Q: Dear Uncle Wang,

I always get invited to Chinese weddings, sometimes even by people that I am not really close friends with, and giving hongbao (red envelopes, traditionally used to give money on festive occasions) every time can be a bit of a burden.

Do I always need to give money to newlyweds, and if so how much is appropriate? Is there an alternative gift they would appreciate?

A: Even some of my Chinese friends refer to the hongbao as "red bombs," such is the damage repeated wedding invitations can do to one's bank balance.

But unfortunately for them and you (but not me - I of course never begrudge parting with a few redbacks to help young lovers get a good start on the long, winding road of matrimony) hongbao are definitely expected, not least because it is a deep-rooted Chinese tradition.

Additionally, for the newlyweds, it is the day they can hope to finally recoup all the hongbao cash they've had to give out over the years.

When it comes to the amount you give, it should at least cover the cost of your portion of the wedding celebration, plus a little extra.

It also depends on your relationship to the newlyweds. The closer you are with them, the more money you should give.

Family members are expected to give more money than friends.

Business partners should also put extra money in the envelope to "bribe" and strengthen their relationship.

While deciding on the amount of money that you want to give, there is one more factor to consider - lucky numbers.

You should always give money in amounts that end in six or eight, or have multiple sixes and eights in them.

Sixes and eights are considered to be lucky as the word for six sounds like the Chinese word for "never ending," and the word for eight sounds similar to the Chinese word for "fortune."

Also, money should be given in even amounts as it represents a couple, just like the bride and groom.

Avoid zeros, ones and fours - they are considered unlucky, as zero means an ending, one represents being single, and the word for four in Chinese sounds like "death."

You should hand in your envelopes at the reception desk that is managed by the bride's and groom's relatives. That is also where you sign in your name and wishes in the guest book.

I know this seems like a lot of rules, but as long as you give an acceptable and even amount of money, without any unlucky numbers, your gift should be well received, and your wallet suitably lightened.

Please send your cultural questions about China to twocents-sh@globaltimes.com.cn