Changing between ceremony and reception

You do not have to change outfits for every part of the wedding day. Many grooms find two enough: one for the daytime rites, a tuxedo for the evening reception. What needs real thought is not how many outfits, but when to change, where, and who helps.

One outfit per part, or not

A Vietnamese wedding day often has three parts: the ancestral rite at home, a ceremony at a hall or church if there is one, then the reception. Each has its own spirit, so there are three ways to arrange it.

• One outfit for the whole day: tidy and low risk. It suits days when the ceremony and reception sit close together, or when you want one continuous look. Accessories can mark the change: a necktie at the ceremony, a hand-tied bow tie at the reception. The article on keeping your tuxedo polished all day covers this approach.
• Two outfits: an áo dài with khăn đóng or a light suit for the ancestral rite and ceremony; a tuxedo for the evening. A balanced choice that suits most families.
• Three outfits: one for each part. It photographs beautifully but needs helpers and a tight plan; choose it only when the schedule is relaxed.

Whichever you choose, agree it with the bride so your changes line up with hers and family photographs are not interrupted.

When to change

Three moments are commonly used:

1. After the ceremony, before guests are seated at the reception: works well when the rite is at home and the reception at a restaurant. You change while guests arrive and your parents greet them.
2. During programme items: when there are games, speeches or a video, you have a gap to change without anyone waiting.
3. After family photographs: if the schedule includes a separate photo session, use that interval.

Avoid changing once every guest is seated and waiting. Changing always takes longer than planned: buttons, bow tie, a look in the mirror.

Helpers and spares

Do not change alone in the middle of your wedding. Give the job to one person, usually a close groomsman or a younger brother, and prepare a bag just for this.

The bag should hold:

• A spare shirt, since in hot weather sweat soaks through, and a clean undershirt.
• A spare bow tie or necktie, cufflinks and shirt studs.
• Safety pins, needle and thread, a lint roller, a small damp cloth.
• A spare pair of shoes, or at least clean socks.
• Water, a light snack, a gentle deodorant spray.
• A broad-shouldered hanger of your own, so a thin hanger in the changing room does not pull the shoulders out of shape.

The helper also holds the phone or a written running order and reminds you of each part, so nothing is missed.

Keeping creases out

Creases are a small thing that show immediately in photographs. A few rules:

• Hang the jacket on a shaped hanger instead of folding it over a chair or leaving it in the boot of a car.
• In the car, unbutton the jacket; when you stand, button it again.
• A good wool tuxedo will relax light creases in the steam of a hot shower; hang it in the bathroom after a hot shower.
• Trousers: hang from clips at the hem or waist, never folded in half.
• Once changed, hand the used outfit to family to bag separately, not piled on other clothes.

Planning with áo dài and an evening tuxedo

If you wear áo dài for the rite, colour harmony between the two outfits matters; the article on áo dài for the ancestral rite and tuxedo for the party covers it. For the tuxedo itself, look at the models under wedding tuxedos.

When to ask your tailor

Bring the day's schedule to the consultant when you are measured, so they can advise on layers, lining and styling for each part. For an outfit worn long and changed often, cloth and lining make a great difference to comfort. Book a fitting at a showroom.