婚礼 (hūn lǐ) literally combines 婚 (hūn), meaning 'marriage' or 'wedding', and 礼 (lǐ), meaning 'ceremony', 'ritual', or 'rite'. Together, they refer specifically to the formal ceremony in which two people are married — not the legal registration (which is called 结婚登记, jiéhūn dēngjì), but the celebratory event with family, friends, rituals, music, food, and symbolic acts like exchanging rings or bowing to elders.

This word is used broadly across modern Chinese-speaking communities for both traditional and contemporary weddings. It appears in invitations, news reports, personal stories, and planning contexts (e.g., '筹备婚礼' — preparing for the wedding). While it carries cultural weight — especially regarding customs like the tea ceremony or red decor — it’s a neutral, standard term appropriate in both spoken and written language, from casual conversation to formal announcements.