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- The Betrothal. Known as the Guo Da Li, the groom will present betrothal gifts (gold jewelry, dragon and phoenix wax candles, tea leaves and sesame seeds, wine or brandy, etc.)
- Choosing the Wedding Date. The date of the wedding ceremony isn’t chosen by chance. “Many couples consult with a fortune teller, Chinese monk, or Feng Shui master to choose an auspicious date to bring success to their marriage,” shares Froelich.
- The Invitation. The Chinese wedding invitation is typically red with gold lettering and bears the Double Happiness symbol. Inside, it’ll include dates for the wedding banquet, order of birth, and names of the bride, groom, and respective parents.
- Preparing the Marriage Bed. The An Chuang usually takes place on an auspicious day and time, two to three days before the wedding. “This tradition is carried out by a female relative of good fortune—one with parents, husband, children, and grandchildren—where the bed will be dressed in new red color beddings and pillows with a mix of dried fruits and nuts such as longans, persimmons, and red dates,” explains Yu.
In this guide, we will explore what to wear for a traditional Chinese wedding and how to respect the cultural customs associated with it. The Bride’s Attire: A Symbol of Elegance and Tradition. The bride’s attire in a traditional Chinese wedding is known as a «qipao» or «cheongsam.»
This article delves into the world of traditional Chinese wedding customs. We'll explore the significance of wedding cakes, the role of gifts, and much more. Whether you're planning a Chinese wedding or simply interested in cultural traditions, this guide offers a comprehensive understanding.
The bride traditionally wears a red qipao or a modern white wedding gown, while the groom wears a traditional black or blue silk coat. Red, symbolizing luck and joy, is the predominant color in Chinese weddings, seen in the bride’s dress, decorations, and even the wedding invitations.
- Double Happiness Symbol. Pronounced shuāngxǐ, the double happiness symbol is one of the most recognizable icons incorporated in Chinese weddings. "The Double Happiness character is very aptly named—it's made of two connected copies of the character xi, which means 'happiness.'
- Auspicious Colors. Red and gold are the two colors most frequently used in color palettes for Chinese weddings. "Across all of Chinese tradition, red is by far and large the most popular color at all major celebrations, including weddings," explains Valente.
- Gate Crashing and Door Games. "The beginning of the wedding ceremony often begins first with collecting the bride. The groom and his groomsmen will travel to the bride's house, where sometimes a tea ceremony is performed in order to pay homage to the bride's family, before everyone heads over to the groom's family's house for their own tea ceremony," explains Valente.
- Tea Ceremony. "The tea ceremony is one of the biggest components in a traditional Chinese wedding," explains Bishop. "Once this is done, it is a sign of marriage in the eyes of Chinese tradition.
In this article, we will explore the historical significance, traditional designs, modern and fusion styles, symbolism, accessories, and the considerations for choosing the perfect Chinese wedding outfit.
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From playing around with darker shades of red to bringing in Chinese dress elements, like a Mandarin collor, to a Western-style dress, there are plenty of ways to ensure the look you for your modern Chinese wedding feels like you and represents the heritage that brought you to where you are.
