Customary / Solemnization / Wedding / Banquet

[xiaomantou]

efai Nope not gonna have all 150 guests witness the solemnization, probably not enough space because the hotel will provide only this small complimentary function room.

We're probably doing the tea ceremony before the solemnization and skip the FTB thing. All relatives gather at hotel, tea ceremony, solemnization. A small break in between (get changed + friends/colleagues start arriving) and commence lunch. Does that sound OK?

[efai]

usually tea is after the solemnization
since no fetch bride, the solemnization would mark u officially married
or else it's a bit weird..... drink tea first then get married....?
but if there is time constraint and both parties parents ok then you can go according to your plan
u can just wear the BG for the solemnization also, so no need to change gown.
or you can do it during the cocktail (30 minutes)
the hubby and parents around to receive guests can already

there are some couples who made all 150 guests witness the solemnization.
the solemnization set up would be on the stage in the banquet hall.
when couple march-in, they go directly onto the stage and commence the solemnization.
however, must request the JP to keep it short and simple or else 150 people would start to get impatient or disinsterested.
but of course, if the JP can add some spice and "entertain" the crowd it would be better.
after that pop the champagne and everyone stand up to toast (something like bringing forward the yam seng)
then commence lunch.

[xiaomantou]

efai Oooh because we have auspicious timing (1100 - 1259) for the ROM, so there are several constraints here and there especially with the tea ceremony ...

Actually the ROM, toast then commence lunch sounds like a superb idea. But that means my guests will have to arrive quite early and be having a slightly early lunch. But should be OK, I think?

But right now it seems like I can do:
1) Solemnization @ 11am, Tea Ceremony @ 12pm, Cocktail (30min), Lunch @ 2pm
2) Tea Ceremony @ 11am, Cocktail (30min), Solemnization at banquet hall @ 12pm + Lunch
3) Tea Ceremony @ 11am, Solemnization @ 12pm, Cocktail (30min), Lunch @ 1pm or 2pm

Such a headache trying to figure out the sequence!

[efai]

the solemnization ceremony would be around 15-20 minutes.
invite JP to sit down, invite witnesses to sit down.
couple march-in.
JP start talking
couple take oath
exchange ring
sign paper
take pictures
maybe just a few more minutes if need to do in 2 languages

tea ceremony can be done in the function room.
just need to re-arrange the chairs.
2 of the hotel staff can help to handle the tea-set.
one to hold the tray, the other to quickly rinse the cups and prepare next round of tea.
if not too many elders to serve tea, it can be done in 15-20 minutes as well.

did the hotel state what time they must commence lunch?
in case they need to end by a certain time (like max till 2.30pm) for turnover for afternoon/night event

since the guests who are attending the ROM would be arriving earlier, do not start lunch too late or they will be hungry or need to wait too long.....

[xiaomantou]

efai Hi babe! I think my tea ceremony may take up to 30 minutes as we have quite a few elders to serve. My lunch can commence early but gotta end before 4:30pm for the turnover.