Ceremony and Banquet

One of the most important things that a couple having a traditional Chinese wedding must attend to is their wedding date. Unlike in the West, where wedding dates are chosen solely on convenience and whim of the couple’s own interests, Chinese tradition suggests that some dates are luckier than others for holding a wedding.

Chinese weddings start early in the morning, with special events continuing throughout the day, ending with a reception in the evening. The list of traditions and order that they should be performed can be confusing, especially as many modern couples modify the order of events for a more contemporary feel. The following list gives an idea about the typical customs included in a traditional Chinese wedding day.

Bride’s home - early morning

In the west, we often refer to getting married as ‘tying the knot’, which refers to the ancient custom of preparing the couple’s wedding bed by securing the hinges with ropes. In China, couples tie the red ribbon - literally! During the act of saying vows, the couple drinks from two goblets tied together by a red ribbon. Traditionally, the bride and groom link arms and drink from each other’s goblets to symbolize the unity of marriage.

In a culture with as long and rich a history as China’s, it is no surprise that Chinese weddings come with an abundance of unique and interesting traditions, not the least of which is the wedding tea ceremony. Tea, which has always been the national drink of China, is a respectful, universal beverage that is more versatile and unanimously enjoyed than alcohol. The splendid, elegant ceremonies that accompany serving and drinking tea were a special addition to the Chinese wedding celebrations.