In Chinese culture, weddings are an important celebration that is steeped in traditions and customs. One such custom is the giving of monetary gifts in the form of red packets to show blessings and good wishes for the newlyweds. The angpao, a red envelope decorated with auspicious symbols and designs, is not only a traditional and meaningful gift, but also serves as a reflection of the giver’s and receivers relationship. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of angpaos that are commonly presented during a Chinese wedding; splitting them into 2 ceremonies and listing them in order of events and their cultural significance. In the end of this article, you’ll find a FREE downloadable checklist for both the couple and their parents to ensure our readers don’t miss out on anything, preparing for their big day!
-In This Article-
Red Packets To Prepare For Guo Da Li
Red Packets You’ll Need For The Gate Crashing Ceremony
Ping Jin 聘金 (Betrothal Money)
“Ping jin” is a type of angpao that is commonly given in Chinese weddings. Ping jin is presented to the father of the bride as a token of appreciation for raising the bride and their contribution to the household. In Chinese culture, daughters are regarded as symbols of luck and wealth. It has the highest rate among other angpao and it is presented during the Guo Da Li ritual.
Prepared by | Groom and his parents
Recipient | Parents of the bride
Average rates | Variation is huge. Starts at RM888 and above.
Diaper money 洗屎喜包
The Diaper Money red envelope serves as an expression of thanks from the groom to the mother of the bride for raising her. It represents repaying the expenses that were incurred when raising the bride during her childhood, including education, milk powder, and diapers. This red packet is presented during the Guo Da Li Ceremony.
Prepared by | Groom and his parents
Recipient | Mother of the bride
Typical rates | RM288 and above
Hui Li 回礼 (Returning of Gifts)
To return the gesture, the bride’s household returns a part of the Ping Jin (betrothal money they received). This particular angpau is given to the groom during the Guo Da Li ritual as a response to receiving the initial Pin Jin.
Prepared by | Bride’s parents
Recipient | Parents of the groom
Range: 10-70% of the Pin Jin (amount is commonly agreed in advance by both set of parents)
Angpao for Future Son-in-Law
The angpao given to the future son-in-law by the bride’s parents is a sign of their approval and a symbol of welcoming the groom into their family. It is presented along with the Hui Li angpau during the Guo Da Li ritual.
Prepared by | Bride’s parents
Recipient | Groom
Typical rates | RM188 and above
Opening of Newlywed Car Door Ang Pao
On the wedding day, a young male sibling or relative of the bride assists the groom as he arrives to retrieve his bride. He does so by opening the car door. In exchange for two mandarin oranges, which are believed to bring good luck, the groom gives the young helper an angpao as a token of gratitude. The mandarin oranges that were given should be left inside the car.
Prepared by | Groom
Recipient | Young male relative of the bride
Typical rates | RM50 and above
Tea ceremony Ang Pao
The tea ceremony is a the most significant event during a Chinese wedding, it is considered to be the wedding ceremony proper. Here, the couple shows respect and gratitude to their parents, grandparents, and elder relatives by serving them tea. Token of blessings in the form of gold and monetary gifts are presented to the couple by their loved ones during the ceremony. Following that, younger siblings, unwedded relatives and children in turn greet the newlyweds and are blessed with angpaos by the couple themselves. This symbolic act signifies the start of their new role as a couple.
Prepared by | Elders of the family, newlyweds
Recipient | Couple | Young relatives
Typical rates | Huge variation (from elders to newlyweds). RM 20 and above (from newlyweds to young relatives)
Route Leading Chicken, 带路鸡 Ang pao
The Route-leading chicken, commonly known as 带路鸡 in Mandarin, is a customary gift presented by the bride’s household upon her departure to the groom’s abode on their wedding day. Typically, as a representation of a joyful union of love, a set of rooster and hen were offered, and later put underneath the wedding bed where the first bird to emerge determined the sex of the couple’s first offspring. However, in recent times, people have substituted these birds with an angpau instead.
Prepared by | Bride’s parents
Recipient | Newlyweds
Typical rate | RM88 and above
Sugarcane,甘蔗 Ang pao
The sugarcane angpau is a representation of a delightful and affectionate relationship. This gift is commonly given together with the route leading chicken red angpao when the bride leaves for the groom’s residence.
Prepared by | Bride’s parents
Recipient | Newlyweds
Typical rate | RM88 and above
Ang pao for Helpers, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards the bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographers, videographers, and makeup artists who play critical functions in your wedding day’s success is important. By presenting them with angpau, you are thanking them for their contributions and hard work in making your special day truly unforgettable.
Prepared by | Bride and groom
Recipient | Helpers, bridesmaids and groomsmen
Typical rate | RM100 and above
Ang Pao Checklist
