Chinese Wedding Red Envelope Ultimate Guide (Rates & Etiquette)

Are you preparing your Red Envelopes or Ang Bao (红包) for your Traditional Chinese Wedding?

These vibrant, symbol-laden red packets are not just a customary formality in Chinese weddings; they are steeped in tradition, meaning, and cultural significance.

In this complete guide to Chinese Wedding Red Envelopes, we’ll understand the unique roles for each type of red packets, and the typical rates associated with them.

Chinese Wedding Red Envelope Rate (Complete Guide)

Just jump straight to what you are here for. Below is the current rate for Chinese Wedding Red Envelope (Ang-Bao) you can use for considerations.

How much you want to prepare for the red envelop depends on you and your family, what’s important is the meaning behind each red envelop.

Focus is not on the money, but on the blessings and the well wishes behind each of the red envelop.

Types of Chinese Wedding Double Happiness Red Envelope (囍 Hong Bao or Lai See)

The concept of presenting money or gifts in a vibrant red envelope filled with money are considered  lucky money envelopes.

In Chinese wedding etiquette, Chinese red envelope packet with money gift signifies good luck, prosperity, and blessings.

Different dialect groups may have slightly different culture in terms of giving red envelopes. Below outlines the red envelopes that generally involved in Chinese wedding.

1. Pin Jin (Betrothal Money)

• Purpose: Pin Jin, also known as betrothal money or bride’s price, is a cornerstone of Chinese wedding customs. It symbolizes the groom’s sincerity and commitment.
• Typical Rates: Pin Jin rates can vary widely, typically ranging from $1,888 to $8,888.
• To Be Prepared by: Groom
• Recipients: Bride’s parents
• When: Betrothal ceremony/ Guo Da Li

The Pin Jin red envelope is more than just a monetary exchange; it’s a symbol of respect and a tangible commitment to the bride’s family.

During Guo Da Li ceremony, the groom presents the Pin Jin to the bride’s family, signifying his sincerity and readiness for marriage. This red envelope sets the tone for the entire wedding process.

2. Diaper Money Red Envelope

• Purpose: The Diaper Money red envelope expresses the groom’s gratitude to the bride’s mother for raising her.
• Typical Rates: Diaper Money red envelopes usually range from $288 to $888.
• To Be Prepared by: Groom
• Recipients: Bride’s mother
• When: Betrothal ceremony/ Guo Da Li

In Chinese culture, this red envelope acknowledges the sacrifices and love of the bride’s mother in raising her. It’s a touching gesture that reflects the groom’s appreciation.

Diaper Money Red Envelope is observed more to be given in South-East Asia such as Malaysia and Singapore Chinese wedding.

3. Parents-in-Law Red Envelope

• Purpose: Parents-in-Law red envelopes allow the bride to express gratitude to the groom’s parents for accepting her into their family.
• Typical Rates: Parents-in-Law red envelopes usually range from $88 to $288 each.
• To Be Prepared by: Bride/ Bride’s family
• Recipient: Groom’s parents
• When: Betrothal ceremony/ Guo Da Li

This red envelope signifies respect and gratitude as the bride officially becomes a part of the groom’s family.

It’s a gesture of goodwill and unity.

4. Hui Li (Returning of Gifts)

• Purpose: Hui Li is the bride’s family’s response to the Pin Jin they received. It acknowledges the groom’s generosity.
• Typical Rates: Typically, Hui Li amounts to 10-90% of the Pin Jin.
• To Be Prepared by: Bride’s family
• Recipients: Groom’s family
• When: Returning of gifts after betrothal ceremony

Hui Li is a beautiful tradition that balances the exchange of gifts between the two families.

It shows the bride’s family’s appreciation for the groom’s generosity and symbolizes the harmony that both families seek in the union.

5. Son-in-Law Red Envelope

• Purpose: The Son-in-Law red envelope is a warm welcome to the groom, signifying acceptance into the bride’s family.
• Typical Rates: Son-in-Law red envelopes typically range from $88 to $888.
• To Be Prepared by: Bride’s parents
• Recipient: Groom
• When: Returning of gifts after betrothal ceremony

Traditionally, bride’s parent needs to prepare a pair of trousers, belt, wallet and shoes for the groom, but red envelope is given instead nowadays for the groom to buy for himself.

As the groom receives this red envelope, it is a heartwarming moment that deepens the bond between families where the son-in-law becomes an extended family to the parent-in-law.

A token filled with acceptance and blessings, during the Guo Da Li ceremony.

6. Red Envelope Included In Wedding Invitation

• Purpose: Red envelope is included in wedding invitation suite with the purpose of returning kindness to guests. Reciprocity is a way to express couple’s gratitude to guests who attend their wedding ceremony.
• Typical Rates: Rates for this red envelope is usually a small amount, ranging from $5 to $10
• To Be Prepared by: Bride’s and groom’s family
• Recipients: Guests
• When: Sending out wedding invitation in modern days

Traditionally, returning cash gift to guests was done during wedding reception as an appreciation for their time and kindness.

Nowadays, to keep the process simple and less hectic on wedding day, couple may simply include the cash gift in wedding invitation suite and return the kindness in advance!

Red envelope in wedding invitation is widely observed in most traditional Chinese wedding including Hong Kong and China.

7. Route Leading Chicken Red Envelope

• Purpose: Route Leading Chicken, or 带路鸡, symbolizes a blissful union of love. Traditionally, it involved roosters and hens that the bride needed to bring along to groom’s home to start the new family, but now, it’s often represented by chicken soft toy or as simple as red envelope.
• Typical Rates: Route Leading Chicken red envelopes/ Happiness chicken red packet typically range from $28 to $68.
• To Be Prepared by: Bride’s parents
• Recipient: Bride and groom’s family
• When: On wedding day/ Returning to bride’s home 3 days after wedding

This tradition adds a delightful touch to the wedding day and is mainly observed by Hokkien dialect group that are living in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

The red envelope represents the joyful journey of the bride to the groom’s place and the hopes for a harmonious marriage.

8. Sugarcane Red Envelope

• Purpose: Sugarcane red envelopes symbolize a sweet and loving relationship between the newlyweds.
• Typical Rates: Sugarcane red envelopes typically range from $28 to $68.
• To Be Prepared by: Bride’s parents
• Recipient: Wedding couple
• When: On wedding day/ Returning to bride’s home 3 days after wedding

This is also in interesting Hokkien tradition that still observes in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

As the bride departs for the groom’s place, Sugarcane red envelope is given to replace real sugarcane, as a reminder of the love and sweetness that the couple shares.

Sugar cane offers a sweet heartfelt message of blessings for the couple.

9. Tea Ceremony Red Envelope

• Purpose: Tea Ceremony red envelopes are an integral part of Chinese wedding customs, symbolizing respect and blessings.
• Typical Rates: Rates for Tea Ceremony red envelopes can vary widely, depending on the relationships involved.
• To Be Prepared by: Grandparents, Parents, Elder Relatives
• Recipients: Wedding couple
• When: Tea Ceremony

The Tea Ceremony is a profound moment where respect and good wishes flow both ways. These red envelopes play a significant role in conveying those sentiments.

10. Open Car Door Red Envelope

• Purpose: The Open Car Door red envelope is a gesture of appreciation from the groom to a younger male relative of the bride who assists in opening the car door for the groom.
• Typical Rates: Open Car Door red envelopes typically range from $28 to $58.
• To Be Prepared by: Groom
• Recipients: Younger male relative of the bride
• When: Before picking up the bride

This charming tradition involves the exchange of mandarin oranges for good luck. The red envelope is a token of gratitude for the assistance provided.

11. Gatecrash Red Envelope

• Purpose: The groom needs to complete the door games set up by bridesmaids before meeting the bride. These games are to test the groom’s sincerity, love and determination to marry the bride. Giving red packets of lucky amounts to bridesmaids also helps to show sincerity, so that the groom can pass the tests easier.
• Typical Rates: Gatecrash red envelopes can be in form of lucky number for example $888, $999 or $1888.
• To Be Prepared by: Groom
• Recipients: Bridesmaids
• When: During gatecrash, before picking up the bride

12. Bridesmaids, Groomsmen & Helpers Red Envelope

• Purpose: Expressing gratitude to those who play crucial roles in the wedding is essential. Red envelopes are tokens of appreciation.
• Typical Rates: Bridesmaids, Groomsmen & Helpers red envelopes generally range from $20 to $100 each.
• To Be Prepared by: Couple
• Recipients: Anyone who helps in the wedding, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographers, makeup artists, celebrant, waiters in banquet venue, ceremony emcee, drivers, helpers etc.
• When: Throughout the wedding day

Don’t forget the key individuals who contribute to the success of your wedding. These red envelopes acknowledge their efforts and make your wedding day truly memorable.

13. Red Envelope Wedding Gift

• Purpose: Red envelopes are usually given to wedding couple as wedding gift by guests to cover the expenditure in wedding and to prepare the marriage life.
• Typical Rates: Red envelopes wedding gift generally range from $100 to $300 each, depending on the scale of the wedding banquet and how close the relationship between the guest and wedding couple.
• To Be Prepared by: Guests
• Recipients: Wedding couple
• When: Before the start of wedding ceremony or banquet

Red envelope is the most common and practical gift to the newlywed. Guests can write some wishes and advice on the back of the envelope to congratulate the wedding couple.

Tips and Etiquette For Auspicious Traditional Chinese Wedding Red Envelope

The act of giving and receiving red envelopes, known as Hong Bao/ Lai See/ Ang Bao in Chinese culture, is deeply rooted in tradition and carries significant meaning.

When participating in a Chinese wedding or any celebration involving red envelopes, it’s essential to follow certain customs and etiquettes.

Here are some tips and considerations to ensure you navigate this tradition with grace and respect:

1. Use Red Packets with Auspicious Designs

Red envelopes are typically adorned with the Chinese characters “双喜” (double happiness), which symbolize joy and good fortune.

These characters are considered highly auspicious, making them an ideal choice for your red envelopes.

2. Prepare an Adequate Number of Red Packets

It’s crucial to have enough red envelopes on hand to cover all the customary gift-giving moments during the wedding.

This includes Pin Jin, Hui Li, Son-in-Law Red Envelope, and more.

Having extras is wise in case of unexpected guests or last-minute changes.

3. Label Red Packets Clearly

To avoid any confusion during distribution, label your red packets clearly with the names of the recipients.

This ensures that each envelope reaches its intended recipient, preventing any awkward moments or misunderstandings.

4. Be Mindful of the Amount

The amount of money you place inside the red envelope should reflect your relationship with the couple or recipient.

Close family members and dear friends may give more generous amounts, while acquaintances or distant relatives may give smaller sums.

It’s also essential to consider your own financial situation when deciding on the amount.

5. Use Even Numbers

In our Chinese culture, even numbers are considered lucky because the Chinese word for “even” sounds like the word for “smooth” or “steady.”

So, when placing money inside the red envelope, opt for even amounts, such as $88 or $168, to symbolize good luck and stability.

6. Avoid Odd Numbers and the Number Four

Conversely, odd numbers, especially the number four (四 – sì), are considered unlucky because the word for “four” sounds like the word for “death” (死 – sǐ).

Avoid giving amounts like $4, $14, or $44, as they are associated with misfortune.

7. Present Red Envelopes with Two Hands

When giving or receiving red envelopes, it’s customary to use both hands as a sign of respect.

Extend the envelope with both hands, and when receiving, accept it with both hands as well.

This gesture shows sincerity and appreciation.

8. Timing Matters

The timing of when you give red envelopes is significant.

During the Tea Ceremony, for instance, red envelopes are exchanged with the couple and family members.

Understanding the appropriate moments to present red envelopes ensures you participate in the rituals correctly.

9. E-Ang Bao and Modern Options

In the digital age, some couples incorporate technology by providing QR codes or online transfer details on their wedding invitations for E-Ang Bao.

While this may not be a traditional practice, it reflects the evolving nature of customs in modern Chinese weddings.

And personally, I am not a fan of “E-Ang Bao” I prefer the traditional Ang-Bao which I can hold and touch.

10. Be Respectful and Gracious

Lastly, always approach the act of giving and receiving red envelopes with respect and gratitude.

It’s a meaningful tradition that symbolizes good wishes and blessings, and your sincerity in participating is what truly matters.

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