Chinese Wedding Etiquette: Guest Names On Invites

When it comes to Chinese wedding invitations, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the guest's name is typically written only on the envelope, using their formal title. This is an important aspect of Chinese wedding invitation etiquette, as it shows respect, especially to elders. Honoring family relationships is also important, with family friends and relatives invited by the groom's or bride's parents, while only the couple's friends are invited by the couple themselves. Another unique feature of Chinese wedding invitations is the inclusion of the 'Double Happiness' symbol, wishing the couple happiness and prosperity. The invitation may also include a wedding cake card, a tradition symbolizing that the bride is marrying into an affluent family.

Guest Names: Formal Chinese names only, written on the envelope

When it comes to Chinese wedding invitations, the guest's name is written on the envelope only. It is important to use the guest's formal Chinese name and title. This is considered a respectful way to address the recipient, especially when it comes to elders.

Honorifics are often used, such as addressing an uncle with "伯父大人" ("Dear Uncle") before their full name. For other relatives, you can refer to the Three Generation Relationship Chart to learn the proper Chinese title for each family member. For instance, when addressing the brother of the groom or bride, you can use "家兄" ("brother within the family") before their name.

In addition to the name and title, the envelope should indicate whether you are inviting the guest's spouse or the whole family. For inviting a couple, you can use "夫婦台升" or "夫婦" ("married couple"). For inviting the whole family, you can use "XXX夫妇阖府统请" or "阖府" ("whole family").

It is customary for the groom's or bride's parents to send invitations to family friends and relatives. Only the couple's friends are invited directly by the soon-to-be newlyweds.

Spouses: Indicate if the guest's spouse is also invited

When writing Chinese wedding invitations, it is important to indicate whether you are inviting the guest's spouse, as well as their family. This is an essential detail to include so that guests are clear on who is invited and can make the necessary arrangements. Here are some tips to consider when addressing spouses and family in your invitations:

Spouses:

It is customary in Chinese wedding invitations to specify whether you are inviting the guest's spouse. This can be done by using the terms "夫妇" or "伉俪", which both mean "married couple". If you are creating a bilingual invitation, you can use the translation "together" to sound more natural in English. Be sure to include both spouses' titles, names, and their relationship to each other. For example, you can write "Mr. and Mrs. Li" or "John and Mary, a married couple".

Whole Family:

If you are inviting the entire family, you can use the term "阖府" or "whole family/all together" after the name of the person you are inviting. This indicates that not only their spouse but also their children and other family members are welcome to attend. It is also common to add "统请" or "all invited" to extend the invitation to the whole family.

Seating Arrangements:

When inviting spouses and families, it is important to confirm the number of seats required. You can do this by following up with the guest to determine how many family members will be attending. This ensures that you have an accurate headcount for seating and catering purposes.

Bilingual Invitations:

If you have a mix of Chinese- and English-speaking guests, you may choose to create bilingual invitations. In this case, you can use a combination of Chinese and English to address spouses and family. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Li and family" or "John, Mary, and their children are invited".

Formality:

Remember to use formal titles and language when addressing your guests, especially elders and those who are married. This shows respect and adheres to the traditional formality of Chinese wedding invitations.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your invitation to spouses and families, ensuring that your guests feel welcomed and respected.

Whole Family: Specify if the whole family is invited

When writing Chinese wedding invitations, it is important to address the guests properly, as this will be the first thing the guest will see on the invitation envelope. It is especially important to show respect to elders. If you are inviting the whole family, you can add "阖府" – "whole family" or "all together" after the name of the guest. For example, for the whole family, write "XXX夫妇阖府统请".

When addressing relatives and friends, it is important to use the correct titles. For example, when addressing your uncle, it is better to add "伯父大人" – "Dear Uncle" before their full name. If you are inviting their spouse, you should address both of their titles, names, and their relationship to each other. For example, "夫妇" or "伉俪" means "married couple", but it could be translated as "together" on a bilingual invitation.

In Chinese culture, wedding invitations are issued by the groom's or bride's father under the order of their parents. Family friends and relatives are invited by the groom's or bride's parents. Only the groom's and bride's friends are invited by the young couple.

It is also important to remember to indicate if you are inviting the guest's spouse or the whole family. If you are inviting the whole family, be sure to follow up with the guest on how many seats to provide.

Titles: Use formal titles, such as Mr., Mrs., and Ms

When it comes to Chinese wedding invitations, addressing the guests correctly is of utmost importance. This is the first thing the guest will see on the envelope, so it is a great opportunity to make a good impression and show respect, especially to elders.

If you are having a Chinese-American wedding, it is a good idea to use bilingual invitations. You can include the same information in both Chinese and English, or just include your formal Chinese names in the opening text if most of your guests are English speakers.

If you are using bilingual invitations, you can use the formal titles Mr., Mrs., and Ms., followed by the guest's full name. This is a good way to ensure your guests feel respected and understand the information.

In Chinese, the guest's formal title and name should be written on the envelope. Family friends and relatives are invited by the groom's or bride's parents, so the invitation should come from them. Only the groom's and bride's friends are invited by the couple themselves.

It is also important to indicate whether you are inviting the guest's spouse or the whole family. If inviting the spouse, you should address both of their titles, names, and their relationship to each other. For example, “夫妇“ or “伉俪“, in English, means “married couple”, but it could be translated as “together” on the bilingual invitation. If you are inviting the whole family, you could add “阖府” – “whole family” or “all together” after the name of the guest.

Bilingual: Include both Chinese and English, with names in Chinese

When it comes to Chinese wedding invitations, the guest name is written on the envelope only, using their formal title. This is done to leave a good impression and show respect. If you are creating bilingual invitations, you can include both Chinese and English text, with names in Chinese. Here are some tips for creating bilingual Chinese and English wedding invitations:

Choosing Your Words

Decide what information to include in each language. Traditionally, the groom's name precedes the bride's on Chinese invitations. You can follow this tradition for the Chinese text and use the bride's name first in the English text. If most of your guests are English speakers, consider having just the names in Chinese with the main text in English. Alternatively, you can use separate invitation inserts, with a western ceremony invite in English and a tea ceremony invite in Chinese.

Layout Options

There are several options for the layout of bilingual invitations. One option is to have the same information in both languages on separate cards. For invites folded in half, you can have the Chinese text on one side and the English text on the other. Another option is to have a dual-fold invite with the English text on the wider centre panel and the Chinese text on the outer panels. English text is read from left to right, while Chinese text is usually laid out vertically. You can also have both languages side-by-side, aligning the Chinese text to the left and English to the right, or vice versa.

Addressing Guests

Consider how you will address your Chinese guests and relatives. You may want to use their formal Chinese titles, which include general honorifics and specific titles for relatives. Different characters can also indicate whether the invite is for the guest and their spouse or for the entire family. Websites like Chinese-Wedding-Guide.com offer guides to addressing Chinese titles. Discuss printing options with your stationer.

Example of Bilingual Invitation

送呈：客人称谓

To: Name and title of the guest

谨定于农历 --年--月--日，即公历 --年--月--日（星期 -- ）为 新郎、新娘名字 举行婚宴

On Month, Date, Year, please join us for the wedding of (names of the couple)

恭请：邀请对象 光临 婚宴地址

We would love to invite you and your family to celebrate their marriage at (the venue name and address)

设席时间：-- 点 -- 分恭候

Reception dinner: time

落款：新郎新娘名字 谨上

Signature of the bride and groom

Timing of Sending Invitations

In Chinese wedding traditions, there is no "save the date" custom. Only the wedding invitation cards are sent to announce the wedding. It is considered courteous to send invitations at least three months before the wedding day.

Frequently asked questions