Planning a perfect wedding is a dream for every couple. Each stage of the wedding deserves meticulous preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day. In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive planning guide for traditional Chinese weddings that lists out every detail you need to know before, during, and after the ceremony. With this complete checklist and a strong understanding of the procedures, you can create a unique and unforgettable wedding while making beautiful memories.

Wedding Planning Process

The details of wedding planning are numerous and can easily be overlooked. Below is a comprehensive timeline to help you stay on track at every stage.

A Checklist of Wedding Essentials

To ensure the wedding day goes smoothly, it’s recommended to prepare all necessary wedding items in advance for meticulous planning. Below is a checklist of all essential items to guarantee a seamless celebration.

“Guo Da Li” Ceremony

Preparation by Groom’s Side:

• Red packets and gifts:
• Pairs of fruits (e.g., apples, oranges)
• Two coconuts
• Eight pieces of bridal cake
• Two tins of tea leaves
• Two packs of eight-treasure Chinese dried fruits
• Couplets (for both families)
• Two pairs of dragon and phoenix candles
• Two bundles of Chinese cypress leaves
• Two red envelopes with symbolic offerings (e.g., for chicken, fish, and pork)
• Large red packet for good fortune
• Dragon and phoenix gift box
  
  

Return Gifts from Bride’s Side:

• A pair of lotus roots
• A pair of pomegranates
• A pair of calamondins
• A pair of taros for good fortune
• A pair of gingers to signify prosperity
• Chinese cypress leaves
• Lotuses

Hair Combing Ceremony

Wedding Day

1. Bride and Groom
    
   • Bride:
     • Attire: Wedding dress, evening suit and gown, tea ceremony dress, send-off dress, undergarments, shoes, socks
     • Hair and Makeup: Veil, accessories, hairpieces, makeup essentials
     • Other Items: Bridal bouquet, gloves, handkerchief, garters, wedding dress straps, safety pins, emergency beauty kit
   • Groom:
     • Attire: Suit, shirt, tie, dress shoes, socks
     • Other Items: Boutonniere, cufflinks
        
2. Pick up the Bride
    
   • Ceremony Items:
     • Red umbrella
     • Rice and tea sachets
     • Red flower ball
     • Red packet for door-opening
     • Dragon and phoenix candles
     • Kneeling cushions for tea ceremony
     • Tea ceremony set
     • Red packets for luck
     • Sweet lotus seeds and red dates
     • Disposable tea cups for tea ceremony
     • Silk flower ball for the bride
     • Red packets for bridesmaids
     • Tea leaves for the tea ceremony
     • Tea tray
     • Boutonnieres for groomsmen, corsages for bridesmaids
        
   • Wedding Car Decoration:
     • Full car decoration kit
     • Car door ribbons
     • Car decors
     • Floral arrangements for groomsmen’s cars
        
3. Wedding Ceremony
   • Wedding rings
   • Ring box
   • Wedding wow cards
   • Marriage certificate holder
   • Pen
   • Ink pad
      
4. Banquet Items
   • Guest sign-in book
   • Champagne tower
   • Wedding cake
   • Petals or sparklers
   • Signing pen
   • Photo album
   • Guest favours
      
5. Other Essentials
   • Red packets (for staff, elders, etc.)
   • Games props
   • Eco-friendly confetti or firecrackers
      
6. Personal Items
   • Lipstick, compact, mirror for touch-ups
   • Wet wipes, tissues
   • Small snacks
   • Change of undergarments
   • First aid kit
   • Mobile phone and charger