Popular Ceremony Customs in China

Whether you are looking to incorporate Chinese wedding traditions into your wedding, or are just looking to educate yourself on wedding traditions, the following traditions are some popular ones in China.

1. The date of a Chinese wedding is chosen carefully, usually consulting an almanac and astrological signs. Also, Chinese couples are typically married on the half-hour, as the hand of the clock is moving upward (signifying that they are on the up-ward move).
   
   
2. In Chinese wedding traditions, a groom is symbolically “dressed” by his parents. Afterwards, he goes to the home of the bride, bringing gifts (often wrapped in red, the most prominent color in Chinese Wedding Customs, signifying joy and prosperity). These gifts symbolize an ingratiation to the friends and family of the bride for giving her away. Depending on the family, the bride and groom will also serve tea to their parents, showing their gratitude and a reverence for their wisdom. The bride and groom travel to the wedding site together.
   
   
3. The wedding ceremony is attended only by immediate family members. Before the reception, the bride formally serves tea to her in-laws, showing that she is now part of the family.
   
   
4. In Chinese wedding traditions, the cutting of the cake is the main event at the ceremony. There are many layers to the cake, and the bride and groom cut it together. Afterwards, they feed it to their families.
   
   
5. A Chinese bride will often change clothing three or more times during the reception.