First chinese wedding!

That was an experience!

 

Colleague Jessica got married to Danny at the Marriott Hongqiao.  The Marriott did an excellent job I thought, beautifully laid out, and professionally managed.  Jessica (and her family) and Danny did an even better job - they put on a real show for us.

 

I think British weddings are more about ceremony and speeches.  This wedding was more about entertainment and amusement.  Jessica and Danny surprised us with a song, Jessica's mother (and an oldie band) surprised us with authentic Beijing Opera.  Er, to give you a flavour of the entertainment, myself and five other gents were called out onto the stage, and we held a beer drinking competition - through mini baby milk bottles.  Always a first for everything... although I didn't quite get my technique right.

 

Rather than lighting cigarettes for the guests, they brought candles to each table in a theatrically produced kind of way - the bridesmaids held two trays of candles, and the bride and groom then transferred one to each table. 

 

The other surprising part of the wedding, and one which as a Brit I was extremely embarrassed about attending, was 'dong4 nao4 fang3', which was an old tradition of making sure the couple 'get it on' after the wedding is over.  Their hotel room was announced, and all guests were encouraged to come and watch.

 

No intention of seeing my colleague in compromising situations, I tried to make a sharp exit, but was called back.  Of the 200 odd guests, perhaps 30 made it to the room to watch and have fun!  The couple were challenged to play silly games, such as popping a balloon between their bodies, and eventually stripping in bed under the covers!