Must-Read for Malaysian Chinese Preparing for Marriage: Complete Guide to Traditional Chinese Wedding Customs!

11 May 2023 By admin

Marriage is an important milestone in anyone’s life, and for Malaysian Chinese, it is a cherished occasion filled with rich cultural traditions. If you’re a Malaysian Chinese couple getting ready to tie the knot, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the traditional Chinese wedding customs. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various customs and rituals that make up a Malaysian Chinese wedding. Let’s explore these time-honored traditions together!

  • Proposal:

In Malaysian Chinese culture, the groom’s family initiates the proposal. The groom’s parents visit the bride’s house with gifts, including tea leaves, red dates, and jewelry. This gesture symbolizes the groom’s sincerity and respect towards the bride’s family.

  • Betrothal:

The betrothal ceremony, known as “Guo Da Li,” takes place a few weeks before the wedding day. The groom’s family presents gifts such as jewelry, cakes, and traditional wedding items to the bride’s family. This ceremony signifies the formal engagement and the acceptance of the groom into the bride’s family.

  • Dowry:

The bride’s family prepares a dowry, which typically includes gold jewelry, bedding sets, and household items. These items symbolize blessings for the newlyweds’ future life together.

  • Wedding Date Selection:

Selecting an auspicious wedding date is crucial in Malaysian Chinese culture. Couples often consult a fortune teller or use the Chinese lunar calendar to choose a date that aligns with their astrological signs. The chosen date should bring good luck and fortune to the couple.

  • Hair Combing Ceremony:

A few days before the wedding, the bride and groom individually undergo a hair combing ceremony. Their hair is combed by their parents to signify the transition from singlehood to married life, and it symbolizes the blessing of good fortune and prosperity.

  • Tea Ceremony:

The tea ceremony is a significant part of Malaysian Chinese weddings. During this ritual, the couple serves tea to their parents and elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. In return, the couple receives blessings and words of wisdom from their loved ones.

  • Wedding Banquet:

The wedding banquet is a grand celebration where family, relatives, and friends gather to witness the union of the couple. Multiple courses of sumptuous Chinese dishes are served, and traditional customs such as the “Yam Seng” toasting ritual and the “Gatecrashing” games may be incorporated for fun and laughter.

  • Bridal Attire:

The bride traditionally wears a “cheongsam” or “qipao,” a beautiful form-fitting dress adorned with intricate embroidery. The groom typically wears a traditional “kwa” or a modern suit. Nowadays, couples often have multiple outfit changes throughout the wedding day, blending traditional and modern styles.

  • Dragon and Lion Dance:

To bring joy and ward off evil spirits, a vibrant dragon and lion dance performance is often featured at Malaysian Chinese weddings. The rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals accompany the colorful lion dance, adding a festive and lively atmosphere to the celebration.

  • Wedding Games:

In some Malaysian Chinese weddings, playful “Gatecrashing” games are organized for the groom and his groomsmen. These games test the groom’s love and determination to marry the bride, often involving humorous challenges and obstacles set by the bridesmaids.

Here is a complete checklist and steps for preparing a wedding in Malaysia:

  1. Set the wedding date: Choosing a wedding date is the first step in wedding preparation. When selecting a date, consider the work, family, and holiday arrangements for both the bride and groom.

  2. Book the wedding venue: In Malaysia, wedding venues can be chosen from hotels, convention centers, gardens, beaches, and other locations. When booking a venue, consider the size, price, and facilities available.

  3. Find a wedding planner: A wedding planner can assist the bride and groom in planning the details of the wedding, including the theme, decorations, flowers, music, and more. Finding a professional wedding planner can greatly alleviate the burden on the bride and groom.

  4. Determine the wedding theme and style: Choosing a wedding theme can add more fun and a romantic atmosphere to the wedding. For example, a beach-themed wedding can be held on the beach with light-colored attire, or a grand princess-themed wedding can feature exquisite wedding gowns and crowns.

  5. Book a wedding photographer and videographer: Wedding photos and videos are lasting mementos, so it is essential to choose professional photographers and videographers who can capture beautiful moments.

  6. Send out wedding invitations: In Malaysia, wedding invitations should be sent out at least three months in advance to allow friends and family to make arrangements to attend.

  7. Shop for wedding attire: The bride and groom need to select their wedding attire during the preparation period. When choosing wedding attire, consider personal style and the wedding theme.

  8. Arrange the wedding ceremony: In Malaysia, Muslim and non-Muslim wedding ceremonies may differ. Determine the time and location of the wedding ceremony and invite a master of ceremonies.

  9. Purchase wedding supplies: Wedding supplies include bouquets, flowers, candles, tableware, beverages, and more. When purchasing wedding supplies, consider the wedding theme and budget.

  10. Finalize the wedding banquet menu: In Malaysia, wedding banquets are typically buffet-style or set menus. When selecting the menu, consider the guests’ tastes and dietary restrictions.

  11. Arrange wedding music: Wedding music can add a romantic atmosphere. Choose a professional music team or DJ to provide music services for the wedding.

  12. Book a wedding car: On the wedding day, choose a beautiful wedding car to transport the bride and groom, providing them with a luxurious wedding experience.

  13. Prepare wedding favors: Wedding favors can leave a lasting impression on guests. Choose meaningful wedding favors, such as customized candy boxes or keychains.

  14. Arrange the wedding venue decoration: On the wedding day, hire a professional decoration company to arrange bouquets, flowers, candle holders, and more at the wedding venue.

  15. Rehearse the wedding ceremony: A few days before the wedding, conduct a rehearsal to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.

Preparing for a wedding requires a lot of time and effort, but on the wedding day, all the efforts are worthwhile. In Malaysia, the bride and groom can choose different wedding themes and venues based on their preferences and budget, creating an unforgettable wedding experience.

Wedding Preparations in Malaysia:

Wedding is a very important process, and for many Malaysians, it is one of the most significant moments in their lives. During the wedding preparations, the bride and groom will begin arranging the wedding, setting a wedding budget, choosing a wedding venue, purchasing wedding rings, and organizing the wedding schedule, among other things. Here are some considerations during the wedding preparations:

  1. Determine the wedding budget: Firstly, the bride and groom need to establish a wedding budget. This will help them create a detailed plan to ensure that their wedding stays within the budget range.

  2. Choose a wedding venue: Next, the bride and groom need to select a suitable wedding venue. This could be a hotel, conference center, or any other special location. Factors such as size, location, facilities, and costs need to be taken into account.

  3. Purchase wedding rings: During the wedding preparations, the bride and groom need to choose a pair of wedding rings. This is usually a very special task as the rings symbolize their love and union.

  4. Arrange the wedding schedule: After finalizing the wedding venue, the bride and groom need to plan the wedding schedule. This includes selecting the wedding date and time, arranging the wedding ceremony, wedding banquet, and other wedding activities.

  5. Send out invitations: Lastly, the bride and groom need to send wedding invitations to family and friends. This can be done through mailing physical invitations or using electronic means such as email.

During the wedding preparations, it is also important to pay attention to cultural customs and etiquette, such as:

  1. Confirming the dowry: In Malaysia, the dowry is a payment made by the groom to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and gratitude. The dowry usually consists of cash and gifts such as gold items, jewelry, furniture, and appliances.

  2. Arranging meetings: During the wedding preparations, there will be meetings between the families of the bride and groom to confirm various details and cultural customs.

  3. Preparing the bride’s trousseau: In Malaysian culture, the bride’s trousseau refers to the gifts and cash prepared by the bride’s family. This typically includes gold items, jewelry, furniture, household appliances, and other household items. The quantity and quality of the trousseau may influence the groom and his family’s perception of the bride’s family.

  4. Organizing the wedding ceremony: In Malaysia, Muslim and non-Muslim wedding ceremonies may differ. For Muslims, the wedding ceremony usually takes place in a mosque, presided over by an imam. For non-Muslims, the wedding ceremony is usually held in a church or other religious venue.

  5. Confirming wedding attire: During the wedding preparations, the bride and groom need to select their wedding attire. For Muslims, the bride typically wears a customized wedding gown and headscarf, while the groom wears traditional Malaysian attire. For non-Muslims, the bride usually wears a white wedding gown, while the groom wears a formal suit.

  6. Arranging the wedding banquet: The wedding banquet is one of the most important parts of the wedding preparations. In Malaysia, the wedding banquet usually invites family and friends and offers entertainment such as food, drinks, and music.

There are many things to consider during the wedding preparations, but with careful planning and preparation, the bride and groom can ensure that their wedding goes smoothly. In Malaysia, wedding preparations are of great importance as they represent not only the love between the bride and groom but also their families and cultural traditions. Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, it is necessary to adhere to various cultural customs and traditions during the wedding preparations. Therefore, the bride and groom need to maintain an open and respectful mindset to ensure a successful wedding and lay a solid foundation for their future life.

Wedding Day Schedule:

STEP 1. Groom’s family pays respects to ancestors, departure of the groom’s entourage.

  • The groom’s family informs their ancestors of the joyous occasion and prepares to go out to welcome the bride.
  • The entourage accompanying the groom should bring the necessary gifts for the bride’s family, and the groom may also carry a bouquet or fresh flowers.
  • The route and travel time should be planned in advance to avoid delaying the auspicious timing of entering the bridal chamber.
  • When the groom arrives at the bride’s house, a young boy or unmarried man from the bride’s family should open the car door to receive him, and the groom should give a red envelope to the person opening the door.

STEP 2. Bride’s family pays respects to ancestors, bride puts on the veil, groom enters the room to meet the bride.

  • The bride’s family informs their ancestors of the joyous occasion.
  • After the bride is ready, her parents will lower the veil over her head and wait for the groom in the room.
  • The bridesmaids and sisters may create some challenges and games to hinder the groom’s progress in meeting the bride, and during this process, the groom should give red envelope gifts.
  • After overcoming the challenges, the groom knocks on the door and enters the room to meet the bride, lifting her veil.
  • The bride’s family can prepare some sweet soup or snacks to entertain the groom and his entourage.

STEP 3. Groom and bride pay respects to ancestors, bid farewell to parents, serve tea.

  • After leaving the room, the groom and bride together pay respects to their ancestors, then bid farewell to their parents and express gratitude for their upbringing.
  • The couple serves tea to their elders in the bride’s family and shakes hands with younger relatives, followed by giving red envelope gifts.

STEP 4. Departure, throwing the fan.

  • The father or a male elder covers the bride with a red umbrella as she gets into the car (the act of a male elder holding the umbrella for the bride has the meaning of warding off evil).
  • The master of ceremonies or bridesmaids will follow the groom’s entourage, carrying the dowry, to the groom’s house.
  • The bride carries two fans, symbolizing her good and bad temper respectively. After getting in the car, she throws one of the fans out of the car window, symbolizing the abandonment of bad temper, and takes the other fan to the groom’s house, signifying bringing her good temper into the new family.

STEP 5. Arrival at the groom’s house, entering the house.

  • Before reaching the groom’s house, the entourage should sound the car horn or set off firecrackers to indicate their imminent arrival, allowing people born in conflicting zodiac signs, sisters-in-law, pregnant women, and elder male family members to avoid encountering the bride as she gets out of the car.
  • A young boy or unmarried man from the groom’s family should open the car door to receive the couple, and the groom should give a red envelope to the person opening the door.

STEP 6. Entering the bridal chamber.

  • After the groom escorts the bride into the groom’s house, they enter the bridal chamber and perform the rituals of the young boy jumping on the bed and breaking a chamber pot.
  • After removing the bridal chamber items, the young boy jumps on the bed and breaks the chamber pot, symbolizing the wish for the couple to have children early.
  • The couple drinks sweet soup or eats tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) by the bedside, symbolizing a sweet and harmonious marriage.

STEP 7. Pay respects to ancestors, serve tea.

  • The groom’s parents or an auspicious person light the dragon and phoenix candles, and the couple pays respects to their ancestors together.
  • The couple serves tea to their elders and shakes hands with younger relatives, followed by giving red envelope gifts.
  • In traditional weddings, the bride is expected to return to her parents’ home three days after the wedding. The husband accompanies the bride to visit her family.
  • However, if distance is a factor that prevents the three-day return, the couple can also follow the custom of returning to the bride’s home on the wedding day itself.
  • After the groom picks up the bride and they depart from the bride’s house, they can make a detour back to the bride’s home to fulfill the custom of returning.

Wedding Taboos You Should Know:

Traditions and customs often come with various taboos and considerations. While there are no strict rules, it’s important to be aware of certain taboos to ensure peace of mind and auspiciousness. Take a look at the following taboos and be careful not to offend them while planning your wedding.

  • The bride should not welcome the groom’s wedding team and gifts when they arrive for the betrothal ceremony. The bride can stay inside the room and join her parents to receive the gifts once they are arranged.
  • The couple should avoid eating their own wedding pastries. It symbolizes consuming their own “happiness/auspiciousness.”
  • Sending wedding invitations should only be done after the betrothal ceremony. It indicates that both families have agreed to the marriage. The bride’s family can send the invitations along with the wedding pastries to relatives and friends.
  • Avoid saying goodbye: It is considered inauspicious to say “goodbye” after any wedding ceremony as it implies separation and parting.
  • Do not light incense twice: During ancestor worship or offering prayers, the couple should avoid relighting incense if it goes out or becomes crooked. Lighting incense twice symbolizes remarrying.
  • “Gu” and “Sao” should step aside: During the betrothal ceremony and the bride’s entry into the groom’s house, the bride’s sisters-in-law should step aside. The words “Gu” sound similar to “solitude,” and “Sao” sounds similar to “sweeping,” which are considered inauspicious.
  • Avoid clashes with zodiac signs and pregnant women: On the wedding day, zodiac signs that clash with the couple’s zodiac signs and pregnant women should avoid being present when the bride enters and leaves the house to prevent clashes.
  • Do not touch the marriage bed: Once the bed is set up, it should not be moved or slept in until after the wedding ceremony is completed.
  • Avoid leaving the bed empty or sleeping alone for one month after marriage: It is considered unlucky to leave the bed empty or sleep alone after marriage. If the couple is going for their honeymoon, they can place their clothes on the bed to avoid leaving it empty.

These taboos are based on traditional customs, and many people adhere to them for peace of mind and auspiciousness. However, modern weddings tend to be more flexible and personalized, so following these taboos is not mandatory. You can decide whether to observe them based on your preferences and family traditions.”

Prepare Wedding Favors for Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and the Bridal Party

In Malaysia, weddings are significant family and social events, and it is a traditional custom to prepare wedding favors for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the bridal party as a gesture of gratitude for their help and support throughout the wedding process.

Additionally, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bridal party have important roles and responsibilities during the wedding. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare wedding favors for them and understand their roles at the wedding.

When preparing wedding favors for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the bridal party, you can consider the following ideas:

Bridesmaid Favors:

  • Feminine gifts: You can choose feminine gifts such as cosmetics, jewelry, perfume, etc.
  • Consider the budget: When selecting favors, it’s important to consider your budget and the wedding theme.

Groomsmen Favors:

  • Masculine gifts: You can choose masculine gifts such as watches, belts, alcohol, etc.
  • Consider the budget: When selecting favors, it’s important to consider your budget and the wedding theme.

Bridal Party Favors:

  • Feminine gifts: You can choose feminine gifts such as cosmetics, perfume, jewelry, etc.
  • Handmade DIY gifts: You can choose handmade DIY gifts such as handmade flower crowns, baked goods, etc.
  • Fresh and natural gifts: You can choose fresh and natural gifts such as plants, handmade soaps, etc.

Brotherhood Favors:

  • Masculine gifts: You can choose masculine gifts such as pipes, alcohol, watches, etc.

When choosing wedding favors, remember to consider your budget and respect the theme and style of the wedding. Ensure that the gifts convey your gratitude to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the bridal party and match their personalities and preferences.

Responsibilities of Groomsmen and Bridesmaids:

Groomsmen and bridesmaids play important roles in the wedding, and their responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Greeting the couple: Bridesmaids help block the bride’s door and sometimes tease the groom, while groomsmen assist the groom in completing traditional door-blocking games to win the bride’s hand.
  • Speeches and performances: Groomsmen and bridesmaids may be required to give speeches or perform talents during the wedding.
  • Accompanying the couple: On the wedding day, groomsmen and bridesmaids accompany the couple, assist with welcoming guests, and participate in toasting, among other tasks.
  • Attire and appearance: Groomsmen and bridesmaids are responsible for ensuring the couple’s appearance at the wedding venue, helping with dressing in formal attire, wedding gowns, etc., and notifying the makeup artist for touch-ups.
  • Handling belongings: As the couple will be in formal attire, groomsmen and bridesmaids are responsible for keeping their personal belongings and valuables safe.
  • Opening car doors and emotional support: Groomsmen and bridesmaids open car doors for the couple and provide tissues or other items as needed to support their emotional well-being.

Responsibilities of the Bridal Party:

  • The bridal party also has important roles and responsibilities at the wedding. Here are some common duties:

Assisting with preparations:

  • The bridal party assists the bride and bridesmaids in preparing the venue and arranging items before the wedding.
  • Guest reception: On the wedding day, the bridal party helps welcome and assist guests from both sides, distributing wedding favors, and fulfilling other tasks.
  • Makeup and attire: The bridal party assists the makeup artist in helping the bride change outfits and ensuring her appearance is perfect.
  • Handling belongings: The bridal party helps keep track of valuable items and the couple’s personal belongings.
  • Door-blocking games: The bridal party, along with the bridesmaids, is responsible for the door-blocking ceremony, creating a festive atmosphere, and designing corresponding games.
  • Registration and guiding: The bridal party assists the bridesmaids in handling the registration at the reception area, helping guests who can’t find their seats, and providing guidance.

The above mentioned are some common responsibilities of groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bridal party during a wedding. The specific duties and arrangements can be adjusted based on personal preferences, wedding themes, and cultural customs. The key is to ensure that they play important roles during the wedding and contribute to creating a joyful and memorable day for the couple.

By providing appropriate wedding favors and clear division of responsibilities, you can express your gratitude to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the bridal party, allowing them to fulfill their roles effectively during the wedding. I hope your wedding is successful and leaves you with unforgettable memories!

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