Chinese Wedding Banquet Table Setting

A Chinese Wedding Banquet Table Setting: has some basic principles and rules regarding placements that you need to follow. They are based on the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. In brief the aim is to achieve balance and harmony. In a house or room this is done by using a “Bagua Map”. The map divides a house or room into nine different sections, each one representing a different aspect of your life.

Wedding Reception Room:

Prior to considering the Chinese Wedding Banquet Table Setting, we should first look at the environment and the wedding reception room itself. The shape of the room, location of doors and windows, and the lighting, all needs to be considered prior to the placement of the tables and seating.

- lighting: an abundance of natural lighting is preferred, however, if the day is overcast of the reception being held in the evening plenty of light should be provided as it will add brilliance to the occasion. Chinese lanterns, torches and scented white candles, may all be used to give extra light .
- doors and windows: should be free from any blockages in order to allow the “chi” to flow freely.
- shape of the room: the aspect of the room that creates an axe or knife shape should be partitioned off

Chinese Wedding Banquet Table Setting:

There are several factors to consider as follows:

- tables: should ideally be round, perhaps oval. Square or rectangle tables have edges and cutting shapes that attract conflict and problems. They should not be placed in front of a door, entrance or exit way. They should be placed sufficiently apart to allow “chi” to flow freely.
- seating: ideally there should be eight people seated per table. Do not sit husband and wives, or single people directly opposite each other as this promotes opposition and tension. Sit single people next to each other.
- cutlery & crockery: should be matching, clean, and with no scratches or chips. Traditional round and oval Chinese crockery should be used along with chopsticks, although spoons should be provided for those who have not yet mastered the art.
- tablecloths & napkins: should never be paper. Use freshly starched linen, ensuring there are no stains on them. Fold your napkins in the shape of a fan. Red and gold are good colours as they represent abundance and wealth.
- lazy susan: avoid square or rectangular serving mats. Instead have a lazy susan (a large round which revolves) placed in the center of the table, upon which all dishes are placed.
- table decorations: avoid any clusters of four (four is associated with death). Have lucky symbols of good fortune, e.g. dragon, phoenix and buddhas. Alternatively have some gold fish in a glass container.
- flowers: always have a balance between light and dark and try and include orange blossom
- teapots: you will no doubt be served green tea. Ensure the teapot is removed from the table as it is badluck to have the spout pointing at anyone.

Finally, Feng Shui and the Chinese wedding banquet table setting does not stop here. Equal consideration needs to be given to the food. A balance between hot and cold, bland and spicy, dry and moist, etc. For further information click on the following link: Chinese Wedding Banquet