The Ultimate Guide For A Perfect Chinese Tea Ceremony

Chinese Tea Ceremony Step 1 – Selecting the Venue and Gathering the Pieces

The first step with any wedding preparation involves gathering the essentials (e.g., guest book and tableware for your banquet). And when it comes down to something as traditional as the Chinese tea ceremony, you can expect a detailed checklist.

Also, you should select a venue to conduct the ceremony. Traditionally, some couples would visit two venues for the event (for each side of the family). However, most families stick to a single venue these days for convenience.

While the tradition varies according to region (i.e., heritage) and family, here’s a handy list of the general must-haves for your ceremony:

• Chinese Tea – Pu’erh and oolong tea are the most widely used for tea ceremonies. Regardless of your preference, always consider sweetening the drink as it represents bliss and a harmonious union between in-laws.

• Chinese Tea Set – An oriental tea set (with a red design and auspicious characters) serves as the perfect receptacle for your ceremonial tea.

• A Pair of Red Pillows – Couples kneel on the symbolic red cushions/pillows when offering tea to elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.

• Portable Chairs – It’s best to use lightweight chairs for the ceremony so you can quickly shift them around depending on the number of elders.

• Red-Themed Decorations – embellished cushions, red envelopes, double happiness signages, and lanterns are popular elements for sprucing up the venue.