The weather was perfect, blue skies and not too hot sunshine bathed the gardens and terraces and added glitter to the fountains. The main event after the civil ceremony was a formal chinese tea ceremony.
Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony.
Many are unclear about the procedure and meanings behind this wedding tradition so I though it might be useful to explain in a little detail.
The new bride is formally introduced to the groom's parents and close family on the wedding day when most of the family members are present.
Tea is China’s national drink and serving it to one another is a sign of respect. Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. The tea is sweet to signify sweet relations between the bride and the grooms family.
The family members being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel. The bride kneels in front of her father-in-law, while the groom kneels in front of his mother.
The newlyweds serve tea in order, (holding the teacups with both hands) starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.
The couple receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” chinese for “lucky”) containing money or jewelry.
Red is a lucky colour and it was reflected at Hong & Yvonne's wedding by the bridesmaids dresses the bridal bouquet, and a red parasol. The striking flowers arrangements were supplied by Kim of Riche de Fleurs.