In traditional Chinese Weddings, a larger red packet is usually given as a monetary gift at the banquet to the mother of the newly wed of whom you are friend or relative with in lieu of personal gifts.
Red in Chinese culture signifies prosperity and blessings and is
derived from the yin-yang (陰陽) symbol with red symbolizing the yang element
for positive energy. In Christian tradition, red
signifies the shedding of blood for the Faith, and prosperity is
culminated in the life to come in the Resurrection.
The Chinese language is rich in their homophones or word play. Amounts you give especially in the traditional red packets may take advantage of the Chinese homophones. You can end the amount with an eight, as it sounds like the Chinese word for fortune (發), or nine, which sounds like the word for longevity (久), but never give an amount ending in four which sounds like the word for death (死). Alcohol is also part of Chinese banquet celebrations because the word for an alcoholic drink (酒) is also a word-play on longevity in Mandarin Chinese.
In Christian tradition, the eighth day is significant for being the day after the Sabbath rest and entombment of Christ, namely the Resurrection, ie the Lord's Day. Therefore the eighth day points to Christ, being our eternal rest and security. Wine also has been crucial in its festive nature in hellenic culture, and even Christ himself turned water to wine miraculously to keep the festivities going when His Holy Mother was concerned when the guests ran out of wine during the Wedding at Cana. This can be seen as symbolic of the unceasing festivity and joy in partaking of the eternal marriage feast of the Lamb of God.
The following is an example with a Christian flavor, quoting Proverbs 3:2 and Job 22:21.
Click the above image for an unfolded layout, which you can print with a color printer, and cut out and make your own by first, fold the right flap back, then the left back flap back and seal it with glue to the right flap, and finally the bottom flap back to seal the bottom. You can also follow the layout for your own customization or creativity. Gold or black characters on red background is most appropriate. Red or blue characters on white background is best avoided for joyful occasions, as it signifies mourning over a death. You can also design using red or pink paper, to save on the color toner cartridge.