In traditional Chinese weddings, the ceremony is only a very small element of the wedding day. Vows are exchanged at a local government office as the paperwork is signed and then the couple attend an intimate ceremony, where they stand at the family altar and pay their respects to nature, family ancestors, and deities.

How does a Chinese wedding go?

It is Chinese tradition for the bride to wear a red dress, called a qipao and to cover her face with a red veil on the wedding day. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes happiness, prosperity and good luck. Today, modern weddings call for the bride to wear a white bridal gown, and third ball gown throughout the evening.

How big are Chinese weddings?

Most traditional Chinese weddings are two days long. The previous day, my cousin had her bachelorette party, which was more like a huge work party. Most of her relatives came, ate food, and helped decorate the house for the big day.

How long is a traditional Chinese wedding?

How long is the ceremony? It can last anywhere from four hours to three days depending on how many Chinese wedding traditions are observed.

What is the highlight of a Chinese wedding?

Red plays a vital role in Chinese weddings, because this color is associated with success, loyalty, honor, fertility, and love, amongst others. Because of this, decorations at Chinese weddings are generally in red, and so is the brides dress. Gold is also commonly used, as it portrays wealth and fortune.

Who pays for the Chinese wedding?

grooms In traditional Chinese weddings, the grooms side is supposed to pay for the wedding. But in the States, the brides family is expected to pay.

What color should you not wear to a Chinese wedding?

The first is to avoid the colors red, black and white. White is always a no-no at weddings for anyone but the couple, but at a Chinese wedding youll want to also veto any clothing with red and black, too. Both white and black represent mourning in Chinese culture.

What is the last name of a married Chinese woman?

Mainland China Traditionally, unlike in English-speaking countries, a married woman keeps her name unchanged, without adopting her husbands surname. In mainland China a child inherits their fathers surname as a norm, though the marriage law explicitly states that a child may use either parents surname.

Why do Chinese brides wear red?

The roots of the ceremony stem from Chinas 5000-year history which includes more than 2000 years of feudal society. Traditionally, on the wedding day, the bride wore a red dress and covered her face with a red veil. Red symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

Who pays for wedding in USA?

Traditionally, the bride and her family are responsible for paying for all wedding planning expenses, the brides attire, all floral arrangements, transportation on the wedding day, photo and video fees, travel and lodgings for the officiant if he comes from out of town, lodging for the bridesmaids (if you have offered

Why do Asians not wear wedding rings?

Many Chinese put the ring away to protect it, except for important holidays, such as anniversaries. In Chinese tradition, higher status for men was signified by having several young female partners or concubines. A ring denies that status. For this reason, many modern Chinese men do not wear a wedding ring.

Why do Chinese wear wedding ring on right hand?

The Chinese believe that a woman is in charge of the household, so her ring should be on her right hand. The right hand exerts influence according to the custom of “nan zhuo, nu you,” male left, female right. In ancient Chinese philosophy: The thumb represents parents.

Is it OK to wear black to a Chinese wedding?

Chinese weddings Often, brides will wear two dresses during a Chinese wedding ceremony: one white and one red, so you dont want to steal her thunder in a red dress. You should also avoid wearing black to a Chinese wedding, as black is considered bad luck to the newlyweds.

Who pays for a Chinese wedding?

grooms In traditional Chinese weddings, the grooms side is supposed to pay for the wedding. But in the States, the brides family is expected to pay.