Chinese Wedding Traditions

Whether you have a Chinese background or you are marrying into a Chinese family, being respectful of Chinese wedding traditions is important way to start your new life as a married couple. There have been a number of Chinese wedding traditions over the years although in this modern time, only a few are being observed. However, following Chinese wedding tradition will not only please your families but also is important in paying homage to your ancestry.

Red is the most important color to Chinese weddings because it symbolizes joy, love and prosperity. And because the Chinese culture strongly believes in luck and fortune, don’t be surprised if the wedding date is determined after referring to a lunar calendar to find a date when the stars and moon are in the right alignment for luck. Choosing a date in this way is all part of Chinese wedding traditions.

Chinese Wedding Invitations And Cards

Based on the Chinese wedding customs of using red, you will likely want to choose the color red for your invitations. In addition, any Chinese wedding cards giving thanks or Chinese wedding greetings and e-cards should also incorporate the color red. In addition, the Chinese symbol for double happiness should be used as per Chinese wedding traditions.

Wedding Attire

There are actually three Chinese wedding gowns that will be worn by the bride. The first Chinese wedding dress is a traditional white with a veil that is worn during the service itself. The second of the Chinese wedding dresses usually is a traditional red dress that is worn throughout the remainder of the wedding. Finally the last dress is the going away dress.

Common Customs For Chinese Wedding Traditions

Chinese wedding beds are part of the whole marriage process in this rich heritage. Per tradition, the groom’s parents give a new bed to the happy couple complete with all the linens and other necessary bedding. Then, the groom’s parents make up the bed and the groom sleeps in it the night before his wedding. Before the new husband and wife share this bed, a young member of the family bounces on the bed to promote happiness and fertility for the new couple. If a traditional bed is not available, you can find Chinese wedding beds in reproductions.

Another part of Chinese wedding traditions is the Chinese wedding basket. This is a heavy duty basket with handles and a lid. The groom’s family typically fills one with gifts and edible goodies and presents it to the bride’s family. The basket can then be re-used for a variety of things including storage or stacking.

While there are many more Chinese wedding traditions, the ones listed above are the most popular and followed. If you or your new family is Chinese, it would mean a great deal to them and your heritage to incorporate some of these Chinese wedding traditions.