Cecil, so sorry. For wedding invitations, is there a rule that the words in the card (or the paper in the card) can not be written in red?

Reply: Nobody writes in red. Black ink or nowadays silver or gold.

These are some considerations:

1. The traditional wedding cards are written in black ink. In modern times, some use gold or silver pens. These are perfectly okay.

2. While RED or pink wedding cards are fine or okay. It is odd to write someone's name in RED. 

3. Even if it is perfectly okay for the sender (wedding couples) who feel writing in RED is okay to them. But the consideration is for the person receiving the invitation.

4. Some may feel disturbed or feel uneasy to see their name(s) in RED or in "BLOOD" colour.

5. Thus, to be on the safe side, why be the odd one out? Please DON'T do it!

The page you’re viewing is a forum discussion about wedding invitation etiquette and taboos in Chinese culture. A user asks whether it is inappropriate to print the words in a wedding card in red.

Master Cecil Lee responds by clarifying the cultural context:

• Red is auspicious: In Chinese tradition, red symbolizes joy, prosperity, and celebration. It is commonly used in weddings, especially for invitations, decorations, and attire.

• No taboo against red text: There is no rule forbidding red ink or red paper for wedding invitations. In fact, red is considered highly appropriate.

• Contrast and readability: The only practical consideration is ensuring the text is legible. Gold or black text on red paper is often preferred for clarity, but red text itself is not culturally problematic.

• Superstitions vary: Some families may have personal preferences or traditions, but these are not universal rules.

Summary: Printing wedding invitation words in red is not only acceptable but culturally auspicious. The key is balancing tradition with readability and family preferences.