A n essential for every chinese wedding the chinese tea ceremony is arguably one of the most important wedding traditions in the chinese culture.
Chinese wedding tea ceremony gifts.
The gifts are usually in the form of red packets or jewellery.
Some relatives prefer the bride and groom to wear the jewellery gifts immediately and will even put it on for them.
But unlike at western weddings couples will rarely have a registry or release a list of wanted gifts.
The bride s parents will pay for the tea set which is a part of the dowry.
A set of tea sets is also a symbolic token of the newlyweds.
According to the customs prayers are an integral part of the ceremony.
Chinese wedding tea ceremony 敬茶 in chinese is directly translated as to offer tea.
As chinese weddings have become infused with western traditions traditional western wedding gifts have become more acceptable.
The chinese tea set is a meaningful keepsake for the couple.
This time honored exchange was created to show respect for the family.
Tea is an important element of this dowry.
Chinese wedding ceremonies are small and more formal.
You can use the tea set in the dowry or the home tea set.
Traditional chinese teas such as pu er tieguanyin or fragrant teas are suitable for use.
The wedding celebration.
Historically after they exchanged vows the couple would serve tea to the groom s family the bride would have served tea privately to her own family that morning.
That means unless you know exactly what the couple needs or wants sticking to a red envelope might be your best bet.
Before the wedding the groom s family presents the bride s family with betrothal or engagement gifts.
The ceremony is in a government house or a courthouse with very few people in attendance.
The chinese wedding tea set used for the tea ceremony is kept as a wedding present.
The tea ceremony is to honor parents and always begins with prayer.
Tea was an important part of the betrothal in chinese pre wedding traditions.
If the bride s family receives the dowry they are expressing consent to the marriage.
In the future when the daughter of the bride will get married the tea set will be used again.
Throughout the process good wishes and red angbaos will be given to the couple to extend their blessings to the couple.
It s the quintessential chinese wedding tradition.
Well you really don t have to since gifts are usually in forms of red envelopes with money that can widely ranges from 50 to 500 usd.
Ace your chinese wedding tea ceremony with this essential guide on the meaning behind this age old tradition and what you need to prepare for your tea ceremony.
Other gift options.
During the tea ceremony the couple will serve tea to both sides of the parents and elders in the family as a form of respect.