Breaking down the Guo Da Li

The Guo Da Li, or Betrothal Ceremony is the exchange of gifts between the bride and groom's families.

For a traditional Chinese Guo Da Li (过大礼), the groom's family presents betrothal gifts to the bride's family as a symbol of sincerity, respect, and the groom's ability to provide. The exact items vary by dialect (Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese), region, and family traditions, but Chinese American weddings today often use a modernized version that combines several traditions.

What is typically included is:

1. Pin Jin (聘金) – Betrothal Money Cash placed in an ornate red envelope. Symbolizes appreciation to the bride's parents. Often discussed privately between families beforehand.

Typical amounts:

Chinese American families: $2,888–$18,888+ More traditional or affluent families: $28,888+ Lucky numbers containing 8 or 9 are common.

2. Si Dian Jin (四点金) – Four Gold Jewelry Pieces

Traditionally gifted by the groom's parents.

Usually includes:

Gold necklace Gold bracelet or bangle Gold earrings Gold ring

Today many families instead purchase:

24K gold bangles Designer jewelry Mixed luxury jewelry collections

Typical cost: $3,000–15,000+

3. Xi Bing (喜饼) – Wedding Cakes/Pastries

Usually: 8–20+ boxes Given for the bride's family to distribute to relatives.

Examples: Traditional Chinese pastries Dragon & phoenix cakes Modern luxury pastry boxes

Typical cost: $300–1,500

4. Whole Roast Pig (烧猪)

Traditional Cantonese custom.

Represents: Purity Prosperity Fertility

Typical cost: $300–800

5. Premium Alcohol

Usually: Cognac XO Baijiu Fine whisky Wine

Typically: 2 bottles Sometimes 4 Typical cost: $100–1,000+

6. Fruits

Most common:

8 or 12 oranges Pomelos Apples Persimmons (regional)

Represent:

Wealth Good fortune Fertility 7. Dragon & Phoenix Candles

Usually:

One dragon pair One phoenix pair

These symbolize the joining of two families and are often lit on the wedding day.

8. Auspicious Dry Goods

Often includes:

Red dates Lotus seeds Dried longan Lily bulbs Rock sugar Melon strips Five-colored beans Other auspicious grains

These symbolize sweetness, fertility, harmony, and abundance.

9. Pork Products

Depending on dialect:

Pork trotters Pork trotter cans Ham Dried meats

10. Displayed in Betrothal Baskets / Trays

Beautiful red lacquer baskets containing all gifts.

Often decorated with:

Double Happiness Stickers (囍) Dragons Phoenixes Red ribbons

11. Red Packets/ Red Envelopes

Besides Pin Jin, additional red packets may include:

Appreciation for the bride's mother ("nanny" or diaper money) Matchmaker's gift Helpers' blessings

12. Decorative Items

Often included:

Double Happiness stickers Red cloth Red tray Door decorations Wedding scrolls

What is Usually Returned (Hui Li 回礼)

The bride's family traditionally returns part of the gifts to symbolize that the marriage is not a "purchase." Common return items include:

Half of the Pin Jin (or another agreed amount) Some oranges Some pastries Cakes Sweet treats Blessing gifts

If you would like our services to prepare the gifts, please email thegoldilocksshop@gmail.com (NYC-based).