Printing Chinese Wedding Invitations: Where To Go

Planning a wedding is a complex task, and every detail counts – especially when it comes to your wedding invitations. If you're looking for places to print Chinese wedding invitations, there are several online platforms that offer a range of customizable options, from traditional designs featuring the double happiness character, phoenixes, and dragons to more modern and minimalist styles. These websites often provide bilingual templates in Chinese and English, allowing you to respect the cultural traditions while ensuring your guests have all the necessary information. You can also choose from a variety of paper types, finishes, and printing techniques to create a luxurious and elegant feel. Whether you opt for a ready-made template or engage a designer for a custom creation, these platforms will help you set the perfect tone for your special day.

Online printing services

If you're looking for online printing services for Chinese wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Prints of Love

Prints of Love offers high-quality and affordable printing services. They provide free 2-3 day shipping and can print a wide range of sizes and orientations, including invitations, RSVP cards, menus, thank you cards, signs, posters, and Canvas prints. They also offer customisations like rounded edges and linen paper for a small additional cost. Plus, they have an eco-friendly initiative where a tree is planted for every order.

Vistaprint

Vistaprint is a well-known and inexpensive online printing service that provides quality paper goods. They often have sales and coupon codes available, making them a budget-friendly option. You can easily use their website to print wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, thank you cards, and any other printed materials needed for your wedding celebrations. They also offer their own templates if you don't want to design something yourself.

Zazzle

Zazzle is another popular option with thousands of wedding invitation templates to choose from. You can customise and order prints through their website, and they also offer coordinating pieces like table numbers, signage, menus, and wedding programs. The cost of printing with Zazzle can vary depending on the templates chosen, but uploading a custom design is also an option.

Overnight Prints

Overnight Prints offers high-quality and environmentally-conscious printing services. They use recycled paper and waterless printing to create a more sustainable product. They can print everything from save-the-date cards to wedding invitations, day-of stationery, and thank-you notes.

Canva

Canva is a DIY design tool and online printer that empowers anyone to create custom designs. You can design your own wedding invitations using their platform and then opt to print them directly through Canva. They offer flexibility and convenience for printing various paper goods, including bridal shower invitations and save-the-date cards.

These online printing services provide affordable and convenient options for printing Chinese wedding invitations. Be sure to explore their websites for the latest pricing information and to find the option that best suits your specific needs.

Bilingual invitations

There are a few things to consider when creating bilingual invitations. Firstly, know your audience. If most of your guests speak English, it's best to choose invitations with everything in both languages, usually line by line. This way, all your guests can understand the information and feel respected. On the other hand, if all your guests can read both languages, you can opt for a more balanced approach with half the invitation in Chinese and the other half in English.

Another important aspect is addressing your relatives and guests properly. When addressing your relatives, it is respectful to use honorifics, especially for elders. For example, when addressing your uncle, use "伯父大人" or "Dear Uncle" before their full name. Additionally, indicate whether you are inviting their spouse or the whole family. If you are inviting their spouse, include both their titles, names, and relationship. For instance, "夫妇" or "伉俪" means "married couple" and can be translated as "together" on the invitation. If you are inviting the entire family, you can add "阖府" or "whole family" after the name of the invitation recipient.

Finally, the information included in the invitation should be carefully considered. The following details are typically included in Chinese wedding invitations:

• Title and name of the guest
• Wedding date in the Gregorian and Lunar Calendars
• Names of the bride and groom
• Wedding and reception venue address
• Time of the wedding and reception
• Table number (optional)
• RSVP card and envelope (optional)

By including these details and considering the language needs of your guests, you can create elegant and informative bilingual invitations for your Chinese-American wedding.

Red envelopes

Envelope Design and Symbolism

The colour red is significant in Chinese culture, symbolising happiness, joy, and good fortune. The red envelopes are often embossed or printed with the "double happiness" symbol ("囍"), which represents the upcoming union of the couple. This symbol is believed to announce the wedding proudly. Other common decorations include Chinese characters conveying blessings, such as "福" (blessings), "满" (fullness), and "祥" (luck), as well as motifs like blooming flowers, oranges, and gold ingots.

Envelope Contents

Purchasing and Customisation Options

Timing and Distribution

It is customary to send out Chinese wedding invitations, including the red envelopes, at least three months before the wedding day. Traditionally, the invitations and red envelopes were sent by the parents of the couple, but modern couples often choose to distribute them personally, especially to elders in the family. If your guests live far away, sending the invitations and red envelopes by mail is also acceptable.

Wedding cake cards

Today, physical wedding cakes are usually replaced by wedding cake gift cards, which are sent to the guests along with the wedding invitations. The guests can then redeem the cakes whenever they like.

• Thank You For Our Beautiful Wedding Cake Card: A simple and heartfelt message to thank your baker for making your beautiful wedding cake.
• Wedding Cake Thank You Card: A card specifically designed to thank your baker for their contribution to your special day.
• Wedding Cake Card for Special Couples: A pretty card for a special couple to commemorate their wedding day.
• Personalised Wedding Cake Card: A luxurious handmade card to congratulate the newlyweds and welcome them to a new chapter of their lives.
• Wedding Cake Card with Penguins: A fun and playful card featuring two penguins holding wings and love hearts above them, with the phrase "P-P-Perfect Couple".

Red packets

Red envelopes are widely available for purchase online, especially on e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Amazon. These platforms offer a variety of designs, from traditional styles with "double happiness" symbols to more modern and minimalist designs. Some envelopes also feature intricate details such as silk fabric, embroidery, and Chinese knot buttons.

When including red packets with the wedding invitation, it is important to ensure that the overall presentation is elegant and respectful. The red envelopes can be embossed with the couple's names, wedding date, or other cultural symbols that represent happiness and prosperity.

• Double Happiness Oriental Chinese Wedding Cash Envelopes: These envelopes feature the "double happiness" symbol and can be purchased on Etsy.
• SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes: This option from Amazon features traditional Chinese wedding red envelopes with "Hong Bao" designs.
• Chinese Red Envelopes "Double Happiness": Available on Amazon, these envelopes come in a pack of 4 and feature dragons and the words "Double Happiness" in Chinese.

Frequently asked questions