In urban China, some young couples tend to choose the more westernized wedding style. Getting married is joyous but tiresome. On their wedding day, Chen and her groom, accompanied by a bridesmaid and groomsman, stood at the gate of the hotel for hours greeting guests. When each guest was finally seated, it was time for the bride and the groom to make their entrance. With soft music playing in the background, the couple walked in arm-in-arm, smiling and noticeably happy. The guests welcomed the newlyweds with a standing ovation. When Chen and her groom arrived at the platform of the festively-decorated hall, the ceremony began with a man delivering an opening speech to congratulate the new couple. This was followed with the ritual of exchanging rings and taking vows of loving one another forever. Part of the ritual requires the newlyweds to each take a glass (usually filled with Champagne), intertwine their arms and take a sip as a gesture of their affection and love for each other. It is believed that after this display the newlyweds will love each other more dearly.
When the ritual concluded the banquet began, with guests wishing the new couple all the best with various toasts. Congratulations were expressed in different ways: Some family members tended to be more “polite”, giving red envelopes of money as a gift, the most popular wedding present in China. In most cases, a reception desk is ready at the entrance of the wedding venue, where guests are supposed to register their names and the amount of money they have brought as gifts. Young friends of the bride and groom preferred to have fun with the couple as their way of giving congratulations, adding a light-hearted atmosphere to the banquet.
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