Writing the Perfect Wedding Wish: What to Write on a Chinese Red Packet (Hongbao)

Attending a traditional or modern Chinese wedding comes with many joyful customs, and one of the most important is presenting the hongbao (red packet) filled with monetary gift money. While slipping money into an envelope is straightforward, finding the right words to write on the outside can feel a bit intimidating—especially if you want your message to be meaningful, culturally appropriate, and genuinely warm.

Whether you are writing in traditional Chinese characters, simplified characters, or Pinyin with English translations, here is a complete guide to crafting the ideal wedding blessing.

The Golden Rules of Red Packet Etiquette

Before picking up your pen, keep these three etiquette tips in mind:

1. Keep it Positive: Always focus on happiness, longevity, harmony, and prosperity. Avoid any words with negative connotations or homophones related to separation or sorrow.
2. Include Names: Usually, you write your well-wishes on the front or back, followed by your name (