You’re engaged – congratulations! Now it’s time to start planning your perfect wedding. If you’re of Chinese descent, there are many meaningful traditions you’ll want to incorporate. But don’t worry, with some organization, you’ll be enjoying your big day before you know it. Follow this checklist, and in 9-12 months, you’ll be walking down the aisle.
First, announce your engagement to family and friends. Your parents will then approach a matchmaker to set your wedding date based on your birth date. Next, book the venue, caterer, photographer and entertainers. Remember to order custom invitations, typically in red and gold.
Register for wedding gifts at least six months ahead. Then pick up your gown and suit for fittings. In the final month, hold your tea ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Make sure to get rest – your amazing wedding day is almost here! Your Chinese wedding will be an unforgettable experience with rich symbolism and a joyful celebration. Congratulations again – now let the festivities begin!
12 – 6 months before the special day (after the proposal)
Get ready for an exciting ride! The next 6-12 months will be filled with planning your perfect Chinese wedding. First, announce your engagement to family and friends. Share the happy news on social media too. Now set a wedding date – this will drive all your planning decisions. Think about an auspicious date, like the Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn festival.
Next, find your dream venue. A hotel ballroom or restaurant are classic choices. Visit a few options with your fiance and parents. Once you book the venue, you can start arranging details like your gown, invitations, catering, photography, entertainment, and guest transportation.
Three months out, have your engagement party kick off the celebrations! Send out your invites, plan your registry, and book a photo shoot. One month to go – squeeze in your bachelor and bachelorette parties! Make sure your outfits are tailored and final payments are made.
The week of your wedding will fly by with your rehearsal dinner, picking up your gown, and welcoming friends and family. Before you know it, you’ll be walking down the aisle to start your new adventure together. Enjoy every moment – your perfect day is here!
5 – 4 months before the wedding
Four to five months before the big day is when the real planning begins! You’ll want to book venues, caterers, and vendors ASAP.
Secure a wedding venue! Whether you envision an intimate garden ceremony or lavish ballroom reception, visit venues in person. Once you find ‘the one’, reserve your date immediately.
Hire a caterer to handle the reception. Discuss menu options, pricing, and coordination with your venue. A caterer can also suggest drinks, desserts, rentals, and staff.
Book a photographer and videographer. Review portfolios and find artists whose style matches your vision. Meet to discuss locations, schedules, and must-have shots so they can craft a custom package.
Order a wedding cake and desserts. Schedule tastings, discuss designs, and choose a baker known for moist cakes and delicious fillings. Order a small cake for the cake-cutting and sheet cakes to serve your guests.
Send save-the-date cards so guests can book travel and lodging. Include your wedding website where they can RSVP and find accommodation suggestions.
With the big things handled, you can focus on smaller details like attire, flowers, music, transportation, and programs over the next few months. Get ready for a whirlwind of activity and excitement as your dream wedding comes to life!
3 – 2 months before the wedding date
Two to three months before the big day, it’s time to send out your wedding invitations! Double-check your guest list and make sure no one important was left out. Once the list is finalized, pick out beautiful invitations that match your wedding theme and get them in the mail. Your guests will be thrilled to receive their invite and lock in the date to celebrate with you.
When choosing invitations, go for a classic red and gold colour scheme or a modern minimalist style. Include the wedding date, time, attire, and location details. Remember to also include an RSVP card for guests to return. As the RSVPs come in, follow up with anyone who has yet to respond.
Having a mostly finalized guest list will also allow you to arrange seating for the reception and book transportation to and from the venues. You’ll want to make sure no one gets left behind on your big day! Staying on top of planning at this stage will help ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch. Enjoy this exciting time, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on preparing to marry the love of your life!
1 month before the wedding
Only 1 month left, how exciting! Double-check your guest list and seating chart to make sure no one was accidentally left out or misplaced. Send out any last-minute invites if needed. Now is also the perfect time to do a final headcount to give your caterer and venue.
Celebrate this huge milestone with your fiancé. Pop some champagne, go out for a nice dinner, or plan a fun date night. After all the hustle and bustle of planning, you deserve to relax and soak in this special time together before becoming newlyweds!
Speaking of new titles, it’s time to start addressing those wedding invitations. Stuffing envelopes may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it will make your wedding feel all the more real. Play some music, pour some wine, and get to writing with your sweetheart. Before sealing those envelopes, double-check that the right names and addresses are on the right invites. You want Aunt Jenny to show up to the right wedding!
Follow up with all your vendors to ensure everything is ready for your big day. Connect with your planner, caterer, photographer, florist, venue contact, and anyone else involved to confirm all details and logistics. Get ready to tie the knot; the final countdown is on! The next time you check this list, you’ll be newly married.
2 weeks before the wedding
Final Fitting
Only 2 weeks left – time for your final dress fitting! Head to your bridal boutique for any last-minute alterations to ensure your gown fits like a dream on your big day. While there, pick up any accessories like a veil, jewellery or shoes.
Plan Your Photoshoot
Meet with your wedding photographer to scout locations for your pre-wedding photos. Discuss any must-have shots and share inspirational photos. Finalize your wedding day coverage schedule so you know exactly what to expect. Don’t forget family photos, too – create a shot list so no one feels left out.
Send Out Invitations
Mail out your wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. Follow up with guests who have yet to RSVP within 2 weeks. Get final headcounts for your caterer and reception venue.
Plan Rehearsal Dinner
Work with your families to organize a rehearsal dinner, usually held the night before the wedding. Keep it casual and intimate. Thank your bridal party and close family and friends for their support. Share memories, laughs and maybe even some advice for the newlyweds!
Pack For Honeymoon
Start packing for your honeymoon! Check the weather at your destination and pack appropriate clothing, shoes, toiletries and any activities you have planned. Remember any medications, chargers or travel documents. Label luggage with your married name to avoid confusion at the airport. Happy packing!
The final countdown is on! Tackle these last few tasks, and you’ll confidently walk down the aisle, ready to start your new chapter as newlyweds.
1 week before the wedding
You’re in the home stretch now; just 1 week left until the big day! Double-check that you have handled all the major to-dos like booking the venues, sending out invites, getting your wedding attire fitted and planning the honeymoon. Now it’s time to focus on the details that will make your wedding day perfect.
Make a final fitting for your gorgeous wedding gown and suit. Confirm all appointments with your makeup artist, hairstylist, photographers and videographers. Meet with your wedding planner or coordinator to go over the final schedule and timeline to ensure everything will run smoothly on your wedding day without a hitch!
Get in touch with all your vendors, like the caterers, florists, emcees and musicians, to confirm delivery times and that they have all the info they need. Do a quick check that you have all the essentials ready, like the guestbook, ring pillow, cake knife set and toasting flutes.
Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy this special time! Have a spa day with your bridesmaids, go out for a nice dinner with your groom, and pause to appreciate all the love and support surrounding you. Your wedding day will be here before you know it, so soak in the excitement and anticipation. The only thing left is walking down the aisle and saying, “I do”!
1 day before the wedding
Tomorrow’s the big day you’ve been waiting for! The final preparations are in full swing, and the excitement is building. Here are some last-minute things you should double-check:
- Ensure you have all accessories for your wedding outfits, like jewellery, ties, cufflinks, etc. Try everything one more time to avoid any surprises!
- Reconfirm details with all vendors, including caterers, photographers, florists, etc. Go over any final payments or balances owed.
- Pack an emergency kit with bobby pins, mints, tissues, pain relievers, etc. You’ll thank us later!
- Get plenty of rest tonight! The next 48 hours will be a whirlwind. Curl up with a movie or book and unwind.
- Do a final walk-through of the ceremony and reception venues. Make sure everything is in place and ready to go. Ask the staff if they need any additional information from you.
- Connect with your bridal party and groomsmen. Ensure everyone knows the schedule for photos, entrances and other logistics. Hype them up for the big day ahead!
Tomorrow you’ll wake up, and it will finally be your wedding day! All the planning and preparation will come together for a joyful celebration of your love and new life together. Enjoy every moment! The memories you make will last forever.
The Night Before Your Wedding
- Take a warm bath with essential oils to soothe your nerves and hydrate your skin. Lavender oil is calming, and chamomile relieves anxiety.
- Get a massage to release any tension and ease tight muscles. Your wedding photos will thank you!
- Do a final fitting of your gown and make any last-minute alterations. Check that your accessories are ready to go.
- Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night. Include comfortable clothes, pyjamas, toiletries, makeup removers, and any necessary chargers or electronics.
- Review the timeline and schedule for the next day with your coordinator or planner. Make sure all final payments have been made to vendors.
- Try to get some rest! An early night’s sleep will ensure you are well-rested and ready to glow on your wedding day.
Tomorrow is the big day you’ve been waiting for—relax and enjoy this special time with close friends and family. All the planning and preparation have led up to this moment. Have confidence in yourself and your team—everything will come together beautifully! Wake up with a smile; you’re about to marry the love of your life!
Your Wedding Day!
Congratulations, you’ve made it to your wedding day! After months of meticulous planning, all your hard work will pay off. Today is about you and your sweetheart – soak in every magical moment together!
- Start your day bright and early, getting pampered at the salon. Get your hair and makeup done by professionals so you feel like the most stunning bride.
- Put on your gorgeous wedding gown and snap some photos with your bridesmaids. Their support has meant the world to you, so capture some memories of all the good times you’ve shared.
- Do a final walk-through at the ceremony and reception sites. Make sure every little detail is perfect before heading off to the ceremony! Your guests will be wowed by the stunning decor.
- The ceremony will fly by, so be fully present in each moment. Stare into your sweetheart’s eyes as you say your “I do’s” and share your first kiss as newlyweds.
- Make a grand entrance into your reception to cheers from loved ones. Dance the night away, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and bask in the joy of it all.
Your wedding day will be over before you know it, so appreciate every moment. A lifetime of happiness and wonderful memories awaits – congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.! Celebrate this joyous union and the start of your new adventure together. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Planning a Chinese Wedding
Q1: What should we do first?
Start planning at least 6-12 months before your big day! The earlier you begin, the less stressful it will be. Some of the first things to tackle are:
- Set a wedding date and book your venue. Traditional Chinese weddings are often held on auspicious calendar dates.
- Create a guest list and budget. Keep parents and grandparents in mind for the guest list. Budgets often include costs for the banquet, gowns, decorations, and gifts.
Q2: How many events should we have?
Most Chinese weddings include multiple events over 2-3 days:
- Guo Da Li: Presenting betrothal gifts to the bride’s family. Usually 3-6 months before the wedding.
- Chuang Men: The groom and his entourage pick up the bride to bring her to the groom’s house for the first time.
- Zhai Cai: The wedding banquet, which includes speeches, toasts, and lavish meals. The main event!
- Shang Tou: Post-wedding breakfast the day after the banquet. More casual, hosted by the groom’s family.
Q3: What wedding colours are traditional?
Red, gold and green are popular traditional colours. Red symbolizes love, joy and prosperity. Gold signifies wealth. Green represents fertility and new life.
Q4: How much should we gift our guests?
Wedding favours like candies, cakes, or lai see (red packets) are commonly given. More lavish gifts like jewellery or household goods are appropriate for close family and friends. Decide with your families what level of gift is suitable for each guest based on your relationship and budget.
Most of all, enjoy this special time in your lives and celebrate with loved ones! A perfect Chinese wedding overflows with auspicious symbols, family and delicious food.
Conclusion
You’ll pull off the perfect Chinese wedding with careful planning and organization! Staying on schedule and tackling tasks methodically will ensure all the details come together for your big day. Most importantly, remember to enjoy this special time in your life and appreciate all the loved ones who gather to celebrate with you. Though the lead-up can feel stressful, your wedding day will be a beautiful culmination of your relationship and cultural traditions. Once you’ve said your “I dos”, kissed, and made your grand exit, you’ll be able to look back on all the effort that went into creating a truly memorable start to your new chapter together. Congratulations! Now take a deep breath and dive in. The countdown to your dream Chinese wedding has begun!
FAQ
To start planning a Chinese wedding, it is recommended to:
- Set a wedding date and book the venue, considering auspicious calendar dates.
- Create a guest list and budget, including costs for the banquet, gowns, decorations, and gifts.
Most Chinese weddings consist of multiple events over 2-3 days, including:
- Guo Da Li: Presenting betrothal gifts to the bride’s family, usually 3-6 months before the wedding.
- Chuang Men: The groom and his entourage pick up the bride to bring her to the groom’s house for the first time.
- Zhai Cai: The wedding banquet, which includes speeches, toasts, and lavish meals. It is the main event.
- Shang Tou: Post-wedding breakfast is held the day after the banquet, usually hosted by the groom’s family.
Traditional colours for a Chinese wedding include red, gold, and green. Red symbolizes love, joy, and prosperity, while gold signifies wealth. Green represents fertility and new life.
Wedding favours like candies, cakes, or “lai see” (red packets) are commonly given to guests. More lavish gifts, such as jewellery or household goods, are appropriate for close family and friends. The appropriate gift level should be decided with your family based on your relationship and budget.
The key to a successful Chinese wedding is careful planning and organization. By staying on schedule and methodically tackling tasks, all the details can come together for the big day. Most importantly, remember to enjoy this special time in your life and appreciate the loved ones who gather to celebrate with you. A successful Chinese wedding is a beautiful combination of your relationship and cultural traditions.
