Navan

Yes, wedding a BLAST! THey were beautiful, everything beautiful, just so wonderful to be around family too, some us don't get a chance to all be together that often. Also, I should say that besides garnishes for some dishes, some also had vegetables in them so I could pick out and discretely wipe off as I figured that there would not be enough seafood to set off allergies, and there wasn't (though a little sick that night but not a problem.) I tried to always have s.t. on plate, think a person should do that even if not eating. Cold Meat Platter Stuffed Crab Claw (10) Sliced chicken w/celery and snow peas Chicken in shark fin soup Abalone w/chinese greens Deep fried crispy chicken Double Lobsters w/ginger & onions Steamed whole fish Fried soft egg noddle Yang chow friend rice (but very mixed w/seafood and meat) Sweet red bean soup Double pastries One of the early courses had a white seaweed, looked kind of like a noodle, at first I thought it was a fish but wasn't - YUM.

It was not the slightest problem. The whole thing was too much fun, too much celebration! Some of my extended family was at my table and so made it easier, joking about not taking much because it was a twelve course banquet, but most dishes were fancied up with salad garnishes, some almost too beautiful to eat (but I did.) They also had a plain egg noodle dish, I ate that, good and I sure filled up on the sweet red bean soup course and the sweets! I should say and agree again with Browniebaker, it would have just been horrible to have made a fuss, a bother either ahead of time or while there, it just would not have been good. A large banquet is service by course, with lots of fun and games in between, and thank you's and such, it has nothing to do with yourself, only with your genuine joy and good wishes for the new couple and making your time there joyful in harmony and fellowship with everything.

Browniebaker, you have my answer, thank you! Your understanding and perspective are as beautiful as these two people who are getting married. I will relax and just celebrate! Navan

I've been reading about manners, banquets and the like. I am going to Chinese wedding banquet on Saturday for cousin's son. I am a bit worried as to how to handle all the courses and that around the table, don't want to seem rude. I am vegetarian for some 30 years and also allergic to seafood but know just about everything will have meat or seafood esp bc in a seafood restaurant. Usually when we go out I just get sep veg dish but doubt if this will happen here, will seem stupid, also not good to just eat veg and rice then sit around while everyone else goes through 10 courses or whatever then leaves the rich. Suggestions? Thanks! Navan