Personal touches

Wu and her husband are not alone in rebelling against traditional wedding customs. Many of the usual trappings — such as convoys of fancy cars, lavish banquets and flamboyant emcees — have been ditched or pared down as a growing number of young couples opt for personalized touches, streamlined procedures, and a laid-back approach that prioritizes individuality over rituals.

A video that went viral online following this year's National Day holiday in early October — a peak time for tying the knot — showed a wedding at a McDonald's restaurant in Guangdong province.

The newlyweds were seen taking pictures holding auspicious paper-cuts and french fries at the fast-food eatery. On the table were hamburgers, fries, sodas and other typical McDonald's food items, a far cry from a conventional banquet featuring an extensive menu and multiple meat dishes.

The video sparked a competition among netizens, who shared their ideal wedding venues ranging from the hotpot chain Haidilao to karaoke bars.

A fashion blogger called Tracy said that no Chinese wedding is complete without an alcoholic drink, however, she instead opted to toast her nuptials with milk tea.

"Complete relaxation at my wedding and let's toast with a cup of milk tea," said the woman, who shared her wedding photos on lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu.

"The signature red package, coupled with my favorite flavor of oolong tea, with a hint of flowers, is a perfect match for my wedding. All I want for the occasion is chill and happiness," she added.

For some young people who are socially shy, or who already feel overwhelmed by work and household chores, a lot of wedding banquet customs — such as kneeling before parents and saying vows, exchanging rings and sharing a glass of wine — seem redundant. They believe the ceremony should be reduced to its barest form — a celebration with food.