I was really hoping to be invited to a wedding while in China. I just had to see it after learning about all the traditions from a class I took in uni. As life would have it I did get invited, but the couple did a semi-western ceremony. But still, every time I have run into "Western" things here it is somehow always misses its mark.
Let's begin with arrival. The invitation said to arrive at 5:00, which I interpreted as 5:30. Fashionably late. I arrive with my friend at 5:45 and literally NOBODY is there except for the bridal party. Embarrassingly early. The rest of our group was running late so we just waited and watched the same slideshow 20 times until they showed up. Actually that's a lie. The minute the red wine was poured we were knocking it back like juice, like a fermented grape juice.
Within the next hour people started to show up. I was told dress fancy, which I did. I looked around and so many people in just jeans and a tee shirt. I now felt somewhat overdressed, another lie. I commented to my friend that just like many Americans, Chinese do not know how to dress up for a nice occasion. I followed up with a "We look good today."
The ceremony was interesting. There was a loop of about 10 or so popular English love songs playing, all on the Bruno Mars end of the spectrum.The light show could have been used for a concert or a discotheque. The bridal party and the grooms men processed in per usual and stood next to the bride. Then as soon as this procession was done the officiant walked up and the entire group walked off the stage except the bride and groom. My friend and I turned to each other with the same comment,
"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having groomsmen and bridesmaids?!"
"I choose you to stand beside me on my wedding day, actually to wear a dress matching of all my best friends and look pretty for part of the ceremony, then be on your way, this is my day."
The officiant rattled off a string of Chinese and then after a few minutes the couple yelled out "I DO" in English. At this point I had had a few glasses of juice and was ready to dance. But nobody danced. They served delicious fancy food and typical bitter Chinese wine. Which tasted delicious after a few glasses.
Instead of the bride and groom talking to each person they came around and toasted each table, killing many birds with one stone. Wouldn't life be so easy? Shortly after dinner everyone left. Shortest party ever.
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