FAQs

Question

Why New York?

Answer

Andy has a very large extended family, and most of them live in or near New York. In Chinese culture, weddings aren’t just about the couple—they’re major family events where extended relatives play an important role. Traditional Chinese weddings involve specific customs, foods, and services that are much easier to find in New York, and it allows us to celebrate in a way that feels true to Andy's culture. In addition, New York has always felt like a really special place for us to visit, so it feels like the right place to celebrate this moment in our lives.

Question

Attire

Answer

Semi-formal optional—Our immediate family members and the wedding party will be dressed formally. There will be a mix from casual to semi-formal. Please wear what you feel most comfortable in.

Question

Ceremony

Answer

Our wedding will blend both of our respective cultural traditions. It will begin with an American-style ceremony, then transition into a Chinese Tea Ceremony. The American-style ceremony (the opening): Guests are seated at round tables. A processional with music as the wedding party enters. Rings are placed on fingers. Cut the wedding cake. Transition into Chinese traditions: The couple will change into traditional Chinese attire—often red, symbolizing joy and good fortune. The tea ceremony: The couple kneels or bows before their parents and elders. They serve tea to each elder in order of seniority. Elders offer blessings and often give red envelopes with money enclosed or jewelry as a symbol of welcoming the person into the family. Celebration: The focus shifts from ceremony to celebration, food, and toasts. Once the ceremony is complete, the couple exits together. Guests will continue eating until dinner service is complete. The couple will re-enter and go to each table to toast. After the toasts, the dance floor will open for the rest of the evening to celebrate.

Question

Dinner

Answer

At a Chinese wedding, dinner is less a single meal and more a ceremonial feast—a flowing parade of dishes. The setting: Large round tables with a glass lazy susan in the center. Loud, joyful energy—people chatting, laughing, clinking glasses. The ceremony occurs as guests eat, and the couple may disappear and re-enter in different outfits during the meal. The pacing: Dinner lasts a long time, often 8–12 courses. Dishes arrive one after another, not all at once. The dishes will be placed at the center of the table on the lazy susan for everyone to share. You don’t order; the menu is fixed. The food: Expect banquet-style dishes meant to be shared: Cold starters (sliced meats, jellyfish, or marinated vegetables) Seafood (lobster, crab, or whole steamed fish) Roast meats such as duck, chicken, lamb, or beef Braised vegetables and mushrooms Rice or noodles near the end Dessert, such as sweet rice and cake, to finish. Everything is placed in the center, and guests help themselves. It’s polite to try a bit of everything, but no one expects you to clean your plate. Toasts and traditions: Frequent toasts, often with beer or wine (provided at table). The couple will visit each table to clink glasses with guests.

Question

Luggage

Answer

The party favor includes alcohol; it’s best to bring a checked bag because airline rules prohibit alcoholic beverage bottles through security. Checking the bag helps ensure the favor gets home safely without being confiscated at the checkpoint and reduces the risk of delays or issues at the airport

Question

Plus Ones

Answer

Due to limited space, we are unable to accommodate plus ones. Kindly note this invitation is for the named recipient(s) only. We hope you understand and will still join us to celebrate.