Some people believe a wedding is best remembered by the food that is served. And the Chinese take that belief seriously- er, maybe a little too seriously.

Ever wondered why the Chinese insist on lauriat receptions for weddings?

Mandarin Oriental`s Platinum Chinese package- comes with a Hong Kong honeymoon, inclusive of a round trip ticket for 2 persons, as well as a complimentary two night stay at The Excelsior, Hong Kong- to find out more, read on, =P

The dishes commonly served at Chinese banquets have special symbolisms, and usually carry wishes of happiness, prosperity, longevity or fertility. Below is a list of dishes you`ll usually be served with in a Chinese wedding banquet.

1. I`m sure environmentalists don`t agree, but old Chinese believe that shark`s fin soup symbolizes wealth and should therefore be on the banquet table at weddings. Because shark’s fin is a very expensive delicacy, the soup indicates wealth.

2. Abalone served with superior sauce is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

3. Chicken represents the groom as a man of energy and power, and is usually served with salad and fruits.

4. Scallops symbolize children, and a serving of this wishes the newlyweds lots of happy children.

5. Fish means abundance, it is served in the hope that the couple will experience a life together with abundance.

6. Vegetables are a sign of selflessness, to avoid conflicts between the newlyweds. A variety of vegetables is served with sea cucumber – which is also a sign of selflessness – because sea cucumber in Chinese sounds like “good heart,” and the hope is that this dish will encourage the couple to avoid conflict by embodying a good heart.

7. Roast suckling pig is usually served whole, a symbol of the bride’s purity (virginity).

8. Pigeon implies peaceful future. It is said the pigeon has tender meat, symbolizing peace. Most often, two pigeons are served to wish the newlyweds peace in their new life.

You’ll usually find tea, alcohol, and believe it or not, 7-Up at a Chinese wedding banquet. Tea is a sign of respect, alcohol celebrates the occasion, and in Chinese, 7-Up sounds like “seven happiness.”

7x of double happiness = a whole lot of happiness, =) No wonder this is the couples` and their family`s wedding drink of choice

Clearly, all the symbols are not ancient, but like “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” Chinese wedding symbols supposedly give the newly married couple a meaningful start in life.

Thinking of a lauriat banquet for your wedding?

Check out Mandarin Oriental`s customized Oriental theme and three other customized themes at their bridal fair on March 20 to 21.

The Oriental theme focuses on elegant Chinese traditions, using gold toned linens with Asian fans for accent. The themed table arrangements start at 18,000++ for a table of ten persons.

Going back to the free HK honeymoon- yes, it`s true!
So apart from the ff:
1. 2 roundtrip tickets to HK
2. 2 nights at The Excelsior in Causeway Bay, HK

You also get the ff:, for every minimum spend of 325,888+++ (for sit-down menus) and 346,888+++ (for buffet menus- minimum of 150pax)

3. Overnight stay in a deluxe room

4. 3-hr use of a bridal car
5. An ice carving with a floral arrangement
6. A string quartet by Bernie Pasamba or a mobile disco with mood lights
7. A bottle of Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial
8. One round of iced tea or soft drinks (7-Up?!)
9. 2-hr photo booth services by Bai Capture
10. A set dinner for 2 persons on the couple`s 1st anniversary.

Now those 10 freebies above are but pluses to the one important reason why Mandarin Oriental Manila should be in your list if you`re considering a lauriat reception- and that is what this post is about.

Food oh, glorious food- which is what Mandarin Oriental Manila is consistently known for.

A memorable banquet with delicious food, happy memories and freebies
that count.

Double happiness indeed!

For inquiries, call 750.8888 or email momnl-socials@mohg.com

Content sourced from www.buzzle.com and Wedding Essentials magazine

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