What's the Purpose of the Tea Ceremony?

Introduction of families, and veneration of ancestors. 

Important Questions to Ask at Consultation:

1. What times will you be having your ceremonies? 
2. Will this be at 1 or 2 locations? 
3. Did you consult a fortune teller? What did they say regarding auspicious details? 

At the Gate of the Bride's House

Mam Qua - Gifts

Always in pairs. Includes but not limited to: 
Sticky Rice
Tea
Alcohol
Banh Phu The aka. Bride & Groom Cake, sticky mung bean cake
Fruits
Trau Cau - Betel Leaf & Areca Nut, or jelly version
Suckling Pig
​Tray with Tea

Entry Order

Groom's Mum & Dad leads the procession. 
Groom - holding bouquet. Best Man next to him, holding Tray with Tea
Mam Qua Gifts in pairs. 
Suckling pig last. Or 1st of the gifts. Family preference. 
Rest of the family afterwards. 

Optional: Permission to Enter

Best Man & MC approach the door to ask permission to enter. 
Some parents want to knock, others want a welcome at the gate. 

Optional: Door Games

Common in Guangdong Chinese culture, now gaining popularity everywhere due to it making the process fun, memorable and good for photos. 

Optional: Fire Crackers

Mam Qua Gift Exchange

Groom's family parade into the driveway. 
Bridesmaids come out to greet the Mam Qua gift bearers. 
Bridesmaids give red pockets to the Mam Qua gift bearers. 
Handover of gifts. 
Bridesmaids bring in Mam Qua gifts to the altar. 
Everyone proceeds into the house and altar. 

MC Introductions

Family welcome. 
MC introductions. 
Explanations of purpose and traditions. 
Introductions of Groom's parents and family representatives. 
Introductions of Bride's parents and family representatives. 
Family representatives on both sides open the Mam Qua gifts, MC explains significance of each gift. 

Bride is Brought out by Mother or Aunty

Hiding until now, bride is brought out by her mother or aunty / family representative. 
Groom gives bouquet to bride. 
Bride and Groom bow to the families. 
Jewellery gifts. 
Groom's family presents jewellery gifts to bride: necklace, bracelet, etc. 
NOTE: Only 1 pair of earrings. 

Altar Service

Family representative on each side light the big candles. Dragon & Phoenix Candles. 
​Bride's mum and dad light the 3 x big incense sticks. 
​Bride and groom light incense as well. Bow 3 x to altar. 

Tea Ceremony Service

2 x chairs
Note: Bride and Groom standing, or kneeling? Family preference. 
Kneeling usually reserved for grandparents and parents. 
1 tea per person. Usually. Again, family preference. 
​Example: Groom to father, bride to mother. 
Always in order of seniority: 
Grandparents. 
Family from grandparents generation.
Parents. 
Uncles and aunties. 
Cousins (as required). 

1 Location Logistics

If there is only 1 location, once Bride Side has been concluded, MC conducts Groom Side Tea Ceremony as well. 

Conclusion

MC concludes ceremony. 
Photos. 
Light refreshments and food. 
MC arrange with families to split gifts. 
Cut pig - can be in half, or portion thereof. 

Travel to Groom's House

Allow for logistics and travel time. 

Same As Above at Groom's House

Pretty much same as above except: 
No Mam Qua Exchange. 
Lunch at Groom's house.