In the modern era, wedding traditions still play a crucial role even though the traditions are simpler nowadays compared to the original tradition. Each country has its own traditions although it’s different, all of the traditions have the same intention.

Due to limited space in Bali’s wedding venue, most of the time, wedding traditions will be held simpler than it was.

1. The Outline of Wedding traditions

Traditionally, the more the merrier. Generally, Chinese weddings tradition will involve firecracker, drum, gong, luxurious cars to pick up the bride, several games for gate crush, and more joyous instruments to bring up the wedding moods. However, for those couples that held the wedding in Bali, firecrackers are not allowed in the wedding venue due to safety reasons for the in house guests. Firecrackers are allowed once they have permission from the venue itself.

Generally, the Groom will depart from his house to pick up the Bride with a luxurious car, but this can be different if you hold the wedding in Bali. In Bali, the groom can easily walk to Bride’s room. There are also some traditions where the groom needs to walk with elders or little children, yellow rice throwing, usage of red umbrellas, and more.

2. Roles of Colors

Red colors play an important role in Chinese wedding traditions. Red symbolizes success, love, loyalty, prosperity, and happiness. Another color that plays an important role is gold. It symbolizes wealth. Therefore, most of the wedding ornaments such as Shuang Xi/ double happiness sign, qipao/ traditional Chinese wedding dress, Ang Pao/ red envelope are red or gold.

On the other hand, white color and dark colors are the colors to be avoided due to meaning sorrow. However, in the era, quite a number of couples are ok using white for their wedding decoration theme.

3. Venue Decoration

Decoration is a must even if the wedding is indoors or outdoors. It can add vibes and a better mood for the wedding itself. For the Chinese tea ceremony, the decoration tends to be simple with a touch of Shuang Xi, kneeling cushions, wooden chairs, porcelain vases, and last but not least, the tea ceremony pot.

4. Tea Ceremony Procession

Tea ceremony or so-called Teapai is a tradition where couples pay respect to elders, parents, and siblings/cousins that are married. Besides paying respect, this tradition is to ask for guidance for newlyweds future married life.

The tea that is to be served is the tea that boiled with lotus seeds or red dates. It symbolizes purity. Sincerity and luck. If you don't have lotus seeds or red dates, you can simply use sweet tea or plain tea. Both work fine.

The Teapai procession will be started from Grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles all the way to siblings/ cousins. Bridesmaids or siblings that have not married can help the procession by passing on the tea tray or taking care of the gift (Ang Pao or jewelry) from elders.

There are 2 ways to pay respect, either kneeling or bowing down. The couple simply gives the tea to Teapai participant and the will be drinking together. Once they are done with the tea, they will hand out gifts to the newly married couple. To close the session, they will usually take photos together.