At the beginning of the 1990s, the new market economy introduced flower-growing as an important line of commerce. Fresh flowers were for sale everywhere on the backs of street peddlers' bicycles, in the open-air markets alongside vegetables and fruit, and in displays in front of flower shops. Venders now sell them in bunches, bouquets, buckets, and garlands. Flowers have become an important part of celebrations and ceremonies. They decorate wedding halls and the bride's car, and they beautify the bride.
Decorating the bride with flowers is a custom introduced from the West. In the old days, the bride's special look on her wedding day came from her colourful wedding dress and turban. During the 1950s and 1960s, brides began to hold a bouquet of flowers, usually red gladiolas. Flowers in the bride's hair and a bouquet became important accessories as Western influence grew more pronounced and brides switched from traditional dresses to wedding gowns.
Nowadays, the many bridal boutiques are eager to help make the bride look gorgeous for her important day. They provide make-up and hair styling, gowns for rent, and bouquets to order. The bride can also order flowers to decorate the car and a boutonniere for the groom. Flower arrangements usually feature a theme flower, which the bride chooses, with the most popular choices being roses, calla lilies, and oriental lilies. Orchids provide an expensive touch. Artificial silk flowers are appropriate for people with less income.
Aided by a salesperson at a bridal boutique, the bride can decide which style of coiffure will complement her face, what dress design is appropriate for her build, and which bouquet will achieve the best overall effect. A quick visit to popular bridal shops in Ha Noi reveals that oriental lilies for the bride, the bridal car, and the groom's boutonniere cost between VND 300,000 and 350,000 (between US$ 18.75 and $ 21.88). Roses are slightly cheaper, between VND 250,000 and 300,000 (US$ 15.63 and $ 18.75). This is a high price just for flow¬ers when one compares the cost to the official salary of a high school teacher (around VND 500,000 or US$ 31.25 a month). Weddings have indeed become more expensive, with the result that many young couples begin their married lives in debt.
However, many people consider flowers worth the financial sacrifice, for they provide the beauty and luxury appropriate to celebrate a young couple's happiness when beginning a long life together.