Chinese Wedding Dos and Don’ts

Dos and Don’ts of Traditional Chinese Wedding Ceremonies

Traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies are rich in symbolism and steeped in heritage, with meaningful rituals that honor family and cultural values.

Two iconic traditions—Gate Crashing and the Tea Ceremony—bring fun and sentimentality to the celebration. Here are some dos and don’ts to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Gate Crashing

This playful tradition involves the groom and his groomsmen proving their love and commitment by overcoming challenges set by the bridesmaids before he can see his bride.

Do:

• Plan Fun Games: Choose creative, lighthearted games that bring laughter and set a joyful tone. Popular ideas include trivia about the bride or silly physical challenges.
• Prepare Red Packets: The groom should have enough ang pao (red envelopes) filled with money to negotiate his way in, symbolizing good fortune.
• Respect Boundaries: While games should be amusing, ensure they’re within the groom and groomsmen’s physical and emotional comfort zones.

Don’t:

• Overcomplicate the Tasks: Games should be fun, not exhausting or overly difficult.
• Cause Discomfort: Avoid tasks that may embarrass or offend participants.

Tea Ceremony

A deeply symbolic ritual, the tea ceremony is a moment for the couple to show respect to their elders and receive blessings for their marriage.

Do:

• Serve Tea Properly: The bride and groom would offer tea with both hands as a sign of respect to their elders.
• Offer Tokens of Gratitude: Elders often gift the couple with red envelopes, jewelry, or words of blessing in return.
• Honor Order of Seniority: Serve tea to elders in descending order of age, starting with grandparents or parents.

Don’t:

• Rush Through the Ceremony: Take your time to appreciate the gravity and sentiment of the ritual.
• Skip Traditional Attire: Wearing cheongsams, qipaos, or other traditional outfits adds cultural significance and elegance to the moment.

With these tips, you can ensure these cherished traditions are celebrated with respect and joy, making your wedding day even more meaningful.