Chinese Wedding Date Guide · Reviewed against a native Chinese wedding planner's notes
How to choose an auspicious Chinese wedding date
The traditional process
- Collect both birth dates — and in stricter traditions, the birth hours as well.
- Check the almanac for days marked 宜嫁娶 (suitable for marriage).
- Avoid clash days — dates that conflict with either partner's zodiac sign or birth year.
- Consider the lunar month. Some regions avoid weddings in the third, seventh and ninth lunar months; the seventh month in particular is regarded as inauspicious in many traditions.
- Cross-check practicalities — venue, weather, guests' travel and the family calendar.
What the almanac marks
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 宜嫁娶 | Suitable for marriage — the key marker for a wedding date |
| 忌 | Activities to avoid that day |
| 吉神 / 凶神 | Auspicious and inauspicious influences assigned to the day |
| 冲 (clash) | Which zodiac sign the day clashes with — checked against both partners |
Symbolic dates couples love
- 05-20 / 05-21. 520 and 521 sound like 我爱你 (“I love you”) — the most popular modern choice.
- 08-08. 8 sounds like 发 (prosperity).
- 09-09. 9 sounds like 久 (long-lasting).
- 10-10. Read as “perfect ten”, associated with completeness.
- Qixi (七夕). The Chinese festival of the cowherd and weaver girl; a romantic choice.
- Valentine's Day (14 February). Popular with younger couples, though not traditional.
What to avoid
- Days that clash with either partner's zodiac sign.
- The seventh lunar month in regions where it is considered inauspicious.
- Dates that fall on a close family member's death anniversary.
- Booking a symbolic date before checking venue availability — the most popular dates are taken a year ahead.
Modern practice
Most couples now use a hybrid approach: pick two or three symbolic dates, check them against the almanac if the families care about it, then choose whichever the venue and guests can actually accommodate. If both families hold the tradition, checking the almanac early avoids a disagreement after the deposit is paid.
Frequently asked questions
How do Chinese couples choose a wedding date?
Traditionally, the two birth dates are checked against the almanac for an auspicious day, avoiding dates that clash with either partner. In practice, most modern couples combine a preferred symbolic date with venue availability and family schedules.
What is an auspicious day?
In the traditional almanac, each day is marked 宜 (suitable) and 忌 (avoid) for activities such as marriage. A wedding date is chosen from days marked 宜嫁娶.
What dates are symbolically popular?
05-20 and 05-21 (which sound like “I love you”), 08-08 (prosperity), 09-09 (long-lasting) and 10-10 (perfection). Qixi and Valentine's Day are also common.
Are there dates to avoid?
Traditionally, couples avoid days that clash with either partner's zodiac sign, the third, seventh and ninth lunar months in some regions, and days marked unsuitable for marriage.
Do I have to follow the almanac?
No. Many couples treat it as a family tradition rather than a requirement. If both families value the tradition, checking the almanac before booking avoids later disagreement.
When should we book the venue?
Popular auspicious dates are booked far in advance, often a year ahead. Choose a shortlist of dates first, then confirm the venue before finalising any date.