A modern Chinese Tea Ceremony script adapted from the traditional wedding tea ceremony | Photo courtesy of Unsplash
One of the things I love about being a professional wedding officiant is being able to help my couples find ways to personalize and customize their wedding ceremony. For this wedding, my copule wanted to incorporate a modified version of a traditional tea ceremony. We scoured the internet and I researched the tradition so I could write a custom introduction to their modern tea ceremony.
Modern Chinese Tea Ceremony
What made this wedding extra special was the modern, mid-ceremony Chinese Tea Ceremony. To honor the bride’s heritage, she and her groom chose to serve their parents small cups of tea. Typically this ceremony takes place the day before the wedding or even the morning-of, but rarely does it actually take place during the ceremony. To make it work for a modern wedding, I adapted the ritual from the original tradition and customized it just for my couple.
Tea ceremony Introduction
To introduce the tea ceremony, I said the following:
The bride and groom have chosen to adapt elements of the traditional Chinese tea ceremony to recognize their parents today. The tea ceremony is a Chinese wedding ritual that dates back to the 7th century. The serving of tea is an expression of gratitude from children to their parents for all their love and support, as well as a gesture of respect and appreciation to their new in-laws. It also is a celebration of the gaining of a son or daughter into each family, and an opportunity for the parents to welcome them.
Tea Ceremony How-To
After this introduction, the bride poured four cups of tea. Then the groom held the tray of tea and followed the bride as she served each parent. After she finished, then it was the groom’s turn to pour and serve and the bride’s turn to hold the tray. While presenting each cup of tea, they said “Thank you for your love and care” to each parent.
It was such a touching moment and there were many happy tears. It was a special ceremony I will remember forever!
All photos by Dreamlove Photography.
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Officiant: A Sweet Start
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Photographer: Dreamlove Photography Check out more photos from this wedding
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Venue: Private Residence, Kennebunk, Maine
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Flowers: Broadturn Farm
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Ceremony Music: DJ Dan DiBiase
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Reception Venue: Emmons Preserve, Kennebunkport, Maine
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Catering: Kitchen Chicks
