Something less ordinary,

that was my aim when searching for a tea set for the Chinese Tea Ceremony.

One of the main traditions I would be extremely reluctant to forgo would have to be the Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony. Steeped in tradition, respect and Chinese culture, this is the equivalent of the exchange of vows in the Western world. It's no wonder my own mother refuses to see me as married (despite us having done the legal bits!) until this has come to pass.

Here's an excerpt from the http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/tea.htm

Tea Ceremony is an official ritual to introduce the newlyweds to each other's family, and it's a way for newlyweds to show respect and appreciation to their parents. The newlyweds kneel in front of their parents, serving tea to both side of parents, as well as elder close relatives. Parents give their words of blessing and gifts to the newlyweds. During tea presentation, a "Good Luck Woman" would say auspicious phrases to bless the newlyweds and the parents. These auspicious words of blessing are almost a lost art nowadays, that are designed to bless and amuse the family and make the occasion filled with fun and joy.

Luckily for me, in this case, my mother as well as my future MIL are in agreement. The tea ceremony is of paramount importance. The first step was to get a teapot that was worthy of this significance. It had to red (that much was certain, not only does it tie in to my wedding theme but red is a symbol of all things good in Chinese!), it had to be nice enough that I would want to use it again and most importantly, my mother and my soon-to-be MIL must both like it.

My Wedding Planner visited a couple of tea shops in Kuala Lumpur and sent me some pictures. Of those she sent, there was one that looked quite alright but unfortunately did not fit the colour criteria.

Wasn't too bad. Quite pretty. My MOH thought it was a bit old-fashioned though!

She found another one which I thought great! Red and gold and pretty simple. Will keep this in mind. Approved by my mother and future MIL.

All red with some gold highlights. Quite pretty.

I did a bit of research online as well and had a few options. One was to hail to my Fiancé's Japanese roots.

Made of traditional cast iron and can be directly boiled on the hob. 

Matching tea cups for the Japanese feel.

I of course, never did tread the path most travelled, fell hook, line and sinker for a set that was on sale on Whittard of Chelsea's website. Made from ceramic, these were not only 50% off, fitted in with my red and white theme and was just too cute for words. 

"I am a little teapot, short and stout!"

Two problems:

• Transportation - I would need to pack these into my check-in luggage for my flight back home. What if the teapot came home all broken?!
• Size - The teapot size was fine, but the tea cups? Well, they are the extra large English tea cups! Hardly the right size for a sip of Chinese tea. 

Oh so cute. And will decorate my kitchen for years to come. 

Practicality won over and the polka dotted tea cups and teapot are now sitting in my cupboard waiting to be unveiled in my new home. Meanwhile, I have settled for the red and gold number....although I might very well try to complicate things by bringing these home!!

Wedding Day Update!!
 Click here for the tea set we used for the tea ceremony.