A Thousand-Year Love: The Authentic Hanfu Wedding

Ancient weddings have always captured hearts and sparked fascination. Why not host a traditional Hanfu wedding to soak in the joy and happiness of ancient Han marriage customs? Let’s check out the authentic Hanfu wedding process!

Hanfu Wedding Process 1: Before the Welcoming

Before the groom heads out, his mom dresses him in his wedding outfit, adds a head crown, and with family and friends watching, they perform the teaching ritual. The father hands the groom a cup of wine, advising him to cherish his spouse, build a strong family, and honor his parents. Then, he passes a wooden goose token for the groom to hold while heading downstairs to welcome the bride.

Hanfu Wedding Process 2: The Welcoming

At the bride’s home, the groom kneels to her parents, offers the wooden goose token, and serves them tea. After they drink, the bride—her hair styled in her room—steps out. Her mom pins a hair ornament on her. The couple kneels to thank their parents, shares a toast, and bids farewell.

Hanfu Wedding Process 3: Arriving at the Groom’s Home

When the wedding party reaches the groom’s house, the couple, holding a big red flower, steps out and enters the bridal room. They kneel to the parents, offer tea, and take their seats. The groom’s aunt tosses red dates, peanuts, longans, and chestnuts from a winnowing basket over the couple. After munching the “early heir” four fruits, the matchmaker brings sweet soup—take turns sipping, wishing you a life as sweet as this!

Hanfu Wedding Process 4: The Wedding Ceremony

At 10 a.m., the Zhou-style Hanfu ceremony kicks off. Friends and family create a warm, joyful vibe. The bride and groom, in Han wedding attire, enter with attendants (friends or sisters posing as maids).

The announcer reads the decree, followed by the Wo Guan ritual—washing hands to show seriousness.

Next, the Tong Lao ritual—eating the same meat and rice from one bowl, symbolizing unity.

Then, the He Jin ritual. “Jin” is a halved gourd. Attendants hand over the pieces; the couple drinks bitter wine, vowing to share joys and sorrows. After, they join the gourds, and the bride ties them with red thread.

Hanfu Wedding Process 5: The Completion

Finally, the Jie Ying Jie Fa ritual—each cuts a lock of hair, the bride ties them with red thread for eternal bond. They exchange jade pendants, then hold hands. The ceremony ends with three bows: to heaven and earth, to parents, and to each other—done!