Chinese wedding etiquette isn’t terribly different from Western wedding etiquette, particularly if the bride and groom are sticking to more modern practices. However, it’s still important to note assorted Chinese wedding do’s and don’ts before making your way to the ceremony hall. Check out the following to ensure yourself a good time:
Color Code
Traditionally, a Chinese bride wears red to symbolize prosperity and joy. It is therefore considered very impolite to wear red to to a Chinese wedding. Rather than stealing the spotlight from the bride, wear shades of pink, purple, or peach to symbolize happiness and a beautiful new life together. Orange and yellow clothing also works, though black and white options should be avoided because they symbolize mourning and death. Wearing black to a Chinese wedding is also believed to bring the couple bad luck.
Pregnant Women & Mourning Guests
Chinese wedding tradition states pregnant women and those who have recently lost a loved one should not attend the nuptials due to the stigma of bad luck. Pregnant women are also not advised to attend Chinese weddings due to the the powerful Qi, or lifeforce, between the wedded couple. This force is believed to potentially harm unborn children. Younger couples are often less stringent about these traditions, however.
Gifts
Asking whether the couple wants gifts or gift certificates is strongly encouraged. It is also recommended that you review which gifts are considered bad luck, such as chrysanthemums and daisies. These blooms are associated with funerals. Other “bad luck” gifts include anything in sets of four, as ‘four’ is associated with death in China.
Giving the couple cash or a check in a red envelope with gold bows is the best gift to give at a Chinese wedding.
Keep these etiquette tips in mind and enjoy a beautiful wedding!
