A Chinese wedding is a stunning blend of deep-rooted traditions, symbolic rituals, and cultural heritage that have been cherished for generations. Traditionally, these weddings are grand affairs, filled with meaningful customs—from the exchange of betrothal gifts to the iconic Chinese wedding tea ceremony. Today, modern couples are blending traditional Chinese wedding elements with contemporary influences, creating a beautiful mix of heritage and personal style.
One of the most significant aspects of a Chinese wedding is the use of red and gold, symbolising prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Another key element is the wedding invitation, which sets the tone for the event and reflects the cultural importance of the occasion.
Chinese Wedding Traditions
Betrothal Ceremony (Guo Da Li)
One of the most important Chinese wedding traditions is the betrothal ceremony, known as Guo Da Li (过大礼). This is when the groom’s family formally presents gifts to the bride’s family as a proposal and a symbol of goodwill.
How to Perform a Betrothal Ceremony
- The groom’s family selects an auspicious date to visit the bride’s family.
- Gifts typically include Chinese wedding pastries, tea leaves, wine, and gold jewellery.
- The bride’s family accepts the gifts and reciprocates with dowry items, symbolising mutual respect and family unity.
Today, some couples opt for a simplified version of the ceremony, focusing on key symbolic elements rather than an extensive list of traditional gifts.
Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony
The Chinese wedding tea ceremony is a cherished tradition, symbolising respect and gratitude towards parents and elders. It usually takes place on the wedding day before the main reception.
How to Perform a Traditional Tea Ceremony
- The couple kneels before their elders and serves tea in a traditional tea set.
- The tea is often brewed with red dates and lotus seeds, symbolising a sweet and prosperous marriage.
- Parents and elders present red envelopes (hongbao) or gold jewellery as a blessing for the couple.
Many couples now incorporate the tea ceremony into a Western-style wedding, performing it before or after their vows.
The Significance of Red in Chinese Weddings
In Chinese culture, red symbolises joy, prosperity, and good fortune, making it a key element in traditional weddings.
How to Incorporate Red into Your Wedding:
- Wedding Dress: Many brides wear a red qipao or cheongsam.
- Decorations: Red lanterns, banners, and floral arrangements.
- Wedding Invitations: Red invitations with gold foil accents for an elegant touch.
While some brides choose a white Western gown, they may include red accents in their accessories or wear a traditional qipao for the tea ceremony.
The Double Happiness Symbol (囍)
The Double Happiness (囍) symbol represents love, unity, and marital bliss. It is commonly featured in Chinese wedding invitations, decorations, and wedding favours.
Ways to Include the Double Happiness Symbol in Your Wedding:
- Jewellery: Many brides wear gold Double Happiness necklaces or earrings.
- Wedding Invitations: Gold foil stamping of the Double Happiness symbol.
- Reception Decor: Displayed on banners, table settings, and wedding cakes.
The Wedding Procession & Door Games
Before the ceremony, the groom must prove his love and commitment by completing a series of fun door games (闯门游戏) set by the bride’s bridesmaids.
Common Door Games:
- Answering questions about the bride.
- Performing fun challenges like singing or dancing.
- Offering a red envelope (hongbao) to “bribe” the bridesmaids for entry.
This lighthearted tradition brings laughter and joy to the wedding day, helping to ease nerves before the formal events begin.
Gift Giving & Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Instead of traditional wedding gifts, guests usually present red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money.
What Guests Should Know:
- The amount given should be an auspicious number (e.g. amounts ending in 8 for good luck).
- Avoid amounts containing the number 4, as it sounds like the word for “death” in Chinese.
- Some couples offer digital hongbao options for guests who prefer cashless transactions.
Traditional vs. Modern Chinese Weddings
Traditional and modern Chinese weddings share the same cultural foundation but differ in execution, style, and format. Here are the key distinctions:
Key Differences
| Aspect | Traditional Chinese Wedding | Modern Chinese Wedding |
| Attire | Brides wear red qipao/cheongsam, grooms wear Tang suits. | Brides often wear a white Western gown, sometimes switching to a red dress later. |
| Tea Ceremony | Held in the bride and groom’s family homes. | Often incorporated into the reception venue or held as part of a Western wedding. |
| Venue | Traditional banquet halls, family homes. | Luxury hotels, outdoor gardens, or modern event spaces. |
| Invitations | Red & gold designs with traditional calligraphy. | Modern minimalist or fusion styles, incorporating personal elements. |
| Wedding Banquet | A ten-course feast with auspicious dishes. | Some opt for a Western-style reception with Chinese-inspired cuisine. |
| Gift Giving | Guests give red envelopes (hongbao). | Digital gift options and wedding registries are gaining popularity. |
Blending Traditions with Modern Elements
- Some couples wear a traditional qipao for the tea ceremony, then change into a white gown.
- Incorporating modern floral arrangements while keeping traditional red and gold décor.
- Adapting Chinese wedding banquets to include Western-style catering.
Modern Chinese weddings allow couples to honour their cultural heritage while creating a unique experience that reflects their personalities and values.
Choosing the Perfect Chinese Wedding Invitations
Your Chinese wedding invitation sets the tone for the celebration and reflects your cultural heritage.
Key Elements in Traditional Chinese Wedding Invitations
- Red & Gold Colours: Represent prosperity and happiness.
- Double Happiness Symbol (囍): Symbolises a harmonious marriage.
- Elegant Calligraphy & Gold Foil: Adds a luxurious touch.
Paperlust offers premium wedding invitation designs inspired by rich Chinese traditions, ensuring your stationery reflects cultural elegance and meaning. With a range of customisation options, you can tailor every detail to match your wedding theme perfectly. Using high-quality printing methods such as letterpress, foil stamping, and embossing, Paperlust guarantees a luxurious and sophisticated finish for your invitations, making your special day even more memorable.
A Chinese wedding is a beautiful and meaningful event that celebrates love, family, and tradition. Whether you prefer a traditional Chinese wedding or a modern twist, incorporating key customs such as the Chinese wedding tea ceremony, betrothal ceremony, and red envelopes will make your wedding truly special.