Image Source From: Habib Jewels
Intro: What is Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony
The Chinese tea ceremony normally occurs on the wedding day. During this ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents, in-laws, and other family members to express gratitude and respect to their parents. This symbolises the union of two families and is a significant part of the day. In return, the families bless the newlyweds by giving them “hong baos,” which are red envelopes containing money. Usually, it happens inside the couple’s respective family homes.
5-6 Months Before Wedding Tea Ceremony
Select Suitable Venue
Contact potential locations to ensure they can accommodate your guests and provide necessary supplies such as chairs, cups, and tables. Additionally, inquire about a preparation area to plan accordingly.
Decide What to Wear
Next, make a decision regarding your attire. Explore various wedding qipao/cheongsam styles, and if you prefer a modern and high-quality option, browse our cheongsam collection. Ensure you order your wedding cheongsam early, allowing ample time for any necessary alterations. If a qipao isn’t your preference, consider a simple red dress, as red holds special significance in Chinese culture.
3-4 Months Prior Wedding Tea Ceremony
Submit Your Dress Measurements Promptly
If you’re opting for a custom-sized wedding qipao. This step is crucial to ensure your qipao is tailored perfectly. Additionally, consider accessorizing your cheongsam with items like a hairpin or gold jewelry.
Finalise Your Guest List and Send Out Invitations
In terms of your guest list, finalize it and send out invitations. Even if your relatives anticipate attending the tea ceremony, sending Asian-inspired invitations formally extends the invitation.
Book The Venue and Catering Service
Lastly, secure your tea ceremony venue promptly. High-quality venues tend to book quickly, so make sure to confirm your location without delay.
Moreover, verify the catering service or consider providing snacks or finger food for your attending families and attendants during the ceremony. This will enhance the overall experience for all involved.
1-2 Months Before Tea Ceremony
Purchase Decorations & Tea Ceremony Supplies
Procure decorations and tea ceremony supplies, including a tea pot, tray, tea, an adequate number of tea cups, kneeling pillows, decorations, and any additional items you wish to include, such as extra red envelopes.
Assign Roles to Your Bridal Party
Assign specific roles to your bridal party. Generally, the Bride Chaperone “Dai Kam Jie” will be responsible for holding the tray and tea cups alongside the bride and groom during the tea ceremony. The remaining members of the bridal party can assist in setting up the venue and decorating as needed.
Day Prior Tea Ceremony
Print Your Guest List for Tea Ceremony
Print your guest list and become acquainted with the serving order.
Practice Etiquette and Script
Practice both the etiquette and the script by rehearsing the actions and practicing the pronunciation of your relatives’ names, along with the phrase “Please drink the tea” in Chinese.
Pack Everything You Need the Night Before
The night before the ceremony, prepare all the necessary items and pack them. This way, you’ll be well-prepared for the following day, and your focus can be on your own preparations and setting up the venue.
Image Source From: Wedded Wonderland
FAQ About Tea Ceremony:
1. Wondering about the attire for a wedding tea ceremony?
Generally, brides opt for a floor or ankle-length red cheongsam (qipao) dress, complete with a mandarin collar. Another traditional option is the qun kwa. On the other hand, grooms often choose a tuxedo or a suit that complements the bride’s attire, or they may go for a traditional brocade jacket known as a changshan.
2. When and where should you hold the Chinese tea ceremony, and what’s the typical duration?
Traditionally, the tea ceremony took place at the family home of the bride or groom. However, in contemporary times, it’s equally common to host the ceremony at a restaurant, hotel, or in a scenic outdoor location like a park or garden.
3. In what sequence should you serve tea during tea ceremony?
Typically, you start by serving tea to your parents, followed by your grandparents, and then the extended family, which includes uncles, aunties, elder siblings, and elder cousins, in order of seniority. Normally, the groom’s family is served first, followed by the bride’s family, but you also have the option to alternate between families for each round.
4. Do both the bride and groom participate in serving tea?
Absolutely! Here’s how it works: The groom kneels on the right and serves the tea first, while the bride kneels on the left and follows suit. Importantly, both the bride and groom serve tea to the same person during the ceremony.
5. What should you say while serving tea?
Address the relative by their relationship, saying, “Mom, please drink the tea,” typically in Chinese, either Mandarin or Cantonese. Alternatively, the Bride Chaperone or “Dai Kam Jie” can provide guidance to the groom and bride throughout the process.
6. Who should handle the tea and how much is required?
Your Bride Chaperone or “Dai Kam Jie” plays a crucial role by standing beside the bride and groom, holding tea-filled cups on a serving tray. After each round, the Dai Kam Jie replaces the tea cups with a fresh set filled with tea. It’s essential to prepare four cups for each couple you serve, or two cups for each person, and ensure you have enough tea to brew three pots.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Chinese wedding tea ceremony is a deeply meaningful tradition that symbolizes respect, gratitude, and the union of two families. It’s a moment of profound significance during a wedding, where the bride and groom express their appreciation to their parents, in-laws, and elders, while receiving blessings in return.
This ceremony not only connects generations but also blends ancient customs with contemporary celebrations. It’s a beautiful way to honor one’s cultural heritage while forging new family bonds. The attire, venue, and rituals may vary, but the core essence remains constant – the exchange of love and respect through a simple cup of tea.
As you embark on your journey together, remember the cherished moments shared during the tea ceremony. They serve as a foundation for a life filled with love, harmony, and the rich tapestry of traditions that bind you and your families.
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