What are the steps in a tea ceremony?

A Chinese tea ceremony is a beautiful way to honour your parents and elders on your wedding day. It usually happens before or after your legal ceremony, and the order of who you serve matters most.

Start with your groom's grandparents and parents, then your own grandparents and parents. You may also serve other senior relatives after them. Each person receives a cup of sweet tea, which you offer with both hands. The elders sip the tea, bless you for your new life together and hand you a red envelope, often called a hongbao, as a gift of luck and prosperity.

You should plan the seating so the most senior guests sit in the front. Have a helper keep track of who has been served so no one is missed. Keep the tea warm and the cups ready before you begin. Many couples take photos during the ceremony so the family can keep the memories.

The exact steps can vary by family and region, so talk to your elders about what they expect. If you are marrying in a religious building or register office, check the rules with the venue or register office about when and where you can hold the ceremony.