Chinese weddings are renowned globally for their grandeur and exuberance. A fusion of traditional and modern elements creates a unique cultural experience. For couples looking to incorporate Chinese customs into their special day, navigating the intricacies can be overwhelming.
At YeahWeddings, we’re here to guide you through the nuances of Chinese wedding traditions.
From understanding the significance of specific rituals to discovering how to blend these customs with your own personal style, our comprehensive guide has got you covered.
With a vast population and linguistic diversity, China is an endless source of inspiration for wedding traditions. As you embark on this cultural journey, remember that every detail counts in making your big day truly unforgettable.
Pick Your Wedding Date
In planning their nuptials, Western couples often rely on seasonal preferences or budget considerations when setting a date. In contrast, Chinese couples place great importance on selecting a wedding date that aligns with their zodiac signs and spiritual consultations. A significant consideration is the lunar calendar’s designation of March, July, and September as inauspicious months for tying the knot.
During these times, death-related festivals are held, believed to bring bad luck to a Chinese couple.
Attend the Guo Da Li
The Chinese betrothal ceremony, or Guo Da Li, marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to a wedding day. Typically held two to four weeks prior to the big day, this formal gathering brings together the families of the bride and groom. As with many cultural traditions, this meeting is an opportunity for family members to extend blessings and good wishes. One notable aspect of the Guo Da Li is the exchange of gifts between the couple’s families.
The groom customarily presents the bride’s family with tokens such as wine and oranges, mirroring the similar practice seen in Filipino wedding customs, specifically the Pamamanhikan ceremony. However, things take a unique turn when the bride’s family responds by returning half of the gifts as a symbol of their well-wishes for the couple’s Chinese marriage ceremony.
Plan a Tea Ceremony
In a traditional Chinese wedding, the tea ceremony marks the culmination of the couple’s vows. This time-honored custom dates back to the Tang dynasty and is an opportunity for the newlyweds to pay tribute to their elders, particularly their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and other family members. As part of this cherished tradition, the bride and groom will prepare sweet tea using ingredients like red dates or lotus seeds.
The ceremony becomes a platform for the couple to receive valuable advice and heartfelt best wishes from their loved ones.
Gift The Couple with Red Envelopes
While Western cultures often rely on wedding registries to guide gift-giving, Chinese traditions take a more direct approach. In fact, giving cash or gold jewelry in red envelopes, known as Hong Bao, is a time-honored and well-received gesture for newlyweds. This symbolic offering is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the couple’s future endeavors.
Comb the Bride’s Hair
In ancient China, a sacred tradition called the Chinese combing ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of newlyweds. The ritual begins with a symbolic cleansing bath, where the bride and groom immerse themselves in water infused with pomegranate leaves and pomelo. As they emerge refreshed, they don new pajamas and sit before a table facing an open space lit by phoenix candles.
The couple’s parents then take turns combing their hair while reciting ancient blessings, imbuing the moment with meaning and prosperity. The ceremony culminates with the bride and groom sharing rice balls, a gesture representing their commitment to building a harmonious and circular life together. This cherished tradition not only symbolizes the couple’s transition into adulthood but also their readiness to leave their families behind and start anew.
Throw A Fan
In Western wedding traditions, the bouquet toss is a significant ritual where the bride passes on her good fortune to the next guest. On the other hand, Chinese weddings have their own unique customs, particularly when it comes to warding off bad luck and starting anew. Interestingly, before the newlyweds depart in their wedding vehicle, the bride will often dispose of any negative energies by tossing a fan, which can be picked up by any family member.
Hire Lion Dancers
Bring a touch of cultural heritage to your special day by incorporating a lively Lion Dance performance, typically lasting around 15-20 minutes. This ancient tradition aims to ward off negative energies that might otherwise disrupt the newlyweds’ conjugal bliss.
Test The Groom
In Chinese weddings, ‘Chuangmen’ is a unique tradition where the groom must prove himself worthy of the bride’s family. This entertaining custom has evolved over time and can now be played during tea ceremonies or banquets. Modern couples use this opportunity to create lifelong memories. The core idea behind Chuangmen is for the groom to demonstrate his knowledge about the bride through trivia questions, a light-hearted way to showcase their relationship.
For those looking to add some excitement, a taste test can also be incorporated, featuring a range of flavors from bitter to sweet. This activity not only brings laughter but also symbolizes the ups and downs of married life. If the groom is musically inclined, he’ll appreciate the chance to serenade his love on their special day, leaving everyone in awe.
Serve Chinese Food
In a traditional Chinese wedding, the banquet is a vital aspect of the celebration, often featuring elaborate ten-course meals that showcase the couple’s future prosperity and generosity. One popular dish at these ceremonies is shark fin soup, although eco-conscious couples can opt for crab- and scallop-based alternatives instead.
For a truly authentic experience, consider serving Peking duck, a Beijing-born delicacy consisting of thinly sliced waterbird served with Mandarin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. To give your guests a comprehensive taste of Chinese cuisine, incorporate abalone and sea cucumbers into the menu, paired with earthy mushrooms and broccoli for added depth.
Finally, sweeten the deal with traditional Chinese desserts like Tangyuan, which can be filled with black sesame seeds or other tasty treats.
Follow Superstitions
As couples plan their Chinese marriage ceremonies, it’s essential to be mindful of the cultural nuances that may impact the celebration. In China, the number four is considered unlucky due to its similarity in sound and character to the word for ‘death’ (si) in Mandarin. To avoid any potential negative energies, it’s recommended to steer clear of using this number in decorations or other wedding elements.
Similarly, guests should be aware that wearing solid white or black attire is believed to bring misfortune, as these colors are traditionally reserved for funerals and symbolize mourning and death. While accents of these colors can still be used with caution, it’s best to avoid making them the primary hue of any outfit.
Another important consideration is the avoidance of pears during the celebration, as the Mandarin word ‘li’ (which means separation) bears an unfortunate resemblance to the fruit’s name. Sharing pears has been known to allegedly bring about marital discord and divorce, so it’s best to choose alternative wedding favors or decorations that won’t inadvertently invite bad luck.
Play Chinese Music
A Chinese wedding would be incomplete without the romantic ambiance of Mandarin love songs. Eason Chan’s ‘Time Flies’ is a timeless classic that leaves a lasting impression on all guests, making it an ideal choice for a traditional Chinese marriage ceremony. For couples planning their special day, ‘Love You Only’ by Ekin Cheng is a must-have in your playlist. Its gentle melody makes it perfect as background music for the first dance.
If you’re looking to transport your guests back to the 90s with a song that has stood the test of time, Jacky Cheung’s ‘Love is Eternal’ is a great choice. This stripped-down ballad has been tugging at heartstrings for over two decades and will surely evoke emotions during your Chinese wedding ceremony.
