40: Red bombs

November is full of red bombs and I have already got 3. Originally I would get one more, but it will crash with another one on the same day. ^^, haha……

Out of these 3, I am the wedding brother of 2, and my role in these 2 banquets is the same – PR. It is because I know more of the relatives, friends and colleagues of the bridegrooms so that I can recognize them quickly and give them a warm welcome (or kiss, haha). And then we will quickly tell the guests the table number of the table they are going to sit in, but many people will come to ask again because 9 out of 10 will forget the number after taking numerous photos, playing mahjong and cards, socializing with other guests, or coming out from a wonderful cig. If I were the guest, I would also forget the number easily since it is a very trivial thing, but in fact it is very important to the whole thing in order not to make embarrassments happen.

Another interesting experience is about names. PR will not know all guests and they have to ask the guests of their names in order to give them specific arrangements. “Hello sir, are you the friends of bridegroom or bride?” “Bridegroom.” “O ic.. how could I call you, sir? (after a few seconds) “Mr. Chan.” (how come? Many Mr. Chan in HK!!) “Let me see, Mr. Chan … … you are welcomed to sign here (the red cloth) first, please feel free.” (the signature is totally illegible) “Would you mind telling me your full name?” (after another few seconds) It is up to this time that the guest is willing to tell his name to you. But some guests are not as protective as this kind. “Hello sir, I am the classmate of bridegroom, and I am Miss ABC.” “Oh, hi Miss ABC, you could sign here first, and I see … … yes, you are in table 6. It’s right over there, you see the number card?” “Oh yes, thanks a lot!” These are 2 opposite kinds of guests.

Signature is also very funny. Guests are welcomed to sign on the red cloth, but the red cloth is often so large that one can hardly decide where to put their signatures. Guests tend to sign in the place where many signatures have been made. They seem feeling uncomfortable to sign on the emptier side and put a tiny signature on the bottom or between some bigger signatures. So the red cloth will end up in most signatures are blown to one side and the other side is obviously less crowded. In order to prevent this, things such as wedding photos, flowers and dolls will be used to cover the already-crowded part and somehow force the guests to sign on the more spacious side. It is understandable as Chinese people are more humble and not willing to be the outstanding one, yet still want to be visible in other aspects.

Even water can raise a topic. Being PR or in the reception, we always talk and speak up and it is very easy to be thirsty. When look up for waiters, all of them seem disappeared and of course they are busy in serving the guests. Always we have to walk and tell the waiter our needs, and he will give a sure OK to us. They responded very fast and fill our cups with steamy tea. We can just use up our limited air to blow and blow and then drink softly.

These are only a few of the many things happened in my experience. This is not purposed to complain anyone or any party for something. It is just an experience sharing and jokes entertainment for the wedding bros and sis who have worked very hard for the couple, and description and observation of different kinds of people in our society. Of course wedding is full of love, joy and wishes.

Best wishes for you