Chinese Wedding Invitations: Red and Gold, the Tea Ceremony and the Banquet
Our Sweet Day Team, October 27, 2026
A Chinese wedding invitation traditionally arrives in red and gold, with the double happiness character 囍 at its centre. A digital invitation can carry the same warmth and still give guests everything they need: the date, the banquet, the tea ceremony and how to reply.
Choose a Template That Feels Right
Red symbolises joy and good fortune, and gold prosperity. Pick a template and a palette in those colours, or a softer palette with a red accent if you prefer.
The Date Matters
Many couples choose an auspicious date with their families. Put it in the date field; the invitation shows it, and guests can add it to their calendar in one tap.
Wording From the Parents
Traditional invitations name both sets of parents. A common English wording:
"Mr. & Mrs. Wong and Mr. & Mrs. Lim request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Mei Ling and Wei Jie"
Many families write the invitation in both Chinese and English. Write both in the same field, one after the other.
The Tea Ceremony and the Banquet
The tea ceremony is usually for family, and the banquet for everyone. Use the Program section to set out the day: the tea ceremony in the morning, the wedding ceremony, and the banquet in the evening with the time guests should arrive.
Gifts and Red Envelopes
Guests often give red envelopes (hongbao). If you'd like to say something about gifts, the Gifts section takes a gentle note, for example: "Your presence is the greatest gift. If you wish to bless us further, a red envelope will be treasured."
Seating the Banquet
A banquet is usually round tables of ten. The seating planner draws round tables and numbers them; each guest sees their table on their invitation once you reveal the plan.
Etiquette Tips
1. Avoid the number four in table numbers if your family prefers; you can name tables instead
2. Write each guest's name correctly, in the characters they use
3. Send invitations about six weeks before the banquet