If you’ve ever attended a Chinese wedding or are planning your own and want to incorporate Chinese wedding symbols and culture into your big day, then you’ll inevitably come across the most popular Chinese wedding symbol of all–the double happiness. Nowadays, there are so many fun, modern, and unique ways that you can incorporate the double happiness symbol into your Chinese-American wedding.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the most beautiful ways and places to include the double happiness symbol for your wedding.
What does double happiness mean?
The double happiness symbol, "囍" (pronounced shuāngxǐ, 双喜) in Chinese is comprised of 喜喜 – two copies of the Chinese character 喜 (pronounced xǐ), which means joy and happiness. It’s commonly used as a Chinese wedding symbol to represent double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their marriage.
Where do you place the double happiness symbol?
The most common places to incorporate the double happiness symbol into your wedding is in the wedding decor, invitations (especially if you’re sending Chinese wedding invitations), and wedding favors. Since red and gold are the most popular and lucky colors in a Chinese wedding, many of the double happiness symbols are also decorated in red and gold to symbolize good fortune.
Below is a list of places where you can beautifully incorporate double happiness into your wedding.
Decor
Most notably, your wedding decor is the first place you should consider when thinking about ways to include the double happiness symbol. Depending on your budget and how fancy and creative you want to get, here are a variety of ideas for you to choose from.
Double Happiness Paper Cut-Outs
Source: WeeKit Ong
Double Happiness Centerpieces
Source: Daria-Nova
Double Happiness Neon Backdrop Sign
Source: Tinydot Photography
Carved Double Happiness Wooden Backdrop
Source: Letters to You
Double Happiness Lanterns
Source: Emily Wren Photography
Wedding Favors
A lot of couples will use their wedding favors as an opportunity to showcase their personalities and cultural heritage to their guests. This makes double happiness wedding favors a great choice.
Engraved Custom Chopsticks with Double Happiness Symbol
Source: East Meets Dress
Double Happiness Gift Boxes
Source: East Meets Dress
Red Envelopes
Source: East Meets Dress
Double Happiness Bottle Openers
Chinese Wedding Outfits
While many brides will opt to wear a cheongsam or qun kwa for their Chinese wedding, you can choose a design that already features a double happiness symbol or accessorize your dress with double happiness accessories. As for the groom–he can opt for a double happiness tie, bowtie or jacket!
Chinese Wedding Dress
Double Happiness Accessories
Source: East Meets Dress
The Groom's Attire
Source: Me+Him Photography
Tea Ceremony Supplies
The wedding tea ceremony is one of the most popular traditions when it comes to having a Chinese wedding. It's a time for you to honor and pay your respects to your parents and elders while receiving their blessing in return. There are a few must-have items when it comes to running a tea ceremony and many of these items can feature the double happiness symbol.
Double Happiness Tea Set
Source: East Meets Dress
Source: Extra Petite
Tea Ceremony Cups
Tea Ceremony Kneeling Pillows
Source: East Meets Dress
Chinese Wedding Invitations & Menus
From the wedding invitations, envelopes, RSVP and thank you cards to the food menu and table cards, there are countless ways to incorporate double happiness designs into your Chinese wedding invitations.
Source: Print for Love
Source: Heysee Shop
Source: Nineteen Design Studio
Food
Perhaps the best way to incorporate the double happiness character is in your wedding food! Whether it's beautifully decorated macarons, cookies, and more, who says you can't have your double happiness cake and eat it too?
Source: mattaboutfood
Source: Phoenix Sweets
Source: CakeMoment Wedding
The double happiness is a classic Chinese wedding symbol that can easily be incorporated into many aspects of your wedding. When it comes to wedding decor, don't be afraid to get creative and put your own unique spin to it–let us know all the creative ways you plan on using the double happiness symbol!
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