Discover the Uniqueness of Malaysian Wedding Traditions: The “Yum Seng” Ceremony

Weddings are a time of joy, unity, and celebration, and in Malaysia, where cultural diversity thrives, wedding traditions are deeply meaningful. One of the most energetic and unforgettable elements in Malaysian Chinese weddings is the “Yum Seng” ceremony.

It’s not just a toast. It’s a cheerful ritual that fills the room with laughter, connection, and heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds.

But if you or your partner aren’t Malaysian, or if your guest list includes friends from different cultures you might be wondering:

• What exactly is Yum Seng, and how do we make sure everyone feels included and excited to join in?

Let’s dive in.

What Does “Yum Seng” Mean?

The phrase “Yum Seng” (饮胜) comes from Cantonese and literally means “drink to victory.” In modern Malaysian weddings, it’s become a symbolic chant of prosperity, happiness, and collective celebration.

Here’s how it works:

• Guests raise their glasses, take a deep breath, and shout "Yummmmmmmmmm Seng!", stretching the “Yum” as long as they can before finishing strong with “Seng!”

• The longer and louder the shout, the greater the blessings for the couple. It’s fun, heartfelt, and gets everyone involved, no matter where they’re from.

Over time, this tradition has grown beyond Chinese-Malaysian families. Today, almost every Malaysian wedding guest, regardless of race or religion, recognizes Yum Seng as a joyful symbol of togetherness.

When Does the Yum Seng Toast Happen During the Reception?

The Yum Seng ceremony typically takes place midway through the wedding dinner, often after the fourth dish has been served. Traditionally, there are three rounds of toasting, based on the cultural belief: “无三不成礼”, means no celebration is complete without three rounds.

Here’s how it usually goes:

• First Toast – Led by the groom’s parents

• Second Toast – Led by the bride’s parents

• Third Toast – Led by the groom (often with the bride), bringing the entire room together for one final, thunderous Yum Seng!

The third round is usually the most energetic, you’ll hear guests cheering, laughing, and stretching their voices to outrageous lengths!

Why Couples Still Love Table-to-Table Toasting

After the stage toasts, many couples continue the celebration with table-to-table Yum Seng toasts. This tradition is more than just a photo op, it’s also a sign of respect and gratitude. It gives the couple and their bridal party a chance to personally thank the guests, toast in smaller groups and capture fun, candid moments at each table. It’s especially meaningful for elders or guests who traveled far for the big day.

However, some modern couples choose to simplify the format, opting for just one stage toast or skipping table-to-table toasting to save time.

And that’s totally okay.

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect your story and your style.

How Modern Couples Are Reinventing the Yum Seng Tradition

Weddings today are more personal and flexible than ever. Couples (especially those from intercultural or mixed backgrounds) often customize the Yum Seng ceremony to match their vision.

Here are a few ways you can make Yum Seng your own:

• Do one round instead of three to keep things simple

• Incorporate Yum Seng into a bilingual welcome speech

• Have your emcee explain the meaning of Yum Seng before it starts

• Make it fun by challenging your guests to hold the “Yum” as long as possible!

If your partner or many of your guests are from outside Malaysia, the Yum Seng ceremony may be unfamiliar, or even a little intimidating.

That’s where we come in.

Meet V Art: Your Bilingual Emcees for Multicultural Weddings

• At V Art, we specialize in hosting weddings for intercultural and mixed-background couples. Our goal is to make sure every guest feels connected, understood, and involved—no awkward confusion, just joyful celebration.

How we bring your Yum Seng moment to life:

• Clear Bilingual Hosting

We speak fluent English & Mandarin and guide your guests in both languages. Everyone knows what’s happening and why it matters.

• Lively Energy with a Respectful Tone

We bring the right vibe, whether your event is formal and elegant, lighthearted and fun, or somewhere in between. Your guests will feel comfortable and engaged.

• Blending Tradition with Modern Flair

Want the full three rounds? Just one? No table-to-table toasting? We help you adapt Yum Seng (and other rituals) to suit your vision, without losing cultural richness.

• Tailored Hosting for You Two

We don’t do cookie-cutter weddings. We work with you from the start to understand your love story, cultural background, and guest profile, so your celebration feels truly yours.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Loud, Celebrate Proud

The Yum Seng ceremony is one of the most joyful and unifying moments in a Malaysian wedding. Whether your guests are from KL or London, Penang or Paris, this toast brings everyone together, shouting blessings, laughing freely, and celebrating your love.

So when the time comes and your emcee says,

“Ready? One, two, three… Yummmmmmmm Seng!”

You’ll know that everyone, will be right there with you, glass in hand, heart full, cheering you on.

Let Team V Art be your voice on the big day.

From explaining traditions like Yum Seng to hosting a seamless bilingual program, our experienced emcees help you create a wedding that’s joyful, inclusive, and 100% you. Contact Us Today!