How to Wish Congrats to a Chinese Marriage

In Chinese weddings the gowns are red instead of white.

Traditional Chinese weddings are steeped in ancient customs and rituals. For this reason, there are some very specific and traditional ways to wish the couple congratulations and extend your hopes for a long and happy life together. If the couple is very traditional there are also some old fashioned taboos you may want to keep in mind as to not offend the newlyweds or the parents of the bride and groom.

Things You'll Need

• Chinese dictionary
• Red envelope
• Cash or check
• Red and gold greeting card

Instructions

1. Wish the couple a basic congratulations by saying "gong xi."

2. Extend your wishes for many happy years together by saying "bai nián hao hé," which translates to, "Wishing you a good match of a hundred years."

3. Give the couple money or a check wrapped in a red envelope. This is called Li Shi money and is good luck.

4. Don't give the couple a fan as a wedding gift, as a fan is pronounced as "san" in Chinese, meaning to disperse, which is bad luck.

5. Don't attend the wedding if you are pregnant or have recently had a family member pass away.

6. Tell the couple "Bai Tou Xie Lao," which means "may you grow old together, and be each other's companion when your hair is white."

7. Choose a red greeting card with gold writing for a congratulatory card for the couple, as these are very lucky colors for a wedding.

References

• China Bridal: Etiquette Guide
• Chinese on the Go: Wedding Greetings
• Char 4 U: Products