Tea Ceremony

An essential part of every Chinese wedding, the tea ceremony also known as敬茶 (jìng chá) is one of the most significant traditions in Chinese culture. It symbolizes the formal introduction of the newlyweds to their families and serves as a gesture of respect and gratitude towards their elders. In return, the couple is welcomed into the family and receives blessings for their union.

For many couples, the tea ceremony is an opportunity to meet most or all of their respective family members. During this ritual, the newlyweds formally address their elders by their proper titles, serve them tea, and in return, receive blessings and an official welcome into the family.

The tea ceremony typically takes place on the wedding day at both the bride’s and groom’s homes. Traditionally, the groom’s family is served first, with the ceremony held in the morning when he brought the bride home. The bride’s family’s tea ceremony follows in the afternoon when she returns to her family home. Alternatively, some couples choose to combine both tea ceremonies into one and hold it later at their wedding venue, allowing them more time to themselves in the morning. There is no strict rule on how the ceremony should be conducted—as long as both families agree, and the groom’s family is served first, either approach is acceptable.

The guest list for the tea ceremony can be as intimate or extensive as the couple prefers. While traditionally, all family members are expected to attend as part of the formal introduction, some couples opt for a simpler, more private ceremony, inviting only immediate family members and elders from their extended family.