Even Western-Chinese weddings start at 8’s. L’s began at 11:08, but if they hadn’t been ready, they would have started at 11;18, or 11:28. I was told, (with a look that said, of course this is common sense) this is because 8 is a lucky number that means “more”.
(Incidentally, 4 is such a bad number for its semblance with the character for “death” that there is no 4th floor in most of the buildings in China, and no sports player who will agree to that jersey.)
Instead of the traditional procession, the wedding began with the groom singing to his bride, walking down the aisle and handing her the bouquet. It was so sweet and adorable, watching him walk her down the aisle to the stage. We were again at round tables with bi jiu and snacks.
I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but the tone was very different than other weddings. Instead of a minister or priest, L had her own MC. He spoke with great personality, and often got the crowd busting with laughter and applause.
The ceremony had all the little bits of western ceremonies packed into one event. Guests came up to give speeches. They said their vows, facing us on the stage. They exchanged rings, cut the cake and fed it to each other. Then they lit candles and poured champagne to make a fountain. They called me up to take the bouquet, I said my “speech”, which no one could understand, and then the groom carried her “across the threshold” of the arch at the bottom of the aisle.
After a 10 minute intermission, the bride came out in her reception dress, which was similar in style to western dresses, but, of course, red. The couple still came around “Chinese-style” to each of the tables with bi jiu. Even though the bottle had been filled with water, the lingering flavor from the liquor caused L to spit up by the last table.
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