Attending a Chinese wedding as a foreign guest can be both exciting and intimidating. This guide explains customs and proper etiquette.
Red Envelope (Hongbao)
The most important wedding gift is money in a red envelope. Amounts: Colleague 200-500 RMB, Friend 500-1000 RMB, Close friend 1000-2000+ RMB. Use lucky numbers like 666, 888, 999.
What to Wear
- Women: Cocktail or formal dresses
- Men: Suit and tie
- Avoid: All white, all black, all red
- Safe: Blue, purple, pink, gold
At the Reception
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Sign guest book
- Give red envelope at registration
- Stand when couple enters
- Applaud at appropriate moments
Wedding Banquet
Tables are round. Typical menu: roasted pig (purity), steamed fish (prosperity), prawns (happiness), chicken (phoenix), noodles (long life), sweet soup (sweet life).
Toast Etiquette
- Stand when couple approaches
- Raise your glass
- Say Xinhun kuaile (Happy Wedding)
- Hold glass lower than couples glasses
Useful Phrases
- Xinhun kuaile – Happy Wedding
- Bainian haohe – 100 years of harmony
- Gongxi gongxi – Congratulations