- On the morning of your wedding day, conduct a pre-wedding preparation in the Chinese style. Traditionally, the bride bathes in water that has been infused with pomelo. Pomelo is believed to remove evil influence and soften the bride's skin. After bathing, put on new undergarments as a symbol of a new start. An auspicious woman, or one who has had success in marriage and career, attends to the bride's preparations. Ask a close relative or friend who you feel fits this role. The attending woman will brush your hair and speak words of blessings for your new marriage.
- After the preparation, don red clothing or accessories. The Chinese consider red an auspicious color. In traditional Chinese weddings, the bride wears a red cheongsam (a snugly fitted one-piece dress) and red shoes. However, modern-day Chinese weddings are becoming Westernized. Today's Chinese bride usually wears a white wedding gown and red accessories. Instead of wearing a full red outfit, carry a red umbrella or wear a necklace made of red string. After the ceremony, you can choose to change into a red cheongsam for the reception.
Decorate the reception venue in red. Hang red lanterns as lucky symbols that also add to the ambiance of the décor. Place red-rose centerpieces at each table. Or, place red paper-cuts, a Chinese craft in which one cuts lucky symbols into paper, on the walls. - Serve a Chinese-style banquet at your reception. Chinese banquets include dishes that have symbolic value for the special occasion. Eight courses are served because the number 8 is considered lucky. Some examples of auspicious dishes include Roast Suckling Pig, Peking Duck, Vegetables and Sea Cucumber, and fish. Roast Suckling Pig is served because roasted pork symbolizes virginity. Peking Duck symbolizes joy and celebration because the roasted duck is of a red color. Vegetables and Sea Cucumber indicates selflessness in marriage because the words "sea cucumber" in Chinese sounds similar to "good heart." Fish is served to symbolize a life of abundance in your marriage. Ask the waiters to distribute takeout boxes to guests at the end of the dinner for the remaining food. In Chinese tradition, it is unacceptable to waste food on such an occasion.
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