CHINA

*** FOR BRIDE AND GROOM

DO DONT
The groom bring gifts when he go back to Eat pastries during the Betrothal
the bride’s family’s home. Ceremony
On the 3rd day after the wedding, the groom the bride must not eat pastries as well
musnt forget to bring gifts to the bride’s during the ceremony because the pastries
home. This shows that the bride has had a represent her luck. Eating them means she
good marriage thus far. It also show will lose her own luck
gratitude to bride’s family.
Offering Tea and Paying Respects Wear old shoes during your wedding or
A Chinese wedding is not complete without dress with pockets.
the tea ceremony. The ceremony is a symbol The bride also must not wear old shoes on
of respect, gratitude, and the formal the wedding day because this shows
acceptance of the bride into the groom’s disrespect to the groom. All shoes should be
family. During the ceremony, the brand new–wedding shoes, ‘qua’ shoes,
newlyweds serve tea to their parents and evening gown shoes. Do not wear dresses
elders, who, in return, offer blessings and with pockets either. Having pockets means
red envelopes. the bride will be taking away the parent’s
money
The hair combing tradition Stay after sunset at the bride’s home.
The bride and groom must leave the bride’s
The hair combing ceremony is a Chinese home before sunset; the groom should not
wedding custom. It takes place the day stay over. But, if in case this can’t be
before the wedding ceremony at the bride’s avoided, sleep in separate rooms to avoid
home. The brides’ mother or a close relative bad luck.
performs the hair combing ceremony.
Dragon phoenix candles are lit and blessing
lines recited as the bride’s hair is being
combed.This beautiful tradition provides a
special moment between the bride and her
mother.
*** FOR GUEST
Do Dont

Bring Red Envelopes (Hongbao) Wear White

The exchange of red envelopes, known as In Chinese culture, the colour white is
“hongbao,” is a Chinese wedding tradition traditionally associated with funerals and
that has frankly been around for quite a mourning, symbolizing death and the end of
while and it symbolizes good luck and life. Therefore, wearing white to a Chinese
prosperity. These envelopes, filled with wedding would be a horrible mistake.
money, are typically given to the
newlyweds. However, according to
tradition, you might want to check your
numbers – even numbers are considered
lucky, while odd numbers are not.
Follow Proper Seating Etiquette Mention Unlucky Words

Seating arrangements at a Chinese wedding Just as it has loads of customs and

are meticulously planned, with the head traditions, the Chinese culture is also rich in
table holding a place of honour. You need to superstitions and beliefs. There are certain
make sure you understand the significance words or phrases that are considered
of each seat and where different guests unlucky and you don’t want to be caught
should be seated using them. For example, the number four is
associated with death because the word for
“four” sounds similar to the word for
“death” in Chinese. Similarly, the word
“separation” should be avoided as it brings
negative connotations.
Do Observe Toasting Etiquette Leave Early

Toasting is a significant part of the Chinese In Chinese weddings, it is customary for

wedding banquet. It’s not just about raising guests to stay until the end of the wedding
a glass; it’s a gesture of goodwill and banquet. If you leave early, it can be
camaraderie. Take your time to master the interpreted as disrespect. Also, at the end of
order of toasts, which typically begins with the banquet, there is a significant send-off
the bride and groom. Knowing who the moment where guests gather to bid farewell
toasts start from and how to respond to the couple as they embark on their new
appropriately is essential in showing your journey together. This is one of the
respect for the newlyweds. highlights of the wedding that holds deep
meaning.
 MUSLIM WEDDING
***For guest
Do Don’t
Dress respectfully in the mosque and at Mingling between genders
the reception. Don’t dance, shake hands, or initiate
physical contact with a Muslim person of
Muslim houses of worship are solemn the opposite gender, unless they prompt the
places where members of the faith gather interaction.
daily to pray. As such, men and women will
want to dress modestly for a Muslim
wedding ceremony. Generally, long pants or
longer dresses and skirts are most
appropriate. Folks of any gender should
avoid showing your bare arms as well.
Women might be expected to cover their
heads too, so bring along a scarf.

Remove shoes in the mosque. Inappropriate Behavior:

If you’re invited to the Muslim wedding Stay away from alcohol or other intoxicants
ceremony, be prepared to remove your during the event, as these are typically not
shoes before entering the sacred part of the allowed at most Muslim weddings. If unsure
mosque. There will likely be a rack where about available beverages, ask the organizer
you can place your shoes and retrieve before or opt for water, juice, or tea
you leave. You’ll be asked to do this so that
you don’t track dirt inside the mosque
where believers pray on the carpet.

Men and women will sit separately Discussing Sensitive Topics:

during a Muslim wedding ceremony.
While conversing with other guests, steer
The Muslim marriage ceremony features clear of topics such as politics, religion, or
gender separation within the mosque. personal issues that may spark controversy.
Wedding receptions will likely have some It's best to focus on light-hearted stories and
form of gender separation as well, but to a positive memories about the couple.
different degree.
*** FOR BRIDE AND GROOM
DO DONT
Perform Gift-Giving Rituals: Wearing Inappropriate Clothing:

The groom presents Mahr, a gi1 to the Brides should avoid wearing outfits that are
bride, which can be money, jewelry, or too revealing or do not align with Islamic
valuable items. This gi1 signifies dress codes. Opt for clothing that is modest,
commitment and responsibility in the such as long-sleeved dresses or traditional
marriage. attire.

Gi1s for the Bride's Family: In addiDon to

Mahr, the groom may also present gi1s to
the bride's family as a sign of respect

Perform the Nikah Ceremony: Inappropriate Communication with Men:

The Nikah is the core ritual of a Muslim Maintaining Boundaries: It is essenDal to

wedding, conducted in the presence of at observe the cultural norms surrounding
least two witnesses. The bride and groom gender interacDons. In many Muslim
must agree to the terms of the marriage communiDes, it is customary for women to
contract. limit their interacDons with men who are
not their immediate family members. This
may include avoiding unnecessary
conversaDon or physical contact.

Hold a Special Prayer Ignore Cultural Customs:

Many couples perform a prayer before or Each family and Muslim community has its
a1er the wedding ceremony, asking Allah own customs and traditions. Ignoring these
for blessings in their married life. This is customs can make family and loved ones
also a Dme to pray for peace and happiness. feel disrespected.