Tea Ceremony

Question

What Is a Tea Ceremony?

Answer

Tea ceremony varies in style depending on the region of China. For Hakka people in Southern China, the tea ceremony is a deeply meaningful tradition. The bride and groom kneel and serve tea to parents and elders as a sign of respect and to formally join the families. It’s a powerful symbol of honor, gratitude, and unity. In Hakka culture, offering tea isn’t just polite—it reflects core values like filial piety and family respect that are central to daily life.

Question

Who should attend? | 谁应该参加?

Answer

Family members only! 家庭成员！ Note that only our family members and wedding party will be admitted. 请注意，只有受邀宾客方可入场。

Question

Location, Date, & Time | 地点, 日期, 时间

Answer

Riviera Mansion | September 6th, 2026 | 2PM (Please arrive by 1:45PM. Groom’s family starts first)

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What to Expect

Answer

If you're new to Chinese traditions, the tea ceremony may feel both intimate and formal—and it’s meant to be. This is a beautiful cultural moment meant to honor family and the joining of two households. Family guests are welcome to observe quietly and respectfully. If you're participating in the ceremony, you'll be called up in a specific order. The Tea Maiden will guide us through the whole process!

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Our Tea Maiden | 我们的司茶女

Answer

Katy Ku will lead the tea preparation and ensure the ceremony is carried out with tradition, grace, and joy. She will be assisted by Maddy Brown and Bell Brown, serving as Cha Tong—young women who help facilitate the tea ceremony. Katy Ku 将负责茶水准备，确保敬茶仪式按照传统、优雅和喜悦的氛围顺利进行。她将由 Maddy Brown 和 Bell Brown 协助，她们担任“茶童”——在敬茶仪式中协助的重要角色。

Question

What Happens at a Tea Ceremony?

Answer

1. Preparation of Tea The Tea Maiden, or one of the Tong Nui, will prepare the tea. 2. Ceremony The couple kneels and bows before the elders to show deep respect. 3. Serving Tea in Order Tea is served in a specific order, usually starting with the groom's parents, then the bride's. 4. Blessings and Gifts After drinking the tea, elders offer blessings, advice, and give red envelopes containing money or gold jewelry. The act symbolizes the family accepting the new spouse into the family, and the couple honoring their elders. There will be a moment for words of affirmation, advice, or promises will also be shared between the elders and the couple. 5. Ceremonial Phrases The couple and elders will end each ceremony with ceremonial phrases to seal the blessing. The Tea Maiden will help facilitate and coach everyone on what to say, or you can learn phrases beforehand, whichever you prefer! We are so blessed to have a huge family, so we will ensure all elders have enough time to be celebrated and honored.

Question

Order of Ceremony | 敬茶仪式顺序

Answer

Groom's Family First, Then Bride's Family First, The Browns Second, The Hoppers/Nesse’s Then, Wen family Last, Zhu family We honor our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles. Siblings and cousins are welcome to attend, but will not be a part of the ceremony.