Welcome to Hong Kong: Strive, Thrive (and Love) the Expat Life! Volume 2
This volume explains the customs that confuse newcomers the most.
From Chinese New Year etiquette and red envelopes to weddings, festivals, food culture, and unspoken social norms, this volume explains the why behind the traditions that shape daily life in Hong Kong. With clear explanations, practical examples, Cantonese phrases, and cultural insights, it helps expats navigate culture shock with confidence—so you can avoid awkward missteps and feel more at home in this dynamic city.
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Excerpt – Volume 2: CHAPTER 3 – CELEBRATIONS: WEDDINGS, BABIES AND EXPENSIVE TIMES!
There’s so much to share about Chinese weddings and celebratory events in Hong Kong that this topic deserves a chapter of its own!
Chinese weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, interwoven with modern influences. From vibrant customs like door games during the bride's pickup to the reverent tea ceremony, these events are filled with symbolic rituals that celebrate family, love, and of course, good fortune!
For expats, attending a Chinese wedding can be a fascinating cultural experience, but understanding the traditions and expectations is essential for navigating the event respectfully and knowing what to anticipate. This chapter explains the key customs, traditions, guest etiquette, and gift-giving norms to help you fully appreciate and participate in a Chinese wedding.
Pre-Wedding Rituals (included in the book: the dowry, auspicious dates, invitations, the night before)
Wedding Day (included in the book: collecting the bride, tea ceremony, the banquet)
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ETIQUETTE
RSVP
Let the couple know if you’ll be attending promptly, as banquets are expensive, and seating is limited and carefully planned. If you cannot attend, they may need to ask someone else in advance to take your spot.
What to Wear?
Guests are expected to dress elegantly and respectfully. The dress code is influenced by the venue and formality of the event, but unlike Western weddings, fascinators are rarely worn.
Bright colours symbolise joy and celebration; however, red should be avoided, as it clashes with the bride’s red Qipao or other red dresses. White and black should also be avoided, as these colours are associated with funerals, unless balanced with other accessories. Additionally, white obviously clashes with the bride’s traditional wedding dress.
Men should wear a suit or formal shirt and trousers.
Additionally...
What to say?....
Gift-giving….
Tips...
THE MENU
The wedding banquet is the centrepiece of a Chinese wedding celebration, featuring 10 to 12 courses of carefully selected dishes. Each dish holds a symbolic meaning, often representing good fortune, abundance, love, happiness, fertility and longevity.
- Whole Roast Pig - This grand dish is a gesture of hospitality and respect for guests, symbolising purity and wholesomeness. Be cautious, as the term "whole" means the head remains on the plate, but at least the eyes are often replaced with Maraschino cherries! Oh, sometimes they even have flashing LED eyes too!
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