Double Happiness

The character on the cushion in the picture above is Double Happiness (Shuangxi) it is sometimes translated as Double Happy or Double Joy. It is a Chinese ornamental design that is widely used as a decoration during weddings, birthdays and other joyous events. It is often found at wedding ceremonies, the newlywed's bedroom, as well as on gifts given to the bride and groom. The color of the character Double Happiness is usually red or gold.

Guest Book

 

Guest books plays quite an important role in weddings. It is a book that is filled with memories of who went to the wedding for the newlyweds to keep. It is also a way for guests to participate in the wedding by signing their name and/or wishes and advices to the couple.

 

Guest books are usually placed at the reception table so it is easy for guests to get to them, but not in the way. Make sure there are numerous pens and space available for guest so it wouldn't cause a traffic jam at the reception table. Having a guest book attendant to help out would make the process easier and faster. That is also a great way to alert guests that there is a guest book available at the event. It is common to have family members or someone from the bridal party (if the bridal party is large) to attend the guestbook.

 

 Photo by Ryan from 247media.org



Candy Bar

Want to give candies as favors but cannot decide on which one? 

Candy bar is your answer! Have a table set to the side for your candy buffet bar. Guests will get a chance to pick their own favorite flavors. Now you can have the selection of 5, 6, 7, 8 or infinite amount of sweets for your guests to pick from.

 

There are many ways to set up the display for the candy bar depending on the theme of the rest of the wedding. Above is an example where the heights of the jars are different to give the staggered look. the jars were also decorated with pink and purple ribbon.

 

Bags or boxes could be used as the vessel, in this case it was pink and purple bags. To add a touch of uniqueness to your favors, custom candies and vessels could be ordered as well (add Bride and Grooms name and wedding date).

Tea Ceremony

 

 

At traditional Chinese weddings, the tea ceremony is as important as the exchange of vows at a Western wedding ceremony. Tea Ceremony is a way for the couple to show respect and appreciation to their parents and elder relatives. Tea ceremony is still widely practiced among Chinese weddings. Younger generations tend to combine a Western style wedding with the Tea Ceremony.

 

What exactly does the couple have to do during a Tea Ceremony? Newlyweds will kneel in front of their parents and elders offering tea to them. Those who receive tea will usually give the bride and groom gifts such as jewelry and "red pockets" (Lai See) which is money inside a red envelope. Parents and relatives will also give their words of blessings to the newlyweds.

 

Photos by Ryan Trinidad from 247media.org

Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are small gifts given to guests from the bride and groom as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude. Wedding favors are shared in cultures worldwide. Wedding favors have become a part of wedding planning. It is diverse and usually would complement the theme of the wedding. Favors can range from candies to shot glasses, soap, candles, towels, picture frames etc. Some couples may also personalize the favors with their names, initials or wedding date.

 

 

The one in the above picture is a customized candy box with the Chinese characters "double happiness" with Hershey's chocolate inside.

Photo by: Ryan Trinidad from 247media.org