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Vietnamese/Chinese Wedding Traditions

Yesterday, I received a lovely email from Thu Vu owner of My Little Work Shop.  She and Brynn were having a conversation on Facebook about Wedding and Party Network and how we discuss wedding traditions among other things on the Celebration Advisor.  The conversation turned to multi-cultural weddings of which Thu Vu knows quite a bit about, since she is planning one herself.  Here is what she shared with us about Vietnamese/Chinese Wedding Traditions.

I am here to talk about the Vietnamese and Chinese wedding tradition. I am pretty sure that in America and in Canada the wedding would have a ceremony and reception. Vietnamese/Chinese tradition is different from the American's and Canadian's ceremony, which takes place at the church or somewhere else but with a priest, friends and families when you exchange your vows.

In the Vietnamese/Chinese tradition is that we have the groom's side of the family members and friends to carry lacquered, round boxes; betrothal presents to the bride's house. Only the males on his side would stand behind/beside one another (depends on what you're carrying)to carry the presents to the bride's house. You have to be unmarried and the guys that the groom may pick could be his own brothers, ushers, best man etc…

These presents are to be in your choice of betel leaves, areca nuts, wines, jewelries, fruits, cake tea, tea set, whole pig etc…you are to carry about 10-12 of these presents to her house. You may have double of the same items if you wish. The gifts are to be covered by red cloths.

The bride's side of the family members and friends are suppose to be waiting by the door. Their jobs are to collect the presents. The groom then would ask for the bride's hand in marriage.

The groom then are to place the jewelries on her. Such as placing the earrings in her ear and the ring on her finger. The parents/gram parents are to be seated on chairs, you are to take the tea while you are in front of them on your knees. You basically bow and give them tea to have a sip.

This tea giving is a very respectful thing to do when joining two families in one. I thank you for taking the time to read this. I will soon put some pictures up of my engagement. I am doing the presents giving and not the tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is used at the wedding. I attached some pictures for you, so enjoy!

Grooms Party Presenting Gifts

Vietnamese/Chinese Wedding Tradition Gifts

Red Wrapped Gifts

 

What a beautiful tradition, both in color and in sentiment.  Thank you for sharing such a wonderful wedding tradition with us. The photos are amazing.

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Renting Sound Equipment Or Using A CD Player – Which Is Better?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi, I have an important question and am looking for any help…The singer that was going to sing during the lighting of the Unity candle can't make it…We are thinking of playing a cd instead. We don't want a long song. Isn't kind of tacky to hear a cd player start and stop…I know mine clicks too loud…any suggestions? Juls

Celebration Advisor:
I'm sorry your singer can't be there to sing at your wedding ceremony. A live voice is always a beautiful way to celebrate the unity candle lighting. However, I have been to many weddings where the music was presented by cd instead of live.

The key is having the right equipment. You can rent portable sound equipment specially designed for these situations. The on/off features are silent and will not be heard by the guests. Using this type of equipment, rather than your cd player, will also ensure that the music is amplified correctly. With proper amplification all of your wedding guests will be able to hear and enjoy the music. Which brings me to a question you didn't ask, but may need to consider. Will your quests be able to hear you, your fiance and the minister? If not, the same audio equipment might help with the simple addition of a few wireless microphones.

To get your money's worth use this audio equipment during your wedding reception as well. With lapel microphones on the maid of honor and best man, their toasts will easily reach the back of the reception hall.

So check into audio equipment rentals as a way to solve your cd problem. Discuss you needs with a sound specialist who will able to determine what is best for your wedding ceremony.

Recorded music is a very acceptable and pleasant way to share special moments during your ceremony. Of course, you can always use an mp3 player. Most of the time, turning them on and off is a very quiet experience. Whatever you chose, I'm sure your wedding will be a lovely day for you and your guests.

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Austin Texas Love Photo Booth Rentals

Photo Booths Way Back When

Since 1925, when Anatol Josephino invented the photo booth, kids and adults have been creating photo memories and having fun. In the early days, photo booths in Austin Texas could be found on the boardwalk, in departments stores and amusement parks across the nation. It seems no one could resist the urge to mug for a picture when they happened upon a photo booth. In fact, you probably have a few of these photo booth pictures tuck away in a drawer somewhere right now.

Contemporary Photo Booths Make The Texas Guest List

Photo Booth From Say Cheese
Why would a photo booth in Austin Texas receive an invitation to a wedding, a prom, a birthday party, a family reunion, a Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or other special events? Laugh-out-loud, unforgettable fun, that's what photo booths bring to a party in Austin. Renting a photo booth can inspire fun and create memories at any special event even a quinceanera, anniversary party, holiday party or a fun-raiser.

Austin photographers capture a party guest in a moment of time. However, photo booths will capture your guests in the moment. Photo booths are entertainment and posterity all rolled into one wonderful party accessory. A photo booth naturally brings out the adventure in every guest. These candid pictures are a great way to remember the fun you had at an event.

Photo Booth Props From Say Cheese
It not just the photo booth that makes it fun, it is all the props that come with a photo booth rental. Neat hats, masks, boas and other props that guests can wear when they step inside of the photo booth are just a few of the great props that come with renting a photo booth in Austin. Along with the props, many rental companies offer a scrapbook package.

Photo Booth Scrapbook Package
The photo booth scrapbook package adds an extra element of fun. Guests can have their picture taken and then add it to the scrapbook along with a personal message. This makes for a wonderful piece of memorabilia after the event is over.

Photo Booths A Rising Trend

I can see why this new party and wedding trend is quickly rising to the top. It is an easy way to entertain guests as well as create and save memories. It appeals to the young and old alike. It fits well into the scheme of a wedding reception, a graduation party, a charity gala or a sweet sixteen party. As a party or wedding trend, photo booths have real staying power. After all, they have been around since 1925 and people are still drawn to them.

A special thanks goes to Say Cheese Photo Booth who was kind enough to share some of their photos.  I think they speak for all photo booth rental companies when they say "our mission is to inspire laugh-out-loud-unforgettably-fun memories everywhere we go."  That's the attraction of photo booths and why you should have one at your next event.

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Finding A Hawaiian Theme Birthday Cake In Minnesota

Ask The Celebration Advisor:

I am trying to plan and through a surprise Birthday party for my Aunts 50th Birthday up in MN from NE. I haven't had any luck in finding a cake to go along with her Hawaiian theme birthday party. Her favorite colors are Pink and Sapphire Blue. I really liked the Beach Time Bridal shower cake but would like to personalize it a bit. Could/Can it be done? The party isn't until the end of September so I have some time yet but I'd like to get the ball rolling and place an order as far in advanced if at all possible.

Thanks,
Jennifer

Reply:

Thank you for using Wedding and Party Network, an online directory of wedding and party vendors.  The novelty cake you like was sent to us from a visitor who uses our site.  However, we have many wonderful Minnesota bakeries who can create the same beach theme cake.  I know of one such bakery who makes birthday cakes in Owatonna MN.  They make simply amazing and tasty cakes for all occasions.  I'm sure they will be able to personalized a birthday cake for your Aunt's special 50th celebration.  Along with Owatonna MN, Perfect Day Cakes (507) 455-2253 also serves the following cities:

We, also, have a fantastic cake bakeries in Nebraska that could design a Hawaiian theme birthday cake. With advanced planning, you should be able to find the perfect cake.  When discussing your birthday cake design ideas, let the bakery know which beach theme cake picture in the Wedding and Party photo gallery resembles the theme for your birthday cake.  This will help them with their cake design.

Whatever your birthday cake theme, the talented bakeries in our directory can create a beautiful and tasty cake for your celebration.  If you need a bakery in another location don't hesitate to ask. We will be happy to help you find the right bakery for your birthday cake needs.

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The Attraction Of Photo Booths At Weddings and Parties

Photo Booths Way Back When

Since 1925, when Anatol Josephino invented the photo booth, kids and adults have been creating photo memories and having fun.  In the early days, photo booths could be found on the boardwalk, in departments stores and amusement parks across the nation.  It seems no one could resist the urge to mug for a picture when they happened upon a photo booth.  In fact, you probably have a few of these photo booth pictures tuck away in a drawer somewhere right now.

Contemporary Photo Booths Make The Guest List

Photo Booth From Say Cheese
Why would a photo booth receive an invitation to a wedding, a prom, a birthday party, a family reunion, a Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or an asundry of other special events. Laugh-out-loud, unforgettable fun, that's what photo booths bring to the party. Renting a photo booth can inspire fun and create memories at any special event even a quinceanera, anniversary party, holiday party or a fun-raiser.

Photographers capture a party guest in a moment of time.  However, photo booths will capture your guests in the moment. Photo booths are entertainment and posterity all rolled into one wonderful party accessory.  A photo booth naturally brings out the adventure in every guest. These candid pictures are a great way to remember the fun you had at an event.

Photo Booth Props From Say Cheese
It not just the photo booth that makes it fun, it is all the props that come with a photo booth rental.  Neat hats, masks, boas and other props that guests can wear when they step inside of the photo booth are just a few of the great props that come with renting a photo booth.  Along with the props, many rental companies offer a scrapbook package.

Photo Booth Scrapbook Package
The photo booth scrapbook package adds an extra element of fun. Guests can have their picture taken and then add it to the scrapbook along with a personal message.  This makes for a wonderful piece of memorabilia after the event is over.

Photo Booths A Rising Trend

I can see why this new party and wedding trend is quickly rising to the top.  It is an easy way to entertain guests as well as create and save memories.  It appeals to the young and old alike.  It fits well into the scheme of a wedding reception, a graduation party, a charity gala or a sweet sixteen party.  As a party or wedding trend, photo booths have real staying power.  After all, they have been around since 1925 and people are still drawn to them.

A special thanks goes to Say Cheese Photo Booth, an Austin Texas Photo Booth Company, who was kind enough to share some of their photos.  I think they speak for all photo booth rental companies when they say "our mission is to inspire laugh-out-loud-unforgettably-fun memories everywhere we go."  That's the attraction of photo booths and why you should have one at your next event.


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Limousine Service Ensures Wedding Guests In North Carolina Have A Safe Way Home

Making sure wedding guests are taken care of is an important part of the wedding planning process. Providing transportation for your wedding guests will ensure that all participants will have a good and safe time.  This limousine question from a bride demonstrates how important both transportation price and safety are when planning a wedding

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am actually asking about transportation from my wedding on August 29th 2009….maybe starting around 1000p – lasting through 1200a , or so.
I only want the reception guests to make it home, or wherever they plan to stay that night.

What is your charge for this type of service.  The main places to carry them will be Tarboro and Greenville.

Thanks for your help 🙂 Sheila –  Event takes place in Farmville.

Reply:

For weddings, limousines can offer guests a safe and luxurious ride.  Since your event takes place in Farmville, NC but the guests will need to go to Tarboro, NC or Greenville, NC, you have three limo options:

  1. A Farmville Limousine service willing to travel to Tarboro or Greenville.
  2. A Tarboro Limousine service willing to travel to Farmville or Greenville.
  3. A Greenville limousine service willing to travel Tarboro or Farmington.

In areas where cities are close to each other, a limo company from one town will serve the surrounding cities.  So, you should be able to find a wedding limo service that is willing to travel to all three places.

Before you contact one of these limousine companies, you need to know what kind of limousine styles are available.  The best style for extra large groups going to the same place is a limo bus.  Not all limousine companies will have one in their fleet.  However, if this option is available the pricing is usually very cost-effective.  For small groups, the Hummer limo is a novel idea.  For most weddings, the stretch limo is the standard style of choice and can accommodate large groups.

As for pricing, limo rental companies usually have special packages for proms and weddings.  Luckily, the party limousine packages can be tailored to your special needs.  I would first guesstimate how many guests will use the limos.  Then divide the number into two groups – those going to Tarboro and those going to Greenville.  That way when you contact the limousine rental company you will have all the necessary information to select the right wedding limo package.

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Will Japanese-American Wedding Guests Go For Charitable Party Favors?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi: Regarding Party Favors at a reception only event.

I have a cousin, who just told the bride, that there is a new trend in party favors.  In lieu of giving out party favors, the couple "donate to their favorite charity"

I am questioning this, because, first and foremost, this relative is NOT a wedding planner, nor does she have any background in weddings other then being a "guest."

I desperately need your advice, because the bride is from another country and has selected this "relative" to be her "wedding planner"

HELP  Helen from Los Angeles Ca

Many many thanks.

PS:  We are a American-Japanese family.  And I know that most of the relatives will be expecting a "token" favor.

The Celebration Advisor:

Donating to a charity is a very admirable thing to do.  Many couples are choosing to forgo the wedding party favors in lieu of a charitable donation.  While wedding favors are not a requirement, many couples give favors as a way to thank guests for participating in their day.  Many cultures believe the bride and groom must give guests a token of their appreciation.  Therefore the culture of the families involved dictates the proper etiquette concerning wedding favors.  For example, in Mediterranean countries the wedding favors are Jordon almonds which represent the bitter and sweet sides of marriage.

In the Japanese culture wedding guests are thought to bring luck with them for the bride and groom and thus should be given a gift (favor) in return.  I doubt that a charitable donation as a wedding favor would be deemed an appropriate gift in the Japanese culture.

Although it is nice to have family help plan your wedding, knowing the etiquette that governs all parts of the wedding is crucial.  It is essential that you follow proper etiquette so as not to offend any of your guests. That is why professional Los Angeles wedding planners are well versed in several cultures and their wedding traditions and etiquette.  This gives them the ability to incorporate contemporary fads with cultural wedding traditions.

I would highly recommend that your cousin consult a local Los Angeles wedding planner that can work with your family "wedding planner" to combine cultural wedding favors and etiquette with contemporary ideas.

If your cousin really likes the idea of a charitable donation party favor, I would combine it with a bag of candied almonds or chocolates.  This way the bride gets what she wants without offending her guests.

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Where Can I Find Plant Rentals In Calgary?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am looking for some plants to rent for a gathering on monday the 2oth of April…

i need
20 plants:

§ 6 tropical floor plant (bamboo palm, areca palm)

§ 6 ficus tree

§ 8 premium floor plant ( rhaphis palm, kentia palm)

Do you know if you can accommodate this ? Or know someone who can? Adam from Calgary

Celebration Advisor Reply:

The Wedding and Party Network directory has several members who rent plants for various occasions. Plant rentals, which are often used for decorations, can vary from place to place. Some will rent blooming plants while others will rent tropical plants, silk plants or even desert plants. Most will rent common houseplants. I'll start with a couple suggestions for the Calgary area and we can go from there.

Calgary Plant Rentals:
Red Rose Florist at 2004 Center St NE Calgary, AB T2E2T1 (403) 276-1184.
Panda Flowers (Southwood) at 155 – 10233 Elbow Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2W1E8 (403)253-8888.

You can call these shops to find out what type of plant rentals they have. You can also email these shops using the contact us section on their website. In the comment section let them know you want to rent plants in Calgary.

Keep me posted on your search. If I can help with anything else, please let me know.

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Dutch Treat Birthday Dinner Invitation

Dear Celebration Advisor: I am wanting to give my sister, who is fighting cancer, a surprise birthday dinner party. My husband and I cannot afford to pay for all the guests. On the invitation how would you word it so the guests know that the cost is $15.00 per person to attend. It is a rather awkward thing to ask so I do want to do it in a non-offensive way. Can you help me??? Thanks for your help! Anita

Reply:

This can be a tricky situation. According to Emily Post, you can't ask guest to essentially pay to attend. It is suggested that you cut the guests list down or find a less expensive venue. However, I don't necessarily agree that a party can't be "dutch treat".

This is how I usually handle those "dutch treat" parties. I don't send formal invitations. Instead I do my invites by phone or even email. When I send the invitation by email it goes something like this:

Sally's birthday is Friday May 8th. I am taking her to Godsey's restaurant for dinner at 7pm. I thought it would be a nice surprise if some of her friends were there to surprise her. I thought you might want to join us. The restaurant is going to reserve an area for our "dutch-treat" get-together. The entrees run anywhere from $15.00-$30.00. Please let me know if you will be joining us.

The most important thing is to keep the tone informal and not to declare host status. If you must send a printed invitation, keep in mind it must still reflect an informal party tone. My suggest is to word the invitation something like this:

The Friends Of Sally Miller
will gather on Saturday May, 10th
at 7pm at Godsey's Restaurant
to celebrate her birthday.

This gathering is a surprise!
To RSVP call
Jane Baker at 870-555-5555

This party invitation wording keeps the occasion tone informal. Notice the status of host is not declared in this invitation. When a party is "Dutch treat", it does not have a host per say. If you feel the need to include the term "dutch treat" on invitation do it at the bottom of the invitation like this

This gathering will be "Dutch Treat"
call Jane For restaurant information

I hope this information will help you plan a wonderful party for your sister. Please keep me posted.

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Where Can I Buy Fondant For A SpongeBob Cake

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm making my niece a Spongebob Squarepants cake for her second birthday but I don't know where I could purchase any roll out frosting? Could you tell me where I might find some? Laina

Celebration Advisor Reply:

I believe what you are calling roll out frosting goes by the name fondant. You can purchase fondant icing or make your own. I personally have no experience in purchasing or making fondant icing. However, I found a website that has very detailed instructions on how to make fondant icing. Go to Fondant Icing 101 – Marshmallow Fondant. These detailed instructions will walk you through the process with step-by-step instructions including adding food coloring and the proper technique for apply the fondant.

There are places that sell pre-made fondant as well as fondant mixes. Try a cake decorating supply store or a crafts store. I'm sure that there are place online that sell fondant but I not sure which ones to recommend. You might start with Wilton.com. They have fondant and all the cake accessories you need. Hopefully someone else will have others idea of where to buy fondant.

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