As Lunar Year approaches, and as well as my husband and I’s 3rd wedding anniversary, I wanted to reflect on our Filipino-Chinese Tea Ceremony. Our Filipino-Chinese tea ceremony was one of the most meaningful and vibrant moments of our wedding celebration. Rooted in tradition and brimming with love, it allowed us to honor both our families and cultures in a deeply personal way. Here’s a look into how we brought this beautiful tradition to life.
Setting the Scene
The tea ceremony was held on February 2022, the day before our wedding and took place in my parent-in-law’s backyard. It was a perfect setting as I thought of creating a more relaxed, picnic scene that had the overview of the lake. We incorporated elements that reflected both Filipino and Chinese aesthetics and also our story: the warmth from the red and gold from the lanterns, symbolizing prosperity and happiness, our bubble tea “boba” wall as that’s where we officially said we liked each other, double happiness symbols, and a boho picnic setting that feels more of my Filipino roots.
Note: The chopsticks were crossed and this isn’t supposed to be in traditional Chinese settings.
What It Meant to Us
For us, the tea ceremony symbolized respect and gratitude. It was a chance to acknowledge the guidance and support of our elders while weaving together the rich traditions of our Filipino and Chinese heritage. Each gesture—from offering tea to receiving blessings—was steeped in meaning.
The Process & Personal Details
We did our best to incorporate activities like Chinese bridal door games. To make this a success, I prepped our families and had the best help from my bridal party. My bridesmaids helped with the set up of the tea ceremony and thinking of the games.
Preparation: Because not everyone was familiar with the tea ceremony (even my own in-laws I had to kind of give a walk through), I created a slide deck for them to review on what it is and what it’s meant to symbolize.
Order of Service: We served tea to our elders in pairs, starting with the eldest on the groom’s side first. Each family member shared heartfelt blessings and advice and also gave gifts. We didn’t expect the gifts, we told our relatives this is not necessary, but some brought red envelopes and others gave jewelry.
What We Wore: I co-designed a Filipino-Chinese qipao and barong top for Dennis and I. I partnered with ANTHILL Fabric Gallery to bring this modern and cultural blend to life. These outfits were so special as it reflects the blend of our cultures. I remember seeing other couples honoring each other’s culture, but I really wanted to do something different and also have pieces that we can pass on to our future children. I’ll do a more in-depth on this custom process and how I’ve re-imagined my Chino-pino top on another blog.
What Our Family & Friends Wore: We encouraged light, neutral and florals for them to wear. Our wedding party wore khaki & white color palette so that the red from our Filipino-Chinese outfits stand out.
The Games: Our wedding party really had a great time during the Chinese-door games (or Chinese Bridal Games). Here’s a list of what they did (as I patiently hid upstairs).
- Strike a Pose – During our bachelorette, we had these group photos that we took and the groomsmen need to re-do it.
- Pocky Kiss – The Pocky or candy-coated biscuit snack is set between the groom and each of his groomsman. They had to place the Pocky between them “Lady and the Tramp” style and try to get the Pocky stick to be only 1-in in length after biting it together.
- Spices of Life – The groom or the wedding party needs to eat something sweet, sour, salty and spicy. This is to honor the different flavors of life and marriage. Dennis had to do long division while eating something spicy.
- Serenade – This was sooo funny and also incorporates the harana Filipino culture of “wooing” the girl. They had to use items in the kitchen as instruments and sing a love song. This was chaotic and loud, but a whole lot of fun,
- Do You Know Her – Dennis had to pop the balloons and inside were questions about me that he had to get right.
Including Our Family Virtually: Understanding that this was 2022 and there were still restrictions for travel due to COVID, we loved that we’re able to connect and offer the tea virtually to our families in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Philippines.
Reflections
Looking back, our tea ceremony was more than just a wedding ritual—it was a celebration of the love and legacy of those who came before us. The shared smiles, laughter (especially the games and the conversations that we were able to have with everyone), and heartfelt moments with our families will remain etched in our hearts forever. I really appreciated this more intimate time with our families and friends as wedding-day tend to be more of a hustle and also catching up with all the guests who attended. I loved that this tea ceremony was intimate and truly felt that it was a celebration of us.
If you’re planning a tea ceremony, my advice is to make it your own. Blend traditions in a way that feels meaningful to you, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches that reflect your love story.
What traditions have you celebrated in your family? I’d love to hear how you’ve honored your heritage in meaningful ways—let’s share stories in the comments below!
Friendors
We want to especially thank our friendors for making our wedding a celebration to remember.
venue @redlandkoigardens
caterer & coordinator @stylecatering_inc
floral & decor @modchicuniqueevents
photo @dmargherite
cinema @thirdre3lstudios
dj & lights @a_productions_
officiant @fromengagedtomarried
hair @visionsby_daili
make-up @aymeartistry
bride’s dresses @bocaratonbridal @martinalianabridal @patriciapascualdesigns
groom’s suit @menswearhouse
lettering & signage @venusandvanity
picnic & tea ceremony @magnoliasunsets
tea ceremony outfit @anthillfabric
bride’s earrings @dreamingofclay
petcare @fureverus
Jea Dreams Of 
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