Writing Chinese Wedding Invites: A Guide To Invitation Wording

Chinese wedding invitations are traditionally red, featuring classic symbols such as the double happiness character, phoenix, and dragons, with gold details. The text is laid out vertically and read from right to left. The guest's name is written only on the envelope, with their formal title and an indication of whether their spouse or whole family is also invited. The invitation will include the calendar dates, the order of birth of the couple, the names of the couple and their parents, the dinner venue, time of cocktail reception, time of dinner, and RSVP information.

Bilingual Chinese wedding invitations

When it comes to planning a Chinese wedding, one of the most important things to do is to send out wedding invitations. These invitations are often bilingual, featuring both English and Chinese text. Here are some tips and ideas for creating elegant and informative bilingual Chinese wedding invitations:

Design and Colours

Chinese wedding invitations traditionally feature the lucky colours of red and gold. These colours are believed to bring happiness and prosperity to the couple. Modern invitations may also incorporate brighter colours, such as pink, cream, maroon, purple, and magenta. It is best to avoid colours associated with mourning, such as black, blue, and green.

The design of the invitation can include traditional Chinese wedding symbols such as the double happiness character, phoenixes, and dragons. These symbols add a touch of culture and elegance to the invitation. For a minimalist approach, consider clean lines, white space, and simple typography to create a modern and elegant look.

Information to Include

The invitations should include essential details such as the date, time, and venue of the wedding. It is important to include both the Gregorian calendar dates and the Chinese calendar dates. Other information such as the birth order, names, and parents' names of the bride and groom can also be included. If there is a specific dress code, be sure to mention it on the invitation.

Bilingual Text

When creating bilingual invitations, it is important to consider the layout of the text. For standard single-fold invitations, the English text is usually printed on the left, with the Chinese text on the right. For invitations folded twice, distribute the Chinese text vertically over the two smaller panels, keeping the main text on one panel and additional information, such as venue and program, on another.

Timing and Distribution

It is customary to send out Chinese wedding invitations at least two to four weeks in advance. Be sure to select the cards and prepare the text well in advance to allow time for printing and proofreading. The bride and groom's parents will typically distribute the invitations to their close relatives and friends. It is also acceptable to send invitations by post.

Chinese wedding invitation etiquette

Chinese wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process and follow certain traditions and customs. Here is a guide to help you navigate the etiquette of Chinese wedding invitations.

Timing

It is customary to send out Chinese wedding invitations at least two to four weeks in advance of the wedding. This means that you should select your invitations and have them ready eight to ten weeks before the wedding, if not earlier. This will give you enough time to prepare the invitation text, proofread it, and have them printed and distributed.

Colour and Design

Chinese wedding invitations were traditionally red, a lucky colour in Chinese culture. However, modern invitations may also feature other colours such as pink, cream, maroon, purple, or magenta. Colours of mourning, such as black, blue, and green, are avoided. The invitations often feature traditional Chinese wedding symbols such as the double happiness character, phoenixes, dragons, and gold accents.

Information to Include

The invitations should include the Gregorian and Chinese calendar dates, the order of birth of the bride and groom, the names of the couple and their parents, the dinner venue, the time of the cocktail reception and dinner, and RSVP information. If available at the time of sending, you can also include the table number. It is also helpful to include a map of the venue and other relevant information, such as dress code or special meal preferences.

Addressing the Invitations

For Chinese wedding invitations, the guest's name and formal title are written only on the envelope. Family friends and relatives are typically invited by the groom's or bride's parents, while only the couple's friends are invited by the young couple themselves. It is important to indicate if you are inviting the guest's spouse or whole family. If inviting the whole family, be sure to follow up and confirm the number of seats required.

Respectful titles, such as "升" or "台升", are usually added after the guest's name. "升" describes the act of presenting the invitation card upwards from a lower position, while "台" is an honorific reference for "brother", used in polite language to address friends or acquaintances.

Distribution

After the betrothal, the bride and groom's parents will distribute the wedding invitations to their close relatives and friends. It is also acceptable to send invitations by post. If you are having a church wedding and reception in addition to the wedding banquet, it is better to have separate invitations for each event to avoid confusion, especially if the guest lists for each event are different.

Choosing colours for your card

When choosing colours for your Chinese wedding invitation card, it's important to consider the traditional significance of colours in Chinese culture. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the right colours for your card:

Red is a traditional and popular colour choice for Chinese wedding invitations. It symbolises happiness, prosperity, and elegance. Red envelopes, known as "hongbao," are commonly used for Chinese wedding invitations, and the colour is believed to bring good luck to the couple. The vibrant hue of red also adds a touch of cultural elegance to your celebration. If you're looking to incorporate red into your invitation design, consider pairing it with gold or white accents for a stylish and elegant look.

Gold is another auspicious colour in Chinese culture and is often used in combination with red. Gold foil designs or accents can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your invitation. The golden "Double Happiness" symbol, also known as "Xi," is a popular element to include, symbolising marital bliss and prosperity. Gold cherry blossoms or other floral designs are also a beautiful way to incorporate this colour.

White is a traditional colour that symbolises purity and new beginnings. It is often used as a backdrop to showcase intricate red or gold designs. White space can also be used to create a minimalist and elegant look, especially when paired with clean lines and simple typography.

Black is a classic and elegant colour that can be used to create a sophisticated invitation design. It is often used for the text or borders to create a bold contrast with a red or gold background.

Green and blue are also popular choices for Chinese wedding invitations, especially for those looking for a modern twist. These colours can represent growth, harmony, and serenity. Designs featuring cherry blossoms or other floral motifs in green or blue hues can be a beautiful way to incorporate these colours.

When choosing colours for your Chinese wedding invitation card, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding. If you're having a traditional Chinese tea ceremony or banquet, red and gold are classic choices. For a more modern or minimalist wedding, you can experiment with different colour combinations that reflect your personal style. Ultimately, the colours you choose should reflect the joy and significance of your special day.

Formatting and layout

The formatting and layout of your Chinese wedding invitation card are important aspects to consider when creating your ideal card design. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you with the formatting and layout:

• Card Colour: Traditionally, Chinese wedding invitations are red, symbolising joy and happiness. However, modern invitations may also use pink, cream, maroon, purple, or magenta. Avoid colours like black, blue, and green, which are associated with mourning.
• Font and Text Colour: Gold or silver fonts are popular choices, but other colours can also be used to match the card. If you're creating a bilingual invitation, remember to include both English and Chinese wording. For standard single-fold invitations, English text is usually on the left, and Chinese on the right.
• Folding Options: You can choose from various folding options for your invitation card. A standard single-fold card is a classic choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a double-fold card, which provides more panels for text and design elements.
• Text Placement: If you have a double-fold card, distribute the vertical Chinese text over the two smaller panels. Keep the main text on one panel and use another for venue and program information to avoid confusion. Remember, Chinese wedding invitation wording is laid out vertically and read from right to left.
• Information to Include: The invitation should include the Gregorian and Chinese calendar dates, the order of birth, and the names of the bride and groom, as well as their parents' names. Also, include the dinner venue, time of the cocktail reception and dinner, and RSVP details. If available, provide the table number.
• Additional Details: Consider including a small map of the dinner venue and other helpful information for guests. If you have a dress code, be sure to mention it. It's also useful to request an RSVP response with the number of attendees and any special meal preferences.
• Envelope Etiquette: On the envelope, write only the guest's name, using their formal title. Indicate if you are inviting the guest's spouse or whole family. Use "升" or "台升" after the name as a respectful form of address.

What to include on the invitation

When it comes to Chinese wedding invitations, there are several key elements that you should include to ensure that your guests have all the necessary information. Here is a detailed list of what to include on the invitation to make it informative and elegant:

The Calendar Dates

Specify the dates using both the Gregorian calendar and the Chinese calendar. This is important to ensure that your guests are clear on the timing of your wedding.

Names and Order of Birth of the Bride and Groom

It is customary to include the names of both the bride and groom on the invitation, along with their order of birth. This provides clarity on who is inviting the guests to the wedding.

Names of the Parents

Including the names of the parents of the bride and groom is an important aspect of Chinese wedding invitations. This is because, traditionally, the groom's or bride's father issues the invitations under the order of their father or mother.

Venue, Time, and Dress Code

Provide clear information about the dinner venue, time of the cocktail reception, and time of dinner. It is also helpful to include a map of the venue and other directions to assist your guests in locating the venue. Don't forget to mention the dress code, if you have any specific requirements or themes.

RSVP Information

Include RSVP details, allowing guests to confirm their attendance and specify any special meal preferences or requirements. This helps you in planning the seating arrangements and ensuring that the venue and catering can accommodate your guests' needs.

Design and Colour Scheme

Chinese wedding invitations traditionally feature the colour red, often combined with gold. These colours symbolise happiness and luck. Modern invitations may also incorporate other colours such as pink, cream, maroon, purple, or magenta. Avoid colours associated with mourning, such as black, blue, and green. You may also want to include traditional Chinese wedding symbols such as the double happiness character, phoenixes, and dragons.

Distribution and Timing

It is customary to send out Chinese wedding invitations at least two to four weeks in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance and for you to make any necessary arrangements based on the RSVPs.

Frequently asked questions