For Valentine’s day, I thought I would post on weddings in China and some of the observations that I’ve had over the last four years. I have been lucky enough to go to many weddings of friends and co-workers and each one has been different but they all have some similarities.
The first wedding I went to in China – it was a buffet style with the bride and groom singing karaoke in the middle. They are still dear friends today.
Golden jaguar plaza – home to two weddings that I went to over the years. The round tables were customary at most all of the weddings I have been at.
For me? Thank you! A standard part of weddings – the chocolate they put on tables for you to take home.
The most western of the weddings I have gone to (and the most recent), with separate vows, time to chat and then food at the end. This one also had a flower girl/boy who absorbed the attention of all.
Weddings are a strange concept in this culture – where until the early 2000s you needed to ask permission from your boss to get married. There are bits of tradition that were almost destroyed during the Mao era that are struggling to return and then there are western customs that have been pasted on in a haphazard way into the Chinese culture. At their best it serves as a bridge between different cultures and traditions – at its worse it is a disconnected event without much meaning.
I’ve had weddings on my mind a lot lately as soon we will have our own. After knowing each other for over four years Li and I finally tied the knot last December and will be having a Chinese wedding in March. It promises to be a big event and since it is in his hometown my opinion is not the key one, instead his mom and sister have taken over all preparation.
People keep asking me if I’m excited and I am, but I think it is a different kind of excitement than a typical bride – it will be an interesting experience for sure. Our parents will get to meet and I’ll get to experience from a very personal point of view a wedding in China.
A shot from our photo shoot earlier this year. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all my readers. When this post goes out to you all we will be celebrating away from Shanghai and its cold winter. I hope that you are able to escape as well.
What’s your view on weddings?
中国 Jumble 
Wow – love that pic! You guys look great! Have fun on your vacation!
Thanks! I do too. The picture taking itself I should someday write about as it was an experience!
Beautiful and congratulations! Can’t wait to hear about the Chinese wedding!!!!
Thank you! I am curious myself!
I like going to weddings but am often bummed when I look at the couple and realize it probably won’t last. We celebrate our 40th anniversary this year and obviously believe in the terms wedding and lifetime commingling. I don’t have that feeling about you and Li and suspect, if I am alive, I will here about your 40th anniversary. Enjoy what your mother-in-law and sister-in-law are setting up for you as it is your day and you deserve all the plaudits that come your way!
Thank you! You and Aunt Lorraine and my parents are great role models. I certainly am planning Li and I will live up to your example. Thanks for your comment.
Wait, did I read correctly that you got married in December? And didn’t say a peep about it before this post?
Congratulations! And I hope you have a wonderful Chinese wedding in March. Should be a fun ride no matter what your mother-in-law and sister-in-law have worked out!
Yes, I didn’t want to surprise any family and friends by having it on the blog before I told them in person! I enjoy my blog, but… Need to set an occasional “tv time-out!” I am looking forward to the next phase!
I avoid them like the plague, but a delectable box of chocs sure would sweeten the trauma of boredom somewhat 😉
Anyway, congrats on yours, can’t wait to read about all the culture clash anecdotes that are bound to arise in the preparation to the event in your husband’s home town, lol.
Thanks for the good wishes, the wedding chocolates are a tradition I can get behind! Sure it will be an adventure, so stay tuned!
I will 🙂
What a surprise! Congratulations! That’s a beautiful picture.
Looking forward to reading about your wedding in March – don’t keep quiet about it this time!
This one is more obvious! Will definitely keep you posted!
Congrats! Why the clock behind you, does it have a significance?
I always enjoy looking at those pre-wedding photos where the couple dress up in odd clothes and get photographed around the city. Usually the girl looks beautiful and the boy just looks uncomfortable.
Not officially as far as I know, but we can say it represents a long life!
Karaoke wedding? Now that’s a wedding I want to go to.
It was the first Chinese wedding I went too, but recently I went to another where the groom serenaded the bride. It was sweet!
Booze, food and as you mentioned… A karaoke machine. That’s all you need. Make sure the in-laws put that on the list. Congrats.
Nate & Meg-
Thanks!
Oh my gosh! Congratulations! You make a lovely couple. Best wishes.
Thank you!