How to plan a Chinese wedding?

Planning a Chinese wedding involves several traditional customs and rituals that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The first step is to determine the wedding date based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The bride's family will then send a formal proposal to the groom's family, and if accepted, the couple will exchange engagement rings and gifts.

The wedding day itself typically involves a morning ceremony where the bride and groom pay respects to their ancestors and receive blessings from their parents. The bride will then change into several different dresses throughout the day, including a traditional red qipao and a white Western-style wedding gown.

During the reception, guests will participate in various customs such as the tea ceremony, where the couple serves tea to their parents and elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. The reception also includes a banquet with multiple courses of traditional Chinese cuisine and speeches from family members and friends.

Overall, planning a Chinese wedding requires careful attention to cultural traditions and customs, but can result in a beautiful and meaningful celebration of love and family.

1、 Traditional Chinese wedding customs

How to plan a Chinese wedding:

1. Choose an auspicious date: In Chinese culture, the wedding date is chosen based on the couple's birth dates and the Chinese lunar calendar. It is believed that an auspicious date will bring good luck and fortune to the couple.

2. Prepare the wedding invitations: In Chinese weddings, the invitations are usually red and gold, and they include the names of the bride and groom, the date and time of the wedding, and the location.

3. Choose the wedding venue: Chinese weddings are often held in banquet halls or restaurants, and the venue should be decorated with red and gold colors, which symbolize happiness and prosperity.

4. Select the wedding attire: The bride usually wears a red qipao or a white wedding gown, while the groom wears a black or blue suit. The bride and groom may also change into several different outfits throughout the day.

5. Plan the wedding ceremony: The traditional Chinese wedding ceremony includes the tea ceremony, where the couple serves tea to their parents and elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.

6. Prepare the wedding banquet: The wedding banquet is an important part of the Chinese wedding, and it usually includes multiple courses of food and drinks.

7. Hire a wedding photographer and videographer: Chinese weddings are often documented with photos and videos, which are later shared with family and friends.

Traditional Chinese wedding customs:

1. The bride's family sends a dowry to the groom's family as a sign of respect and gratitude.

2. The groom's family sends a betrothal gift to the bride's family to show their sincerity and commitment.

3. The bride and groom are not allowed to see each other before the wedding ceremony.

4. The bride wears a red veil to symbolize her purity and modesty.

5. The wedding ceremony includes the exchange of rings and the lighting of a unity candle.

6. The bride and groom bow to their parents and elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.

7. The wedding banquet includes traditional Chinese dishes, such as shark fin soup and abalone.

Latest point of view:

In recent years, there has been a shift towards more modern and personalized Chinese weddings. Couples are incorporating Western elements, such as exchanging vows and having a first dance, into their ceremonies. There is also a trend towards smaller and more intimate weddings, as opposed to the traditional large banquets. Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of weddings, and many couples are choosing to have eco-friendly weddings by using sustainable materials and reducing waste.

2、 Modern Chinese wedding trends

How to plan a Chinese wedding:

1. Determine the wedding date: In Chinese culture, choosing an auspicious date is important. Consult a Chinese calendar or a fortune teller to select a date that is favorable for the couple.

2. Set the budget: Chinese weddings can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider the cost of the venue, catering, decorations, and other expenses.

3. Choose the venue: Traditional Chinese weddings are held in banquet halls, but modern couples may opt for outdoor venues or unique locations.

4. Select the wedding attire: The bride typically wears a red qipao or a white wedding gown, while the groom wears a black or blue suit. It's important to choose attire that is appropriate for the wedding theme and venue.

5. Plan the ceremony: Chinese wedding ceremonies often include traditional rituals such as the tea ceremony and the exchange of vows. Work with a wedding planner or officiant to create a ceremony that reflects the couple's values and beliefs.

6. Plan the reception: The reception typically includes a multi-course meal, speeches, and entertainment. Consider incorporating traditional Chinese elements such as lion dancers or a dragon dance.

Modern Chinese wedding trends:

1. Personalization: Modern Chinese couples are incorporating their own unique style and personality into their weddings, rather than following traditional customs.

2. Technology: Social media and technology are playing a bigger role in Chinese weddings, with couples using apps and websites to plan and share their wedding details.

3. Sustainability: More couples are opting for eco-friendly and sustainable wedding practices, such as using locally sourced flowers and food.

4. Intimate weddings: With the rising cost of weddings, some couples are choosing to have smaller, more intimate celebrations with close family and friends.

5. Fusion weddings: Chinese couples are incorporating elements of Western weddings into their celebrations, such as having a first dance or exchanging rings.

3、 Choosing auspicious dates and venues

Planning a Chinese wedding can be a complex process, but it is also a beautiful and meaningful experience. Here are some key steps to consider when planning a Chinese wedding:

1. Choosing auspicious dates and venues: In Chinese culture, certain dates are considered more auspicious than others. It is important to consult a Chinese calendar and choose a date that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple. Additionally, the venue should be carefully chosen to reflect the couple's personalities and preferences.

2. Pre-wedding rituals: Chinese weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding rituals, such as the betrothal ceremony, the hair combing ceremony, and the bridal shower. These rituals are meant to symbolize the couple's commitment to each other and to their families.

3. Wedding attire: The bride and groom should wear traditional Chinese wedding attire, which typically includes a red qipao or cheongsam for the bride and a black or blue suit for the groom. The bride may also wear a phoenix crown or a dragon and phoenix headdress.

4. Wedding banquet: The wedding banquet is a key part of the Chinese wedding celebration. It is important to choose a menu that includes traditional Chinese dishes, such as roast duck, steamed fish, and dumplings. The banquet should also include a variety of toasts and speeches from family members and friends.

5. Wedding favors: Chinese wedding favors are typically small gifts that are given to guests as a token of appreciation. These may include red envelopes filled with money, tea sets, or other traditional Chinese items.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards incorporating more modern elements into Chinese weddings, such as Western-style wedding dresses and non-traditional venues. However, it is important to remember the cultural significance of the traditional elements and to incorporate them in a way that is respectful and meaningful.

4、 Wedding attire and accessories

Wedding attire and accessories are an essential part of any wedding, and Chinese weddings are no exception. In a Chinese wedding, the bride and groom typically wear traditional attire that symbolizes their cultural heritage and family values. The bride usually wears a red qipao or a two-piece dress called a cheongsam, while the groom wears a black or blue silk suit with a mandarin collar.

When planning a Chinese wedding, it's important to consider the attire and accessories for the bride, groom, and wedding party. The bride's dress should be elegant and traditional, with intricate embroidery and beading. The groom's suit should be tailored to fit him perfectly, with a matching silk tie and pocket square.

Accessories are also an important part of Chinese wedding attire. The bride typically wears a red veil and carries a red silk fan or parasol. The groom may wear a red silk sash or carry a red silk handkerchief. The wedding party may also wear traditional Chinese attire, such as a qipao or a tang suit.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards incorporating modern elements into Chinese wedding attire. For example, some brides may choose to wear a white wedding dress for the ceremony and change into a traditional red qipao for the reception. Grooms may also opt for a more modern suit in a non-traditional color.

Overall, when planning a Chinese wedding, it's important to consider the cultural significance of traditional attire and accessories while also incorporating personal style and modern elements.