Andrew & Izzy
Schedule
October.26.2024
A Chinese wedding takes place in one day.
All main wedding events will be held in one hotel Dong’an Court 东安阁 in the southeast of Chengdu. Here is a link to the broad location of the hotel for reference.
Morning Games (aka "Gate Crash Door Games")
Once the bride gets ready in the morning, the first highlight of the day's festivities is the Gate Crash Door Games. The bridesmaids will have prepared games to test the groom’s determination to marry the bride and to win approval from the bride’s family and friends. These days, the games have been modernized with fun tests to help bridesmaids and best-men and the couple's friends to get to know one another.
Only upon winning all challenges will he be allowed to enter the bride’s room where the final challenge is to locate the missing bridal shoe to put it on the bride’s foot, and then carry her out for the Chinese tea ceremony with their parents.
10 a.m.
Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is where the bride and groom serve tea to their parents and express their respect, gratitude, and appreciation for their parents’ love, support, and effort in raising them. After each parent has taken their sip of tea, the couple will be offered a red envelope with money or gold jewelery to bless the couple.
11 a.m.
Lunch (wedding parties)
Lunch will be served for those in the wedding party. This will include the parents, siblings, and a few best friends - and all non-local guests who stay in the hotel the night before.
12 p.m.
First Look of the Couple
The First Look is the probably the only private moment shared between the bride and groom on the wedding day. The bride taps the groom on his shoulder, dressed in her full wedding gown, and the groom turns around - such is called “first look.” The couple will then exchange letters they write for each other and enjoy this intimate moment.
2 p.m.
Reception & Welcoming Guests
For those who stay in the hotel (where the wedding takes place), no transportation is needed. The bride and groom will try to join the family to welcome the guests and enjoy the reception with them, but logistics sometimes make their participation brief.
4 p.m.
Ceremony
The ceremony will be held outside in a square courtyard with platforms above water. During the ceremony, it is common for parents and other people of importance in the groom/bride’s life to speak. Similar to Western weddings, vows and rings are exchanged - organized by a bi-lingual moderator whose persona is more of a DJ than a priest/pastor.
5 p.m.
Dinner
The dinner will be in the large indoor space adjacent to the courtyard. High-end Chinese meals will be served including a range of meat & vegetable dishes. Baiju 白酒 is the traditional alcohol had at weddings, but wine and other beverages will also be available. Food and drinks are served “family style” in the middle of a round table that seats ten. Dancing is not common in Chinese weddings.
6 p.m.
After Party
The exact plans of the after party will depend on the number of young people who attend the wedding, Options include a room/bar in the main hotel, or another location in Chengdu. Izzy is considering challenging Andrew to a Muay Thai boxing round (heals as weapons) if his tango performance in the first dance proves to be inadequate.
8 p.m.
Let the countdown begin.
Let us know if you’re able to attend the wedding event and/or any of the cultural events in the RSVP below.