Recently went to my cousin’s Chinese wedding (Singapore) and thought it will be nice to share it. In the morning, the groom and the bride will start off very early as per their own family traditions and culture. What we, the relatives will do is to gather at their house to welcome the newly-weds. Prior to their return, we help ourselves to the buffet lunch first!
The spread of food that was catered. 🙂
My first serving. I did 2 rounds. Wahaha!
My partner’s first round.
Orr nee (Yam paste with gingko nuts), which my brother had.
Popular Apple Strudel from Corica (Perth), specially brought back by my aunt.
Group photo of the bride’s mother’s family.
Traditional tea ceremony whereby the groom and bride had to offer tea to their elders. After drinking the tea, the elders will give token gifts that can be Ang Bao (red packet), jewelery, gold, diamond, etc. ^^; The photo above shows the groom and bride offering to their parents, which they had to kneel down.
A photo after the tea offering to my parents. After the tea ceremony and buffet lunch, it’s time to head back home to rest and get ready for the wedding dinner in the night!
Here we are at Carlton Hotel Singapore for the wedding dinner. At the reception area, there are photo album of the newly-weds for the guests to view.
When guests first arrived, they will go to the reception table to
- Drop off their ang bao/gift for the couple
- Find out their table seating
- Get complimentary parking coupons (if driving)
Different “market rate” applies for the ang bao, it really depends on where the wedding banquet is being held at and also how close your relationship with the groom/bride. 🙂
From the ballroom, a view of the lobby area at level 1.
Dinner starting soon. There are 2 VIP tables – one for the groom family and another for the bride family. Sometimes, if the family size is small, the VIP table can be consolidated into 1 too.
Here comes the newly weds (1st march-in). After the march-in, the banquet will start and you can start feasting.
Champagne pouring after the 2nd march-in (usually done around the 3rd or 4th dish).
Traditional toasting time, which everyone will shout “Yum Seng” (drink to success)! The toasting goes on for 3 rounds, each with a different set of wishes to the newly-weds. After the toasting session, the newly-weds will go around the ballroom to take photos with the guests at individual tables. At this point, the guests at the table can play tricks or get the couple to drink! But I think it doesn’t happen a lot these days as I see most newly-weds are still sober at the end of the dinner. The main thing is that they have enjoyed and have a memorable time!