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

Attending a traditional Chinese wedding or a modern celebration with Chinese cultural elements usually comes with a time-honored tradition: giving a red packet (known as hongbao in Mandarin or ang bao in Cantonese) filled with monetary gifts.

While deciding on the right amount to give can be stressful, figuring out what to write on the outside of the envelope can feel equally daunting. Traditional characters, auspicious idioms, and modern personalized messages all have their place, depending on your relationship with the couple.