about most. That is why the ceremony in the garden starts at half past four: it gives everyone time to change, travel across the river and have a rest in between.
Guests at the evening celebration do not need to do anything for the tea ceremony. If you would like to wear red or pink in its honour, you will be in very good company.
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