Tying the knot is one of the most important thing that happens between two loving
couple, but then having to decide what kind of wedding is another stressful moment especially if you come from a traditional background as not only do you just have to plan your perfect wedding but also you got to consider the traditional customs of the wedding.
However now in modern times we can combine the both together and give it that twist, sound perfect?
Well not so when everyone start telling you bits and pieces of what a Chinese wedding custom and tradition should be it almost becomes impossible to know what is right.
Maybe your mum is not convincing either, she is probably calling up all her friends and relatives to check with them on what to do. Your also probably looking back on your relatives wedding videos and memorising what had happen which all may become a blur, amusing and confusing.
So does it mean we are starting to lose our Chinese heritage and culture? Will our future generations be able to understand, appreciate and enjoy their heritage when it comes to their wedding?
Of course there are so many different practice within the Chinese wedding custom and understanding each one may need a little time to take in. Depending on the geographical regions from the bride and groom families, status and wealth of their families you may find there maybe difference of the practice you heard or encountered. So before deciding on decorations and planning the wedding event it maybe easier just to sit with each other families and discuss the varies difference to avoid any conflict on the day of the wedding.
Below is just a small overview of what to expect for a traditional Chinese wedding, not to forget each region may be conducted slightly differently.
Pre wedding event
- Engagement or Intention to marry
- Elaborate gift presentation - Betrothal
- Chinese wedding date selection
- Chinese weddingInvitation
- New bed
- Gift presentation just before marriage
Wedding day
- Fetch the bride (games with the groom)
- Tea ceremony
- Dinner Banquet
Although this may seem to be a huge amount of preparations but each of these events has their meaning and wishing the future bride and groom full of happiness and well being is something each of these events is providing.
I guess the only way to preserve the Chinese wedding custom is trying to maintain what we have and understand what each customs really means, hopefully by understanding and explaining what these custom really mean will enable our future generation to engage on these customs and pass these on to next their next generation.
