Writing Chinese Wedding Invitation Envelopes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Writing Chinese wedding invitation envelopes can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to addressing relatives with the correct titles. However, it is a simple process once you know the proper Chinese title for your relatives, which can be found on the Three Generation Relationship Chart. This chart, along with the three steps outlined below, will guide you in addressing your invitations accurately and respectfully.

Guest names and titles

When addressing Chinese wedding invitation envelopes, it is important to use the guest's formal title and name. This is written only on the envelope. Family friends and relatives are invited by the parents of the couple, so their titles will be different from those of the couple's friends.

For relatives related by marriage, such as the wife's siblings, you can add "姻亲" before the Chinese name to indicate your relationship. The title for the person will be added either before or after the name. For example, inviting the husband of one's sister can be written as "姻亲XXX贤妹夫" or "姻亲贤妹夫XXX 先生".

It is also important to indicate if you are inviting the guest's spouse, "夫妇，伉俪", or their whole family, "阖府统请". If inviting the whole family, be sure to follow up with the guest about how many seats to provide.

Additionally, terms like "升" or "台升" are often used after the name as a sign of respect. "升" describes the upward presentation of the invitation card, while "台" is an old honorific reference for "brother", used to address friends or acquaintances politely.

Spouse and family invitations

When addressing spouse and family invitations, it is important to specify whether you are inviting the whole family or just the spouse. If inviting the whole family, follow the name of the recipient with 'whole family' (阖府) or 'all together'. If inviting the guest with their spouse, you could add 'married pair' (夫妇) or 'married couple' (伉俪).

When addressing the spouse, it is important to include both their titles, names, and relationship to one another. For example, if you are inviting a married couple, you can use 'together' in a bilingual invitation to make it sound more natural.

If you are inviting the whole family, be sure to follow up with the guest on how many seats to provide.

Respectful address formats

When addressing Chinese wedding invitation envelopes, it is important to use the guest's formal title and name, written on the envelope only. This can be intimidating if you are unsure of the correct title to use for certain relatives. A good way to navigate this is to refer to the Three Generation Relationship Chart, which will help you to address relatives correctly.

For example, when addressing the husband of your paternal grandmother's sister, you would refer to the chart to find the correct title to use. In this case, you would use the title 'uncle' to address him. Similarly, for the maternal grandmother's elder brother, the chart would indicate the correct title to use is 'grand-uncle'.

It is also important to indicate whether you are inviting the guest's spouse or whole family. This will allow you to follow up with the guest on the number of seats required.

Additionally, the use of respectful terms such as "升" or "台升" after the guest's name is customary. "升" indicates the upward presentation of the invitation card, while "台" is an old honorific reference for "brother", used to address friends or acquaintances politely.

• For a couple: "XXX夫妇台升"
• For the whole family: "XXX夫妇阖府统请"

Relative and friend invitations

When addressing relatives and friends on Chinese wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the guest's name and formal title will be written on the envelope only. Family friends and relatives are invited by the groom's or bride's parents, while only the couple's friends are invited by the couple themselves.

It is important to indicate whether you are inviting the guest's spouse, using the terms "夫妇" or "伉俪", or the whole family, "阖府". If inviting the whole family, be sure to follow up with the guest to confirm how many seats will be needed.

Respectful forms of address such as "升" or "台升" are typically added after the guest's name. "升" describes the upward presentation of the invitation card, while "台" is an old honorific reference for "brother", used to address friends or acquaintances.

• Paternal grandmother's sister's husband or maternal grandmother's elder brother: Refer to the Three Generation Relationship Chart to determine the proper Chinese title.
• Wife's siblings: Add "姻亲" before the Chinese name to indicate the relationship. The title can be added before or after the name. For example, "姻亲贤妹夫" or "姻亲XXX 贤妹夫".
• Uncle: Use "伯父大人" or "家兄" before the full name.
• Grandparents: If the grandparents of the bride and groom are alive, this will be mentioned above the names of the parents. Use “奉严命” for a living grandfather and “奉慈命” for a living grandmother.

Using the Three Generation Relationship Chart

When addressing Chinese wedding invitation envelopes, it can be intimidating to know the proper Chinese title for your relatives. This is where the Three Generation Relationship Chart comes in. This chart helps you determine the correct Chinese title for your relatives, which is essential when writing their names on the invitation envelopes. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use the Three Generation Relationship Chart:

Understanding the Three Generation Relationship Chart:

The Three Generation Relationship Chart is a tool that helps you identify the proper Chinese titles for your relatives within a three-generation framework. This includes your grandparents, parents, and siblings. It provides a clear structure to address your relatives formally and respectfully.

Identifying the Correct Titles:

Refer to the chart to find the specific titles for your relatives. For example, if you are addressing your paternal grandmother's sister's husband or your maternal grandmother's elder brother, the chart will guide you on the appropriate titles to use. This ensures that you use the correct terminology when writing their names on the invitation envelopes.

Applying the Titles to the Envelopes:

Once you have identified the correct titles using the chart, you can now apply them to the invitation envelopes. Write only the guest's name on the envelope, using their formal title. For example, when addressing your uncle, you can add "伯父大人" before their name, which translates to "Dear Uncle." This shows respect and formality.

Inviting Spouses or Whole Families:

When sending invitations to relatives, it is important to indicate whether you are inviting only the guest, their spouse, or their whole family. The Three Generation Relationship Chart helps you address these invitations correctly. For instance, when inviting a married couple, you can use "夫妇" or "伉俪", which translates to "married couple." If you are inviting the whole family, you can add "阖府" or "all together" after the name of the invitation receiver.

Respectful Forms of Address:

The chart also guides you in using respectful forms of address for your relatives. For example, the term "升" or "台升" is added after the name as a sign of respect. "升" indicates the upward presentation of the invitation card, while "台" is an honorific reference for "brother," used in polite language to address friends or acquaintances.

By following these instructions and referring to the Three Generation Relationship Chart, you can confidently address your Chinese wedding invitation envelopes, ensuring that your relatives are invited with the proper titles and forms of address. This attention to detail demonstrates respect and formality, adhering to Chinese wedding invitation etiquette.

Frequently asked questions