Modern Living: The Tradition of Tea at Chinese Weddings

The Chinese tea ceremony is undoubtedly one of the most important wedding rituals in Chinese culture, and  is required at every Chinese wedding. It is the newlyweds' ceremonial presentation to their families, and it expresses their respect and thanks to them. In exchange, the newlyweds are welcomed into the family and bestowed blessings on their marriage.

Here is an essential guide on all you need to know about the Chinese wedding tea ceremony, in order to help you understand this long-honored tradition and perhaps even plan for your own tea ceremony.

Photo Credits: Andri Tei Photography (Amanda and Stephens elegant Chinoiserie Wedding at St. Regis Singapore)

What is the purpose of the Chinese Tea Ceremony?

The Chinese wedding tea ceremony (敬茶) is often where most couples meet most or all of their respective family members. As a result, the tea ceremony serves as a formal introduction of the newlyweds to their respective families, during which they pay their respects to their elders by addressing them by their formal titles and serving them tea, as well as receiving blessings for their union and an official welcome into the family.

Image: Four Treasures Tea Set Collection (Jade Celadon)
Link: https://celadon.sg/products/four-treasures-tea-set-collection 

What is the timing and location of the Chinese Tea Ceremony?

The Chinese tea ceremony is usually held in the bride and groom's respective homes on the day of the wedding. Because it is customary to serve the groom's family first, the tea ceremony for his family is normally held in the morning after he has brought her home. When the bride returns home from the groom's house, the tea ceremony for the bride's family will take place in the afternoon.

Alternatively, some couples combine both tea ceremony sessions into one and have it at a later time at their wedding venue to give themselves more time in the morning. There is no correct or incorrect method to perform a tea ceremony. Both methods are okay as long as both families are on board and you remember to start with the groom's family.

Who is involved in the Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony?

Your tea ceremony guest list can be as short or as long as you want it to be. All of your family members are expected to attend the tea ceremony, which acts as a ceremonial introduction to your families. Some couples, on the other hand, want to make the tea ceremony small and intimate by inviting only immediate family members and elders from their extended family.

Photo Credits: Rebecca Ou Photography

What are the requirements for the tea ceremony? 

If you're hosting your tea ceremony at two different locations, you'll need to prepare two sets of tea settings and tea at each location.  During the tea ceremony, the tea set will be utilized to serve tea to the groom's family, while your mother's wedding tea set will be used for your family. If there isn't one, you can either purchase a new wedding tea set or a non-wedding tea set that you like.

Although any sort of tea can be used in the tea ceremony, sweet tea is most commonly utilized since it symbolizes happiness in the newlyweds' union and creates excellent connections between them and their in-laws. Brew the tea with lotus seeds, red dates, and longan for extra benefits, like as fertility and plenty of offspring for the newlyweds.

Pouring and serving the tea on the tray, as well as rinsing or washing the cups, is usually done by the groom's sister, a female relative, or a member of the bride's bridal party. If you don't have access to a sink or time to completely wash the cups before the next person's turn, prepare a basin of warm water to rinse the cups used during the tea ceremony. For a hassle-free tea ceremony, you should also appoint a few more workers to assist with regulating the flow of people and events during the ceremony.

The perfect tea set for weddings or special occasions: Jade Celadon

At Jade Celadon, we offer a wide range of tea sets for all your special celebrations and occasions. 

Presenting our G20 Limited Edition Tea Set.
Link: https://celadon.sg/products/happiness 

This spectacular tea set of six comes with tea cups that withhold a beautiful jade-blue gradation on the inside, while presenting an earthly-coloured ornamentation on the exterior with a glazed finish. An emblem of pure sophistication, the tea pot comes decorated with a traditional Chinese motif on the lid, accompanied by a round tea tray with a wooden center-piece.

The perfect mixture of heritage meets contemporary living. Savour luxury and richness in every sip from our premium celadon tea-ware ranges. The natural material of celadon is also said to enhance the flavour and aroma of the tea. There is no better way to show your deep appreciation for your guests and family at special occasions than by presenting them with one of our bespoke tea sets.