A Guide to Planning a Wedding in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant, bustling city where East meets West, making it a unique and exciting place to plan a wedding. From traditional Chinese wedding customs to contemporary celebrations, the options for tying the knot in Hong Kong are endless. If you're an expat or local planning a wedding in Hong Kong, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your big day is seamless, memorable, and filled with love.
1. Understand Hong Kong Wedding Traditions
Before you begin planning, it’s important to understand some key wedding traditions in Hong Kong. Weddings in Hong Kong often blend Western and Chinese customs, and many couples incorporate both.
Traditional Chinese Customs
Tea Ceremony: One of the most important customs is the Tea Ceremony, where the couple serves tea to their elders (parents, grandparents, etc.) as a sign of respect and to receive blessings.
Red Attire: Traditionally, the bride wears a red gown or cheongsam, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. A white wedding dress may also be worn during the later part of the ceremony or reception.
Lai See (Red Packets): Guests often give lai see (red packets) containing money to the couple, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Western Influence
Many couples also incorporate Western elements like exchanging wedding rings, having a white dress for the bride, and holding receptions with dancing, speeches, and food.
2. Set a Wedding Budget
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and weddings here can be pricey. It’s crucial to set a realistic budget early on and allocate funds for different aspects of the wedding. Some costs you’ll need to consider include:
Venue Rental: Depending on the location and type of venue (hotel, outdoor, or traditional Chinese banquet hall), rental costs can vary greatly.
Food and Drink: Wedding banquets in Hong Kong are typically elaborate, with multiple courses of food and drinks, and this often represents the bulk of the wedding budget.
Attire: Bridal gowns, tuxedos, and other attire can be costly, especially if you opt for designer brands or custom tailoring.
Photography/Videography: High-quality photographers and videographers are essential to capture the memories of your big day.
Flowers and Decor: Floral arrangements, table settings, and venue decorations also require careful consideration.
3. Choose Your Wedding Date
In Hong Kong, it’s important to pick a wedding date that aligns with your cultural or personal preferences. Many couples seek the guidance of a feng shui master or fortune teller to choose an auspicious date based on the couple’s Chinese zodiac signs. Some couples also prefer to get married during a lucky season or on special dates (like double-eights on 8th August, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity).
Consider the following:
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekends are popular, but weekday weddings may offer better prices and availability.
Avoiding Chinese Holidays: Be mindful of Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival when wedding venues and vendors may be booked up or prices are higher.
4. Find the Perfect Venue
Hong Kong offers a variety of venues, from luxury hotels and banquet halls to outdoor venues with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. The type of venue you choose will influence the overall style of the wedding.
Popular Venue Options:
Luxury Hotels: Many international hotel chains in Hong Kong offer wedding packages, which often include catering, decorations, and event coordination. Examples include The Peninsula, InterContinental, and Four Seasons Hotel.
Traditional Chinese Wedding Venues: For a more traditional experience, look for venues that specialize in Chinese-style banquets, such as Grand Hyatt Hong Kong or The Royal Garden.
Outdoor Venues: Hong Kong also offers stunning outdoor locations, such as Repulse Bay, Sai Kung, or Victoria Peak, ideal for a romantic outdoor wedding with a view.
Urban Venues: For a modern, city-chic wedding, consider venues like PMQ or Tai Kwun, which combine art and culture with a contemporary feel.
5. Wedding Attire
Bridal Gown
Bridal gowns in Hong Kong can range from off-the-rack designs to bespoke, high-end couture gowns. Popular bridal shops include Central Weddings, Vicky’s Bridal, and Herve Paris. Many brides opt for a white wedding gown for the ceremony and change into a cheongsam (Chinese dress) during the reception or tea ceremony.
Groom’s Attire
The groom typically wears a tailored suit or tuxedo. Some grooms choose a traditional Chinese outfit (such as a red silk jacket) for the tea ceremony.
6. Wedding Vendors and Suppliers
Photography/Videography
High-quality wedding photography is a must. Choose a photographer who is familiar with Hong Kong weddings and the venues you’ve selected. Some well-known names in Hong Kong include HooHa Studio, Happy Hands Studios, and Jenny Wu Photography.
Floral Arrangements and Decorations
Wedding florists in Hong Kong can create stunning arrangements tailored to your vision. Popular florists include Floral Garage Hong Kong, Flower Girl Hong Kong, and The Flower Shop.
Decorations: From centerpieces to wedding arches, your floral arrangements and venue decor will play a huge role in setting the tone of the day.
Catering
Wedding banquets are a cornerstone of Hong Kong weddings, with multiple courses of Cantonese dishes. Many venues offer catering packages, or you can hire external caterers for a more personalized touch. You can expect traditional dishes like shark’s fin soup, roast pig, and steamed fish, all symbolizing prosperity and longevity.
Entertainment
Many weddings feature live music, a DJ, or a band to keep guests entertained during the reception. Popular entertainment options include live bands for romantic ballads and traditional Chinese musicians, like guzheng players.
7. Sending Invitations and Guest List
Invitations: Wedding invitations in Hong Kong typically include both Cantonese and English. They may feature traditional red envelopes with gold lettering for a personal touch.
Guest List: Wedding guest lists in Hong Kong are often large, especially for Chinese weddings. Expect to invite extended family, close friends, and colleagues. It’s important to confirm RSVPs well in advance, as venues and catering must be arranged accordingly.
8. The Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is one of the most important parts of a traditional Hong Kong wedding. It’s a gesture of respect, where the couple serves tea to their parents, grandparents, and elders in exchange for blessings and red packets (lai see). The tea is usually served in porcelain or gold-trimmed cups, and the tea ceremony typically happens before the reception.
9. Wedding Day Timeline
A typical wedding day in Hong Kong might look like this:
Morning: The groom visits the bride’s family home for the tea ceremony and to pick up the bride.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Tea ceremony at the bride’s family home, followed by a procession to the wedding venue.
Afternoon/Evening: The wedding banquet at the venue, complete with multiple courses, speeches, and entertainment.
Late Night: After-party or casual gathering with close friends and family.
Planning a wedding in Hong Kong can be an exciting and memorable experience, whether you choose a traditional Chinese ceremony, a Western-style celebration, or a fusion of both. With careful planning, attention to detail, and respect for local traditions, your wedding in Hong Kong will be a beautiful reflection of your love story.
