What You Need to Know When Planning a Chinese Wedding in the U.S.

chi ho
May 1
4 min read

A Complete Guide to Chinese–Western Fusion Weddings

What You Need to Know When Planning a Chinese Wedding in the U.S.? In recent years, more and more couples have chosen to incorporate Chinese wedding traditions—like tea ceremonies and traditional attire—into their Western-style weddings. Whether you’re a Chinese-born bride and groom, or an ABC (American-born Chinese), a fusion wedding is a great way to honor your roots while celebrating in a way that’s meaningful to both families.

What You Need to Know When Planning a Chinese Wedding in the U.S.

So, what exactly does a Chinese–Western fusion wedding look like? And how do you plan one properly in the U.S.? In this article, we’ll guide you through all the key elements—from attire and rituals to timelines and tips.

1️⃣ Should You Include a Tea Ceremony?

The tea ceremony is one of the most important Chinese wedding traditions. In this ritual, the couple kneels to serve tea to both sets of parents and elders to show respect and gratitude.

Things to consider:

You’ll need a tea set, red envelopes, stools/chairs, and sometimes a ceremonial table.
Decide if you want to do the tea ceremony before, during, or after the Western ceremony.
Consider whether you’ll wear traditional clothing (like a Qun Kwa or cheongsam) during the tea ceremony or save it for the reception.

💡 Pro Tip: In fusion weddings, many couples do the tea ceremony in the morning, then change into a white gown and suit for the Western ceremony. It keeps both traditions intact without making the day feel rushed.

Should You Include a Tea Ceremony? | One Stop Wedding LA

2️⃣ What to Wear for a Chinese–Western Wedding

Most couples choose to have multiple outfit changes:

Tea Ceremony: Brides wear a red Qun Kwa (裙褂), cheongsam, or modern Chinese gown. Grooms may wear a Tang suit or mandarin-collar outfit.
Western Ceremony: White wedding gown and tuxedo.
Reception: Many brides change into a third dress—something elegant and easy to dance in.

Where to find Chinese wedding attire in the U.S.? Some wedding companies (like us!) offer rental options for Qun Kwa, cheongsam, and men’s Tang jackets—saving you time and money compared to ordering from overseas.

3️⃣ How to Blend Two Cultures Smoothly

Balancing Chinese traditions with American wedding customs doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some ways to blend the two seamlessly:

Element	Chinese Tradition	Western Style	How to Combine
Ceremony	Tea ceremony, red themes, honoring elders	Vows, exchange rings, processional	Do tea ceremony in the morning, vows later
Clothing	Qun Kwa, Tang suit, red details	White gown, tuxedo	Outfit changes between events
Decor	Red, gold, double happiness symbols	White, blush, floral themes	Blend colors and symbols in the decor
Food & Reception	Banquet-style Chinese menu	Western plated dinner or buffet	Combine cuisines or offer dual menus
Toasts & Speeches	Parent blessings, no set format	Maid of honor / best man speeches	Do both styles to honor all traditions

4️⃣ Common Challenges in Fusion Weddings

Time Management Having two ceremonies or outfit changes can stretch your timeline. Create a detailed schedule, and assign someone to help keep things moving.

Cultural Misunderstandings Not all guests may understand Chinese customs. Consider printing a simple “program” or having your emcee explain the meaning behind each ritual.

Vendor Coordination Choose vendors who are experienced in multicultural weddings. This includes photographers, makeup artists, and planners who understand what to capture and when.

5️⃣ Should You Hire a Fusion Wedding Specialist?

If you’re hosting a wedding that blends two cultures, a traditional wedding planner may not be enough. Look for a team that has experience with:

Chinese tea ceremonies
Cultural attire rental
Bilingual emcees
Elders’ etiquette and gift traditions
Decor that mixes Chinese symbols with modern styles

This helps avoid awkward moments and ensures both families feel respected and included.

Final Thoughts

Planning a Chinese–Western wedding in the U.S. is meaningful, but it does take extra thought and coordination. The key is to respect both cultures and create a day that truly represents you as a couple.

If you need help with Chinese traditions, bilingual vendors, or coordinating everything smoothly, our team at One Stop Wedding LA is here to support you—from tea ceremony to last dance.

Let your love story shine—across cultures, languages, and generations. ❤️

Planning a Chinese–Western wedding in the U.S | One Stop Wedding LA

💍 One Stop Wedding LA | Los Angeles Chinese Couples’ Top Choice for One-Stop Wedding Services

As a local Los Angeles wedding team with over 10 years of experience, One Stop Wedding LA specializes in full-service, one-stop wedding planning for Chinese and ABC couples. We blend deep knowledge of traditional Chinese ceremony culture with expertise in American wedding customs, offering: