Wedding Ang Bao

2012 is finally coming to an end, and many of my friends got married this year!! Weddings are joyous occasions to celebrate love. But under the beautiful facet of love, it boils down to money. In Singapore, weddings are getting ridiculously expensive, because bridal shops and wedding venues know that they can only earn once from each couple in their lifetime, and couples are willing to spend extravagantly on a “once in a lifetime” event. As such, the prices just keep going up.

   

Yes, weddings are all about the depth of your pocket. From proposal ring, wedding bands, si dian jin, bridal studios, banquet venue, photography and videography, it cost!!! It is no wonder that the so call “rates for ang bao” is circulating on the net.

What are we advocating with such so call – rates??

Traditionally, ang baos refer to red packets containing money that symbolizes blessing. It is a token in the Chinese custom usually given out during Chinese New Year, weddings, baby showers etc. However, with such rates made known to guest, weddings are becoming commercialized fundraising ceremony for the reunion of two families. =(

Having said that, it is sad that some couples choose to hold lavish weddings they can ill afford, and when the ang bao received cannot cover their cost, they blamed everyone except themselves.  How can couples expect guest to pay exorbitant price for food that cost merely a few hundreds on a normal day, when the guest took time off just to attend the wedding? And at the end of the day, who are the ones laughing all the way to the bank?? The hotels!!!

As much as I believe that couples should spend within their means, guests should also turn down an invitation if he/she is not too close to the couple. It is quite upsetting and embarrassing to see empty seats and food wastage. Being a guest, it is just fair to give a token of blessing that they deemed appropriate for the friendship. It is all about balance.

The key for a wedding banquet is the celebration of love. If the objective is sharing of joy, not expecting to earn a bonus out from the ang baos, then all else matter less.

Just my two cents worth.

Alright, I am heading out with friends for a celebration. Merry Christmas and enjoy the joyous holiday!!! HoHoHo!!!