Chinese weddings are steeped in tradition and many customs have survived centuries, the following are some customs you may add to your ceremony.
The Color Red – this color plays an integral part of the wedding festivities. From the red wedding invitations, to the red gift envelopes, to the bride’s red wedding dress, you can be sure to be surrounded in this bold and lucky color if you’re attending a Chinese wedding.
Tea Ceremony - on the day of the wedding the happy couple will serve tea to the parents of the bride and groom and other esteemed wedding guests, in order of seniority. In return, the guests will present the couple with gold jewelry and money in red envelopes.
Three Dresses - traditionally the Chinese bride will wear three wedding dresses. The first is a traditional white dress with veil. This is worn during the wedding ceremony. The second wedding dress, a traditional Chinese wedding dress is worn throughout the banquet. The third is the bride’s going away dress. She changes into this just before leaving the banquet.
The Wedding Banquet - the wedding banquet, or feast, is probably the most important part of the Chinese wedding. The banquet is important to the families of the bride and groom because it allows them to save “face” with their friends and relatives. They consider it a return of all of the kindnesses paid to them throughout the years. In fact, for traditional Chinese families, the banquet is more for the parents of the bride and groom, than the happy couple themselves.
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