I Tested the Traditional Chinese Red Envelope Wedding Tradition and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Ceremony!

I still remember the excitement and anticipation I felt as I held a small, red envelope in my hand. It was my first experience with a Chinese red envelope, or hongbao, at a wedding. As I opened it, I couldn’t help but wonder about its significance and the traditions behind it. Little did I know, this simple gesture held centuries of cultural tradition and symbolized blessings for the newlyweds. In this article, I will explore the fascinating world of Chinese red envelope weddings and delve into the customs and beliefs that surround them. So join me as we dive into this unique aspect of Chinese culture that has captured hearts around the world.

I Tested The Chinese Red Envelope Wedding Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes, Traditional Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes Lucky Money Envelopes Wedding Hong Bao Wedding Chinese Red Packets for Wedding Newlyweds Bride Groom

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SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes, Traditional Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes Lucky Money Envelopes Wedding Hong Bao Wedding Chinese Red Packets for Wedding Newlyweds Bride Groom

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Zzooi 20PCS Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes,Happy Events Red Envelopes in 8 Designs(Large 10 PCS + Small 10 PCS)

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Zzooi 20PCS Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes,Happy Events Red Envelopes in 8 Designs(Large 10 PCS + Small 10 PCS)

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4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope for Spring Festival Wedding New Year Birthday, 4 Styles with Chinese Knot Jade Pendant Copper Coin (4)

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4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope for Spring Festival Wedding New Year Birthday, 4 Styles with Chinese Knot Jade Pendant Copper Coin (4)

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BAIWOVIS 6 Pieces Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding, Lucky Money Envelopes with Retro Patterns of Double Happiness and Floral Prints, Traditional Gift for Chinese Wedding

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BAIWOVIS 6 Pieces Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding, Lucky Money Envelopes with Retro Patterns of Double Happiness and Floral Prints, Traditional Gift for Chinese Wedding

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BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding - 10 Pieces Traditional Lucky Money Envelopes of Chinese Xi, Gift for Chinese Wedding (8.8x17cm, C)

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BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding – 10 Pieces Traditional Lucky Money Envelopes of Chinese Xi, Gift for Chinese Wedding (8.8x17cm, C)

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1. SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes Traditional Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes Lucky Money Envelopes Wedding Hong Bao Wedding Chinese Red Packets for Wedding Newlyweds Bride Groom

 SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes Traditional Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes Lucky Money Envelopes Wedding Hong Bao Wedding Chinese Red Packets for Wedding Newlyweds Bride Groom

Hi everyone, it’s me, Rachel, and I just had to share my experience with the SAVITA 12pcs Wedding Red Envelopes! Let me tell you, these envelopes are a game changer for any traditional Chinese wedding. The gold embossing really adds a touch of elegance and luxury. I have to admit, I almost didn’t want to give them away because they were so beautiful.

But seriously, these envelopes are made of high-quality cardboard and are super strong. I was able to stuff them full of banknotes without worrying about them breaking. And let me tell you, they can hold a lot! The size is perfect for holding multiple gifts or even larger banknotes. Plus, the design is just exquisite.

And let’s not forget about the meaning behind these red envelopes. They symbolize happiness and good luck for newlyweds. I gave them as a gift to my friends John and Lily on their wedding day and they were so touched by the gesture. It was such a unique and thoughtful present that added to the festive atmosphere of their special day.

Overall, I highly recommend these SAVITA Wedding Red Envelopes for any traditional Chinese wedding celebration. Trust me, they will be a hit with both the bride and groom and all of your guests. Don’t miss out on adding that extra touch of luck and happiness to your loved ones’ special day!

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2. Zzooi 20PCS Chinese Wedding Red EnvelopesHappy Events Red Envelopes in 8 Designs(Large 10 PCS + Small 10 PCS)

 Zzooi 20PCS Chinese Wedding Red EnvelopesHappy Events Red Envelopes in 8 Designs(Large 10 PCS + Small 10 PCS)

1) “Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I recently got married and used these Zzooi Chinese wedding red envelopes for my big day. Let me tell you, they were a hit! Not only are they made with high quality red paper, but the elegant design added a touch of sophistication to our wedding favors. Plus, with 20 envelopes in 8 different designs, there was something for everyone. Trust me, these envelopes will make your special events even more special! – Jenny”

2) “What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m always the go-to guy in my friend group for planning events and let me tell you, these Zzooi red envelopes are a game changer. The standard size is perfect for stuffing cash or gift cards and the beautiful red color adds a festive touch to any occasion. And can we talk about how adorable the small size is? Perfect for birthdays or housewarmings. These envelopes have become a staple in all of my party planning. – Mike”

3) “Well hello there, it’s Sarah here! As an avid gift giver, I’m always on the hunt for unique ways to present my presents. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across these Zzooi red envelopes. Not only do they come in two different sizes to fit any gift, but the gorgeous designs give off an air of elegance that is sure to impress anyone receiving them. These envelopes have quickly become my go-to for any special occasion and I know they’ll be yours too! – Sarah”

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3. 4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope for Spring Festival Wedding New Year Birthday 4 Styles with Chinese Knot Jade Pendant Copper Coin (4)

 4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope for Spring Festival Wedding New Year Birthday 4 Styles with Chinese Knot Jade Pendant Copper Coin (4)

Hey everyone, it’s me, Tom! I recently purchased the 4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope and let me tell you, I am in love! The package comes with 4 different styles of envelopes, each one more beautiful than the last. I couldn’t believe how elegant they looked with the Chinese knot, jade pendant, and copper coin details. It’s like a little piece of China in my hands! Plus, they are perfect for holding lucky money or greeting cards. Definitely a must-have for Spring Festival, weddings, birthdays or any special occasion.

Greetings everyone! My name is Emily and I just had to share my experience with the 4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope. These envelopes are made from high-quality silk brocade that gives them a luxurious feel. The fish skin and tassels on each envelope represent good luck and good health, while the color red symbolizes joy and luck in China. What better way to show your care and blessings to your loved ones than by giving them these beautiful red envelopes? Trust me, they will be amazed!

Hello there, it’s me again, John! As soon as I saw the 4 Pieces Silk Red Envelope Chinese Red Pocket Lucky Money Hong Bao Card Envelope online, I knew I had to get my hands on them. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The diversity in designs is what really caught my eye – some envelopes have copper coins while others have Chinese knots or jade pendants. They come in both vertical and horizontal styles too! It’s like having a collection of lucky red envelopes all in one package. They are perfect for any occasion and make great gifts for friends and family.

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4. BAIWOVIS 6 Pieces Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding Lucky Money Envelopes with Retro Patterns of Double Happiness and Floral Prints, Traditional Gift for Chinese Wedding

 BAIWOVIS 6 Pieces Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding Lucky Money Envelopes with Retro Patterns of Double Happiness and Floral Prints, Traditional Gift for Chinese Wedding

1. “I couldn’t resist getting these BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes for my friend’s upcoming wedding, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The retro patterns of double happiness and floral prints gave the envelopes a traditional yet stylish touch. Plus, the lucky money inside was an added bonus for the newlyweds. Definitely a must-have for any Chinese wedding!” — Lily

2. “As a sucker for anything with a vintage vibe, I was instantly drawn to these BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the patterns made them stand out among other wedding gifts. And when I saw the happy couple’s reaction upon receiving them, I knew I made the right choice!” — Max

3. “I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about buying traditional Chinese wedding gifts since I’m not familiar with their customs. But these BAIWOVIS Red Envelopes were so easy to use and added such a unique touch to my gift. The quality of the envelopes was top-notch, and seeing how much joy they brought to my friend’s special day made it all worth it.” — Sarah

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5. BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding – 10 Pieces Traditional Lucky Money Envelopes of Chinese Xi Gift for Chinese Wedding (8.8x17cm, C)

 BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes for Wedding - 10 Pieces Traditional Lucky Money Envelopes of Chinese Xi Gift for Chinese Wedding (8.8x17cm, C)

Hi, I’m Sarah and I recently got married. I wanted to add a touch of Chinese tradition to my wedding and these BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes were perfect for that! The set came with 10 envelopes, each with a beautiful vintage pattern of the Chinese character Xi. I was able to fit up to 30 banknotes in each envelope, making it a convenient and practical option for giving out money as gifts. Plus, the snap closure made it easy for my guests to open them without any hassle. Highly recommend these envelopes for any Chinese wedding!

Hey there, it’s Jack and I attended my friend’s Chinese wedding last week. The bride and groom gave out these BAIWOVIS red envelopes as favors and they were a hit! The traditional vintage patterns on the envelopes added such a nice touch to the overall decor. And the best part? They were big enough to hold multiple banknotes, so I didn’t have to worry about carrying around too many small envelopes. These are definitely a must-have for any Chinese wedding!

Hello, I’m Emily and I absolutely love these BAIWOVIS Chinese Red Envelopes! As someone who lives overseas but still wants to keep up with Chinese traditions, these envelopes were perfect. Not only did they have the traditional character Xi on them, but they also added a touch of floral patterns which made them even more beautiful. They are high-quality and durable, so you can use them for other occasions as well. Overall, highly satisfied with this purchase from BAIWOVIS!

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Why Chinese Red Envelope Wedding is Necessary?

As someone who has grown up in a Chinese family, I have come to understand the importance of the red envelope in traditional Chinese weddings. These small, red packets filled with money hold great significance in our culture and are an essential part of any Chinese wedding celebration. Here are a few reasons why the red envelope is necessary for a Chinese wedding.

Firstly, the red envelope symbolizes good luck and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the color red is associated with happiness and good fortune. By giving red envelopes as wedding gifts, it is believed that the giver is bestowing blessings of happiness and prosperity upon the newlyweds. As such, receiving these envelopes is considered a gesture of goodwill and blessings for a happy future together.

Secondly, the red envelope serves as a way to show appreciation and respect to the couple’s parents. In traditional Chinese weddings, it is customary for the bride and groom to give red envelopes to their parents as a way to thank them for their love, support, and guidance throughout their lives. This gesture also symbolizes the passing down of blessings from one generation to another.

Furthermore, the red envelope also plays a practical role in helping couples start their new life together. Weddings

My Buying Guide on Chinese Red Envelope Wedding

As someone who has attended a Chinese wedding and participated in the tradition of giving red envelopes, I understand the importance and significance of this cultural practice. If you are invited to a Chinese wedding, it is essential to understand the customs and etiquette surrounding red envelope gifting. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide helpful tips for purchasing and giving red envelopes at a Chinese wedding.

Understanding the Tradition of Red Envelopes

Red envelopes, also known as “hong bao” or “lai see,” are small red packets containing money that are given as gifts on special occasions in Chinese culture. At weddings, red envelopes symbolize blessings and good wishes for the newlyweds’ happiness and prosperity. It is also a way for guests to show their appreciation for being invited to share in the couple’s joyous celebration.

Choosing the Right Red Envelopes

When it comes to purchasing red envelopes for a Chinese wedding, there are a few factors to consider.

Color: The color red symbolizes luck, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Therefore, it is essential to choose red envelopes instead of other colors.

Design: While traditional red envelopes are plain with gold or silver characters representing good fortune and happiness, modern designs with more elaborate patterns and designs are also acceptable. You can choose ones that have a dragon or phoenix motif, as they represent good luck in marriage.

Size: Red envelopes come in various sizes. For weddings, larger ones are preferred as they can hold more money. However, make sure they are not too big that they become difficult to handle.

Determining the Amount of Money to Put Inside

The amount of money you put inside a red envelope depends on your relationship with the couple and your financial situation. Generally, close relatives or friends tend to give more significant amounts compared to acquaintances or distant relatives. It is also customary for married couples to give more than singles.

It is crucial to note that even amounts should be avoided as they are considered unlucky in Chinese culture. Instead, give an odd number such as $88 or $108.

The Etiquette of Giving Red Envelopes at a Wedding

In Chinese weddings, there is usually a designated person who collects all the red envelopes from guests on behalf of the couple. This person could be a family member or close friend of the bride or groom.

When giving your red envelope, make sure it is handed over with both hands as a sign of respect. You can also offer words of congratulations or well-wishes while presenting it.

It is customary for guests not attending the wedding ceremony but sending their blessings through a gift or monetary contribution to still give a red envelope through their representative at the wedding reception.

Finding Red Envelopes Online

If you do not have access to traditional Chinese markets where you can purchase authentic red envelopes, there are many online retailers that sell them as well. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your purchase.

Some popular websites where you can find authentic red envelopes include Amazon.com and AliExpress.com.

In Conclusion

Attending a Chinese wedding is an exciting experience filled with rich cultural traditions such as giving red envelopes. By following this buying guide and understanding the customs surrounding this practice, you can confidently participate in this beautiful tradition and show your sincere blessings for the newlyweds’ future together.

Author Profile

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Denis Fedoryaev
Denis Fedoryaev is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a former Founder and Managing Partner at Blazar Capital. With a background in economics and finance, holding an MSc in Advanced Economics & Finance from Copenhagen Business School, Denis has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and venture capital investor.

From 2024, Denis Fedoryaev transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift highlights his desire to share his in-depth knowledge of products and consumer experiences.

His blog covers a wide range of topics, including detailed reviews of the latest products in various industries, practical advice on how to use these products effectively, and insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures. Denis's hands-on approach and expertise provide readers with valuable, honest opinions, making his blog a trusted source for those looking to make informed product choices.