When it comes to celebrating your culture, the most important part is making these traditions your own. We love how our bride Chuyu incorporated these Chinese traditions into her own modern wedding. Get inspired by her beautiful wedding bridal shoot to get ideas for your own modern Asian-American wedding.

In case you missed it, here are all the wonderful ways you can incorporate Chinese symbols into your modern wedding:

1: Accessorize your wedding outfit with a hint of jade jewelry.

Jade has been an iconic part of East-Asian history and heritage. It is revered as a symbol of love and protection. When worn, it protects its wearers from harm. The color green in jade is also a significant symbol in Chinese culture as it represents wealth, fertility, lucky, and long life. Its delicate features make it easy to have as an accessory to any wedding outfit—consider wearing a jade bracelet or jade earrings on your wedding day. 

2: Decorate your modern wedding arch with orchids and peonies.

Orchids and peonies are some of the traditional flowers found in Chinese culture.  Peonies symbolize wealth and beauty in Chinese culture and are a gorgeous choice for your bouquets or table decor. Similarly the orchid also symbolizes beauty and can be a wonderful addition—ask your florist on how you can incorporate these flowers into your wedding.

3: Delight your guests with some Koi Fish in your wedding decoration.

Koi fish are considered a symbol of strength in Chinese culture, as they are constantly swimming against the current. They represent perseverance and good luck—all essential qualities for a happy marriage. 

4: Add Chinese lucky fruits such as oranges on your dessert table

Oranges, pomegranates, and red dates are often found at Chinese weddings. Traditionally, these fruits were placed on the bridal bed to symbolize good luck for fertility. Nowadays, they can be found on the dessert table, on the wedding cake, or as table decor. 

5: Use an umbrella as a prop for your wedding photos

Traditionally, as part of Chinese wedding traditions, the bride walks under a red umbrella whenever she is outside, to symbolize fertility in marriage. You can modernize this tradition by including your own beautiful umbrella as part of your wedding bridal portraits. 

6: Incorporate Chinese fans in your wedding

The fan is another Chinese historical icon, originating in the Shang Dynasty. Throwing the fan has become a custom in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, where the bride flings a fan from the wedding car, throwing away any negative emotions and events from her past and giving her a fresh new start. You can consider incorporating Chinese fans in your wedding as wedding favor gifts or partake in this ritual.

7: Serve Chinese food in your banquet or as wedding appetizers

There are a variety of dishes you can consider that have deep symbolism in Chinese culture—from fish to noodles. Check out the most popular foods to serve at Chinese weddings to get your own ideas. 

8: Give out modern red envelopes as wedding invitation holders

Red envelopes are traditionally given as gifts to the bride and groom. But you can customize these envelopes to be used as invitations as well for your wedding or tea ceremony. Read more about Chinese wedding invitation etiquette and tips here.

9: Wear a modern cheongsam dress in your favorite color

Though red is the traditional color for Chinese wedding dresses, you don’t have to wear a red dress. This beautiful white Marilyn dress is the perfect mix of East and West influences. Check out 22 other cheongsam dresses that are not red here.

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Special Thanks:

• Photographers: @chuyu0119, @amazinggrace_studio
• Hair & Makeup: @naiweddingstudio⠀
• Venue: @90percentspace
• Floral and Decor: @roseparasol
• Model: Michelle Lee⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

More to Love

- For more Chinese wedding decoration ideas, you can check out our post on 30 of the Best Ideas for a Modern Asian Wedding.

- Learn how to throw the best tea ceremony with our guide. 

- Read our ultimate guide to Chinese wedding decorations.