In many Asian wedding traditions, guests express their blessings through red packets as part of traditional ceremonies rather than gifts. As a couple, you may want to return those blessings by gifting red packets to family members, close friends, and the vendors who helped bring your day together.
If you’re not sure where to start, this guide covers who to prepare red packets for, how much to consider giving, and a few practical tips for the day itself.
Red Packet Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Must we prepare red packets for vendors on top of their payments?
Red packets for vendors are a gesture of appreciation and blessing, they are not compulsory. Whether to give them depends on your overall wedding budget. If setting aside funds for vendor red packets would create financial strain, it is perfectly fine to skip them. Your vendors are already compensated for their services; the red packet is a personal expression of gratitude, not an obligation.
When should we give out the red packets?
The most common time is at the end of the wedding, or when a vendor has completed their services. That said, there is no fixed rule. If you find a quiet moment earlier in the day when you are not occupied, you can distribute them then. Delegating this task to a trusted person in advance (more on that below) makes the timing much easier to manage. Note that even for a church wedding or solemnisation, it is customary to prepare a smaller red packet for your officiant.
Can we assign someone to distribute the red packets on our behalf?
Yes, and we recommend it. You will have very little free time on your wedding day, and carrying red packets yourself is impractical. Pass them to a trusted family member or friend beforehand, and label each packet clearly with the recipient’s name or company so nothing gets mixed up.
Tips for Preparing Your Red Packets
Double Happiness red packets
Wedding red packets traditionally feature the Chinese character 囍 (double happiness), which is also connected to the broader set of auspicious traditions that shape how many couples plan their day. These differ from the standard red packets used during Chinese New Year. You can find a wide variety of designs on Taobao or Lazada at reasonable prices.
Customised red packets
For something more personal, consider ordering customised red packets printed with your names or a design that ties in with your invitation suite. You can also add a short handwritten message to make each packet feel more meaningful to the recipient.
Label them clearly
You will be receiving and giving red packets on the same day. Label your outgoing packets carefully so there is no confusion. The last thing you want is to hand the wrong envelope to the wrong person.
Pass them to someone you trust
Plan this before the day. Choose one person (a sibling, a close friend, or a family member who knows your vendors) and brief them on who gets what. Clear labelling makes their job much easier.
E-ang baos
If you prefer a digital approach, e-ang baos via PayNow are increasingly common. Some couples include a PayNow QR code or reference number on their invitation cards. You can also transfer the amounts to family, friends, or vendors after the wedding if that suits you better.
We hope this guide gives you a clear starting point for budgeting and preparing your red packets. It is one of the smaller details of your wedding day but one that carries real warmth. For other Chinese wedding traditions worth planning ahead for, our Xi Bing guide covers what to order, when, and where.