Asian Wedding Cakes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Asian inspired wedding cake?
   My fiancee is Cambodian and I would love to have a cake that is Cambodian inspired because the wedding/reception is in a traditional American style. Any suggestions? I am having a hard time finding any pictures online. Any pics would be greatly appreciated!

   • ANSWER:

     

     http://www.myweddingfavors.com/asian-fusion-cake-serving-set.html

     http://www.beau-coup.com/double-happiness-cake-toppers.htm

     http://www.bridalpeople.com/asian-wedding-traditions/

     http://www.confetticakes.com/wd3.html

     special cake #4

     http://www.carlocksbakery.com/special_cakes.html

     http://www.choffles.com/gallery2/v/wedding/WIMGP2106.JPG.html

     http://www.choffles.com/gallery2/v/wedding/WIMGP2045.JPG.html

     http://www.choffles.com/gallery2/v/wedding/WIMGP2103.JPG.html

     http://www.choffles.com/gallery2/v/wedding/WIMGP1812.JPG.html

2. QUESTION:
   Why Asian friends always post food pictures on Facebook?
   Like of cupcakes, of lobster, of an apple even. I don’t understand why anyone would take a picture of food unless it was like a wedding cake or something. It’s only my Asian girl friends, and they’re Vietnamese.

   Are they trying to show how much they eat and show off how skinny they are? It’s so stupid.

   • ANSWER:
     Ask her

3. QUESTION:
   Music for an Asian (Sikh) wedding?
   I am after some asian music to play for my friends wedding.
   I would like some ideas of music to play for the first dance, cutting of the cake etc. please help
   Any Asian songs would be appreciated – punjabi, hindi, bhangra etc

   • ANSWER:
     are you Laos?
     Because i am Laotian.
     or is it that Sikh is what you are?
     i dont kno im sorry but heres the best music that
     i like even though it does sound like thai :]

     Sek Loso(ft. Bird Thongchai)- Som Sahn

     people spelled it the wrong way and it’s Som Sahn

     or

     Bird Thongchai (ft. Jintara)- Mu Tum Mai

     i luv them both because they’re together
     oh this song is a dance song like pop music

     hope this helps, if not email me please
     :]

4. QUESTION:
   Suggestions for food Stations at cocktail wedding reception?
   I’m having an intimate classy cocktail wedding reception and would like to offer a variety of hors d’oeuvres in addition to the wedding cake and champagne.

   I was thinking maybe three stations each with a differnent theme. I am set on one with Asian flare. Any creative suggestions for the others???

   • ANSWER:
     A few stations I’ve seen at weddings are:
     sushi stations, martini bar, hors d’oeuvres station, chocolate fountain station, waffle/crepe station, fresh pasta stations, roast beef with all the trimmings station

5. QUESTION:
   Anyone know where I can find a sweet taro cake recipe?
   I recently went to a local asian supermarket (Viet Hoa in Denver, CO) and had a slice of packaged taro cake from California. It was a sweet, moist, and absolutely amazing slice of cake. Viet Hoa sells peeled and sliced fresh taro however I can only find savory cake recipes on the web. I am making a friend’s wedding cake and would love to make sweet taro cake as part of the cake tasting. Any help would be appreciated.
   The taro mousse cake is close but I am looking for a recipe that uses taro in the cake.

   • ANSWER:

     http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/TARO-ROOT-CAKE-WOO-TUL-GOW-100780

6. QUESTION:
   Any ideas for a mixed race wedding?
   I am a Shanghai born Asian musician and going to married a white Catholic guy in Dec. I have googled some western style weddings, but I really like to add some oriental detail to our wedding. Please share any ideas of a mixed culture wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, decoration, food, music, cake, wedding gown, bridesmaids’ dresses…

   • ANSWER:
     I envision a trendy Asian/Western fusion for the modern couple. Maybe a more traditional general setting with dashes of vivid color and flourishes of some of the following:

     -origami favors
     -take-out containers for cake boxes or for candy
     -Asian character as a cake topper (i.e. happiness, etc.)
     -chopsticks
     -Asian soup spoon holding a delicate won ton or gyoza dumpling as an appetizer
     -bamboo plants and orchid flowers for decorations
     -paper lanterns
     -paper fans
     -chocolate dipped fortune cookies w/personalized fortune
     -good luck coins as favors
     -serve your meal on low tables with pillows for seating
     -packets of tea/tea bags as favors
     -bundles of incense tied with ribbon as favors

7. QUESTION:
   What filling for a wedding cake with cherry blossom decorations?
   I am making a cake for a cake decorating contest.
   We’re to make a double layer, 8″, round cake.I’ve decided to make the top layer of my dream wedding cake. I will oneday (hopefully) make my own cake and will use this as a bit of practice.

   I will be using a white cake flavored with almond extract. I want to use some sort of filling, but not sure what to use.

   I’m not sure if the cake will be jade green (to continue the asian theme) or will be slightly off-white. The flowers will be whitish-pink to a light hot pink. They will be sprays of cherry blossoms.

   Here are my inspiration cake designs: http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/cherry-blossom-cake.html

   Thanks!
   Thanks for the suggestion!

   • ANSWER:
     We had a cherry blossom theme cake, but our cake was chocolate ganache with a raspberry filling:

     http://www.flickr.com/photos/38528542@N00/2416728322/

     I think raspberry would be perfect with white cake, too. If you are looking for something extra special, cherry blossom flavor is used in lots of sweets in Japan (cake flavoring, icing, jam, fillings, etc). Maybe you can find something online.　Like this:

     http://www.k-mannen.co.jp/page.sakurajamu.html

8. QUESTION:
   Wedding Cake Decorating Classes in the Philippines?
   Hi, I’d be grateful if somebody from the Philippines can recommend me a reputable cake decorating school/classes (for short courses) or individual cake artists/chefs who offer classes in Wedding Cake Decorating.I am a cake decorator myself (i think advanced beginner level) and would like to polish my skills in Cake decorating.Please don’t recommend me Wilton.I’d like to learn from those cake artists/Decorator who have their own personal touch and able to incorporate nuances of asian cultures and traditions in their designs.I have surfed the net and the Philippines I think has so many talented professional cake artists that you have to get a recommendation who among them is considered among the best.A URL address will be OK.I’ll check them out.thanks.

   • ANSWER:
     I would recommend Heny Sison culinary school. She is very talented and trained abroad. She personally teaches the courses. Her cakes are quite different and beautiful indeed. You might want to check her website for classes and call their office for advanced cake decorating classes.

9. QUESTION:
   Who has been to Asian weddings?
   I am getting married to a Vietnamese guy, and I hear that usually the guests arrive anywhere from an hour to 2 hours late for the reception. I want to print to invitations- 5:00 for the Vietnamese side, and 6:00 for the American side in hopes that we start everything around 6:30. Do you think that will work?

   Also, should we order some or’ dourvs (like eggrolls) for guests that actually show up on time? I don’t want them waiting around starving.

   Typically in a Vietnamese wedding, they don’t do the bouquet toss or garter. But we want to do that at our wedding. A lot of the older guests leave RIGHT after the cake, so should we do the toss before or after we cut the cake?

   Any other suggestions/things I should know about a Vietnamese/Asian wedding? My family is part Japanese, but the culture and traditions for weddings is way different than Vietnamese and Chinese culture and traditions.

   • ANSWER:
     I am Viet and have been to numerous Viet weddings and it is true that Viet time is an hour or two later that regular time. For instance if your supposed to be at a Viet person’s house to dinner at the exact time that they say, then chances are the food is not ready and you will be left waiting for some time.

     All of the weddings I have gone to have had bouquet and garter tosses in addition to some weddings games. Its really your choice as to whether you want to do it before or after the cake though I think that it is usually reserved for after the cake when everyone is ready to let loose and dance. The older people will probably leave after the cake cutting but usually don’t eat the cake and also only after their table is greeted by the bride/groom. At all the weddings I have gone to the bride and groom have to go to each table to personally thank their guests for attending. Also in Vietnamese tradition it is the groom’s side that is responsible for wedding expenses. It is also customary for the bride to change dresses 2+ times throughout the reception( one being the traditional Vietnamese dress called an Ao Dai[red], the american white wedding dress, and possibly another wedding dress-like gown but of a different color). And there is almost always a Vietnamese band and karaoke. Also Vietnamese weddings most of the Vietnamese guests will almost always give money instead of gifts which usually helps the couple pay for the reception venue, etc.

     Food is a MAJOR thing too in our culture. My cousin is currently planning his wedding and he just wants a small intimate affair but his traditional parents refuse to because they believe that if they have it any other place than a restaurant or banquet hall then guests will think the family is cheap. Also it is also customary to have about a 10 course meal at least(1st course: cold meat plate, 2nd course: sharkfin soup. 3rd: pekking duck, 4th: walnut shrimp…and so on the last being dessert. Not each person has a plate of these foods, each table gets a plate or two and each person eats what they want) Anything less is usually considered cheap though I don’t know why.

     Also if you are planning on doing the traditional “wedding”, where the grooms family has to bring “gifts” to the brides family and then “sweep” the bride back to the grooms house for the ceremony then well thats alot more work. What I personally suggest is to blend your cultures. My fiance is caucasian and so the wedding will be a traditional american wedding and then our reception will be more Asian. Goodluck let me know if you need any more info!

10. QUESTION:
    What do you think of our wedding menu?
    My fiance and I live in England and are getting married in the US ( where I am from). When I was home, we planned out a menu that we loved. We are working with a very nice caterer and spending a lot more than expected. I was very excited about our menu until coming on here and seeing people who 2 or 3 different menu options. It makes me nervous as we only have one ( and a vegetarian dish for the 2 vegetarians coming). I dont think we need to add anything as its a very good menu and a very formal seated dinner. What do you think? Should we include more options? Would you eat this food?

    Cocktail Hour

    Cheese Display
    Fruit Display
    Veggie Display

    Passed Hor devours
    Maryland Crab Balls
    Sesame Chicken Skewers in Asian mustard
    Hibachi Beef Skewers

    First Course
    Caesar Salad

    Main Course
    6oz grilled chicken breast topped with butter cream and white wine sauce and 4oz Petite Filet Mignon
    Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
    Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

    Dessert
    Wedding Cake ( 3 tiered)
    Assorted Pastries
    Ice Cream Sundae bar
    Grooms Cake

    ** Open bar from 6:30-11:30
    I am from Maryland and really wanted to incorporate more seafood but my Fiance is english and hates any sort of fish so I had to stick with chicken!

    • ANSWER:
      Crab cakes???

      I”M IN!!!!! LOL!

      Congratulations. You menu sounds delicious. I’m a very picky person and your menu sounds absolutely fantastic. I’m sure your guests would be not only impressed, but delicghted by your wonderful choices. Good job!

      Good luck

11. QUESTION:
    Flower arrangement ideas for a pink/white themed wedding
    I will be making my own arrangements and desprately need some ideas. Its a pink/ white wedding theme. The table cloths are white w/ pink runners and black chairs w/pink sashes. I have pink and white paper lanterns and a pink cherry blossom cake–kinda going for an SLIGHT asian theme. I want to also add sme color so I dont overdo it with the pink and white but I have NO IDEA what colors would look nice and compliment the scenary.

    The vases my FIL bought are just simple textured clear vases. Fat at the bottle and skinny at the top.

    Here’s the closest pic I could find. Yea, boring.

    http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:-ovmYQZOFX8O2M:http://www.alfonsosbreakawayglass.com/products/Glass/362.jpg

    • ANSWER:
      Pink chrysanthemums. They have a center with a little black in them and are very asian.

12. QUESTION:
    I need help planning my evening cocktail wedding?
    The wedding is for 70 & 5000 budget.I also want to add an asian theme to it. any ideas for food, cake, decor, invit’s, or anything. It will help me out…..THANK YOU!!

    • ANSWER:
      Join OffBeat Bride – lots of planning help there – http://offbeatbride.ning.com/ – there was just a couple there who had a “WISH TREE” – http://www.flickr.com/photos/hopemeng/2112679096/
      Look through the Gallery of Brides for more ideas!
      Also Oriental Trading – http://www.orientaltrading.com/application?namespace=search&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=button.search&Ntt=asian&x=0&y=0&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0 has lots of nice stuff like fans, candy envelopes, candles, and more, that you could order for your wedding!

13. QUESTION:
    How can I tie this into my wedding?
    Before I go any farther let me say this clearly. I have a very small budget I can not afford catering I am having a cake and champian reception only. That being said me and my guys first date was in an Asian food restaurant, most of our most romantic dates were at sushi bars and we both love anime. Is there any way i can bring in something to tie this in too our day other then food? I really don’t want to make it cheesey either. anything would help. thank you

    • ANSWER:
      Paper lanterns for lighting and origami centerpieces. The paper lanterns are very inexpensive, simple and offer beautiful, soft lighting. the origami centerpieces are a cheap and fun way to add uniqueness to your wedding.

      Good luck with everything!

14. QUESTION:
    I need help finding an Asian chef drama?
    I watched the show about three years ago and only remember a little.

    It’s about a woman that wants to be a pastry chef. I think that the first episode she’s in a hotel lobby and gets dumped by her boyfriend, she runs into the restroom crying, but it turns out she’s run into the men’s restroom instead of the women’s.
    Later she tries to give a cake to a hotel pastry chef but is rejected, instead she shoves the cake into the face of a store manager (i think) of another store, and he tells her to work for him.
    All this time she uses a made up name, because she doesn’t like the one her parents gave her. The name turns out to be the same name of the woman that broke the manager’s heart. His parents want to know if he has moved on from that girl so the main character and him pretend that they are dating to make them happy.
    In another episode it turns out that her friend is getting married to her ex-boyfriend, and she is supposed to make the wedding cake.

    Well I hope that there is enough information that SOMEONE will know what I am talking about. Thank You for the help.

    • ANSWER:
      I’m pretty sure you’re talking about the Korean drama called ‘My Name is Kim Sam Soon’.

15. QUESTION:
    How can I tell my mom nicely not to inter fear with my wedding plans?
    I am an asian womon in my 30′s & my mom is still controlling me. In my culture we have arranged marriages. For the past 10 years my mom has tried to force me to marry men whom I hardly even knew. Some had really bad habbits & my mom said that they would change after I marry them. One guy freaked out because she even tried to fix my wedding date & where & when I should marry him even before met the guy. I was so disapointed with everything & gave up on finding a man. But out of the blue I met a wonderful man on my own & fell in love. Now we are engaged to be married & mom still is trying to interfear in our wedding plans. She even told me who should be my briedsmaid, what color of flower I should have in my cake, who should be my witness, how many should attend my wedding. My fiance & I are paying for our own wedding & planning it too. She got pretty upset with me last week about my wedding. Now we are ok. She wants a ring bearer when we said the best man will hand out the ring.

    • ANSWER:
      First of all congratulations on your engagement. You are about to embark on a whole new chapter in your life.

      Be very open and honest with your mom. Tell her how you feel in a civil manner.

      She loves and cares and wants the best for you that is why she is dong this (believe me I did not understand this until after I got married and had 2 children).

      Take her to lunch and buy her something nice and then let her know. This will show that you care for her and you want to keep the lines of communication open. Let her know that this is your wedding day and you do want her to be a part of it.

      Hope all works out for you.

      God Bless….

16. QUESTION:
    I need to find a frosting recipe.?
    I’m looking for a recipe for a butter cream type icing that’s not so extremely sweet like the usual ones are. An Asian friend of mine brought a cake to work one day that she had made and the icing was buttery but very mildly sweet and light. I’ve lost contact with her and wish I had gotten her recipe. I’m the type that will scrape off the icing on birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, etc. because they are extremely sweet. Anyone have a great recipe for me that won’t put me into sugar shock?

    • ANSWER:
      You’re describing a meringue buttercream. Making one is a bit more involved than regular American buttercream, but it’s got exactly the light, buttery taste that you’re looking for.

      Here’s a recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/SWISS-MERINGUE-BUTTERCREAM-109239

17. QUESTION:
    does this sound like enough food?
    We are having a heavy Hors d’œuvres reception with beer, wine, soda and captain.
    The menu I have so far is as follows

    Asparagus & Spinach Mini Bread Bowls – 96 of these

    Jalapeno & Cheese Mini Bread Bowls – 96 of these

    Club Spirals- 60ish of these

    Turkey Spirals- 60ish of these

    Salami Spirals- 60ish of these

    Ham & Pineapple Skewers

    Surf & Turf Skewers

    Crab Cakes- 200 mini crab cakes

    Meat Balls – 5 lbs, can get another 5 lbs if needed

    Asian Wings- 10 lbs worth

    Chicken with ??? Skewers

    Fried ??? Ravioli – 100 of these

    Oh also having cheese, pepperoni and crackers with olives and pickle platter and a veggie platter with grapes and 2 dips for it.

    We are serving a wedding cake and 5 types of mini desserts
    Does this sound sufficient for 80-90 guests?

    It will be noted on the invitations that this is a cocktail and Hors d’œuvres reception. Time of ceremony is 5pm, reception to follow. I was planning to wait to put food out till closer to our arrival to the reception location.

    • ANSWER:
      I would totally say YES it does sound like more than enough food.

18. QUESTION:
    Alternatives to pay-your-meal wedding “reception” in light of pending baby?
    Facts: We’re expecting! Large family, doesn’t know. Bumped up wedding date. Tight budget & time-frame. Forgoing engagement ring & honeymoon but not church ceremony; city hall not an option. Cut guest list. Can’t agree on memorable & cost-effective destination wedding + family will complain & expect reception anyway. Can’t use someone’s house, can’t borrow money, too hot for park BBQ here. We’re 28 & 31.

    Current best idea = invite ppl to church ceremony & arrange restaurant dinner but ppl pay for meal in lieu of gifts. We provide cake & contribute what we can to final dinner bill. We’re asian – guests normally give money (gifts are tacky – total opposite of American stds).

    Australian friend votes fine – youngest sister votes horrible. Don’t want to be tacky, but stressed about money & planning – bad for baby. Re: buffet / hor d’ouerve reception in church – I hate buffets, it increases costs & family will complain anyway.

    Feedback/other alternatives? Doesn’t feel like ‘my’ day.
    Thanks for positive feedback. We were considering postponing the reception in a year and the just-us post-ceremony dinner idea turned into a possible reception replacement. Just for the record, the church ceremony & bumping up our date are things I want – for me and hubby and baby – not for my family (their religion is commercialism). Food & reception details, decoration colors/styles, location, # of wedding gowns (yes multiple, its stupid), etc. are mostly family commentary.

    No thanks for negative feedback/criticism. Not trying to ‘kid’ anyone – we’re old enough to be past that and have given careful thought to this. My parents had 4 kids before getting married after all. We’ll announce when the 1st trimester/miscarriage risk has passed. Pls refrain from answering if you’re going to be critical about what I can’t change. I get enough of it from my family & didn’t post to get it from strangers.

    Really appreciate the positive ideas guys!
    Liz is right, ppl will complain regardless. EM’s right, our vows are what’s impt. Laura, I don’t feel comfortable taking the chance that the gift money falls short of covering the reception cost – only b/c of the baby. We can provide catered food @cost, but we’ve run into a wall locating a venue at this late date which permits outside catering & is inexpensive to rent & decorate. Our church is booked the 1 wkend ppl are all free. Guest list is *just* family and closest friends. We either change our date (& upset ppl) or change venues – other churches are booked, secular inside venues are expensive or unavail, outside venues ok for early morning quick ceremony only. Weekday idea nixed by family.

    Nope, parents aren’t helping. I don’t care about gifts – already told sisters no gifts at bridal shower. Per EM, big reception show is for them. I care about baby, hubby, vows, budget/future, & minimizing stress & family drama as much as possible. & getting at least 1 good wedding photo!
    I’m NOT HIDING ANYTHING – my family can do the math. A LOT of people DON’T announce pregnancy until past the 1st trimester. And I’m not going to sit and justify why I want to marry beforehand – I’m SICK of this question – simply that I have reasons that people need to accept as valid and right for ME and for US.

    If it comes down to it, I’d rather have a private ceremony w/just me and hubby and skip all the stupid wedding planning commercial drama. Eloping / destination weddings are highly appealing, and something we’re keeping in mind. But I’m trying to explore all my options; I know it would hurt my family’s feelings doing this. The party’s for them, not for us or for the baby – the ceremony and the vows are for us and the baby.

    So much needless stress over trying to be a princess for a day, I don’t understand it at ALL!!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      I say just have a cake and punch reception at the church afterward. I think even in lue of gifts asking guests to pay for their own meal is tacky. Not to mention then you can have your monetary gifts to use for your new baby since you are already budgeting a cake anyway.

19. QUESTION:
    Wedding dinner ideas?
    I want to have a LIGHT dinner at my wedding (which is about a year and half away), and I want to start getting some good ideas on what to serve. I don’t want to do a full sit down dinner. There will be champagne, beer, wine and select mixed drinks for free. I’m going to send a solid 300+ invites, so this is a large wedding, and it will be at a Greek church. I’m not greek but was raised orthodox through partial adoption, I’m actually asian, with mostly caucasian friends. Based off that, what are some nice yet filling hors d’œuvre i could serve? Oh and there will be a large/rich/expensive cake that will be served later. Also one more thing, it’s going to be a spring wedding.
    these are AWFUL ideas for a cheap wedding. i’m not having a cheap wedding with potato salad and cole slaw and chicken fingers…ugh…that’s so redneck.

    • ANSWER:
      Since you have a large wedding and want to keep the costs down, why not have a brunch or lunch reception ?
      At dinner time, people expect a large meal.
      Your whole wedding will cost less for the same things at different times.

      Get married at 11 am.Start the reception at 12:30 .
      You can offer egg dishes,waffles,bacon, juices, breads and do lunch foods such as a ham or turkey with all the expected sides.

      Most people will be gone by 4-5 pm and you have a long evening to rest and relax.
      I hope you give that idea some thought.

20. QUESTION:
    Wedding reception ideas with no dancing?
    Ok so my fiance and I are both Christian, yet his family is baptist therefore they dont allow dancing. So we opted for an outdoor backyard evening event, asian themed, candle lit and romantic. Background music with no dancing. I wanted to make it romantic, memorable but also something that our guests (which is only close family and a handful of friends for a total of 32 people) can enjoy and remember. It is to start at 6:30 in the evening, what are your ideas as to what should be done and in what order should it be done? 6:30-7:00 ceremony (we opted for a SHORT ceremony)… and then what happens after that?! Granted, i’m not going for a 4 hour reception being that there is no dancing. There is a buffet dinner. I’m thinking of games, dont know which. Obviously the speeches and toast, the cake and food time. What else should happen and in what order does this all happen? Thanks! (PLEASE DO NOT TALK ABOUT HOW BORING A WEDDING IS WITHOUT DANCING. I’M ASKING FOR ADVICE FOR A WEDDING WITH NO DANCING, NOT ASKING FOR THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER, THANKS)

    • ANSWER:
      I’d suggest a poker tournament.

21. QUESTION:
    What do you think of this menu for a wedding?
    I’m not actually getting married, but am planning my wedding anyway(think what you will of that, lol)…so please no “It’s your wedding…do what you want” answers. So this is the menu I’m thinking of (quite tentative, of course, but still…)

    It’s 4 courses
    Bread, Soup, n Salad
    Sides & Main
    Dessert
    and a full tea

    so this is what I’m thinking
    Bread (guests pick one) – Rye, Pumpernickel, or Cracked Pepper
    Soup (guests pick one) – Radish Leek Stew, Spicy Lentil, or Borscht (beet soup)
    Salad (guests pick one) – Greek Salad, Asian Spinach Salad, or Baby Greens & mixed “enliveners”(fennel, mint, cilantro, lime, ginger etc)

    Mains(Guests pick one)
    California rolls
    Mushroom caps stuffed with saffron fruited kasha
    or miniature asparagus quiches

    Sides(guests pick two)
    wasabi pea salad
    curried pineapple jicama salad
    sesame purple coleslaw
    five bean salad
    sweet n sour tricolor pasta salad
    honey mustard eggplant strips

    Desserts(guests pick one)
    Maple Violet Creme Pie
    Apricot Rhubarb Pie
    Rum Raisin Pie
    btw no the cake is not “dessert” in this instance because we’d cut it the day of the ceremony and the reception will be the next day.

    teas will be as follows
    appetizer teas are green, red, or black
    main teas are hibiscus, jasmine white, or lemongrass
    dessert teas are chamomile, irish breakfast, or chai spice

    So…what do you think of this menu for a wedding? Which ones would you pick?
    ok, let me add a few side details, for those who’re wondering.
    1. This is just one aspect of it, yes I have other stuff just as planned out.
    2. Money is not an issue.
    3. Yes, I am vegetarian. The mini-quiche IS the “meat option”.

    Thanks. =)

    • ANSWER:
      I think for one you have too much time on your hands. NOw , your ideas are very expensive, unless your SEC is upper crust you’re going to be in debt before you say “I DO”. However, since this is just pretend….

      Drop the rye , add a plain roll
      Those soups are too much. Simplify it , you don’t want to make your guest uncomfortable.
      The salads are fine, I agree with above poster to take one out and add a simple green salad.
      You want a riot?? Offer a meat entree. Lemon chicken would fit in well with the rest of the menu. Most ppl will eat chicken.
      Add a simple side as well. just good ole green beans or something, roasted potatoes maybe.
      The desserts all sound delish. Who cares if they wont eat it more for you.

      Now , i have to wonder what economic and social cross section your guests will be from. Even upper crusts want meat and potatoes. Unless your entire guest list will be vegan, in which case go for it. For the record, Im vegan and i wouldnt eat half of what was on the menu .

      *** ROFL no that quiche is NOT a “meat option” . Don’t be absurd. Meat comes from an animal, most ppl really enjoy cows and chickens and pigs. Offer chicken or warn your guests before they arrive that the menu is vegetarian/vegan. My boyfriend is NOT a vegetarian and would be infuriated if I didn’t let him know a head of time so he could grab a burger. Then he would sip on a cup of tea during the dinner and maybe have a roll.

22. QUESTION:
    Should I miss my mom’s birthday and another drama rehearsal to make up for a wedding I didn’t get to attend?
    On Saturday I am invited to come to my fiance’s extended family weekend trip to a beach house in order to celebrate two recent weddings. Two weeks ago, my fiance’s cousin got married and I had to miss it due to travel. We are particularly close to this cousin because she lives with my fiance (big Asian family house… my fiance’s mom and dad and brother, one aunt and her three adult children live there). Three months ago I also missed her brother’s wedding (which I promised his wife I would attend) due to a lousy case of common cold.

    I had wanted to attend this family weekend quite badly, except that there are two problems: it’s on my mom’s birthday, and I have a rehearsal for a drama exam.

    But then my mom would be busy on her birthday; she’s hosting a karaoke party with her friends (mostly in their 50′s and 60′s), and I wouldn’t be interested in attending that. I’ve also gotten a present for her and am planning to get a cake. I know she would have wanted me to spend the day with her before the karaoke party; but then I live with her, so she sees me everyday anyway. I can wish her happy birthday before I go to bed on Friday night, and perhaps make up for the quality time next week (my birthday will be on 14 July).

    My drama rehearsal is from 1 PM till 5 PM. It’s for an international exam, which I will need to pass as a requirement for graduation, but my role is voice acting so I don’t really need to be there for blocking or costumes. I’m a good performer and give my absolute best to live out my character, but I’ve been missing some practices due to travel, sickness, and a 3-day compulsory government examination. I’d hate to miss another one, but whenever I do sacrifice something important in order to make it to practice, I usually end up disappointing myself. The director and producer are disorganized, people come late and finish late, the expectations they make are unrealistic, a lot of gossiping and backstabbing, sometimes they run out of time and don’t end up rehearsing my scenes at all, and I just don’t get along with those people. I have to put up with them MONDAY TO FRIDAY already! Two weeks ago my brother left home to start his life in another country, and I regretfully missed taking him to the airport for a rehearsal that turned out to not even need me.

    I honestly love my fiance’s extended family and have been looking forward to a chance to spend time with them like this weekend away; it only happens once in a blue moon and I wouldn’t want to miss this. July is a very stressful month for me so I really could use a short escape with a pleasant family I’m planning to become a part of.

    So I guess the bottom line is… should I trade off a weekend I’ve been looking forward to in exchange for four hours of lousy practice? I would have already practiced Friday and will be practicing Monday again. But that aside… what would be the right thing to do, why is that the right thing to do, and how do I make up for the thing(s) I will have to miss in order to make that choice?
    OK never mind my mom’s birthday, I got that taken care of. What about my DRAMA REHEARSAL for the exam? Can I justify leaving one more rehearsal for this weekend away? I’ll do fine on D’Day because I did all my homework and continue to work on it while away, but I really don’t want to build up resentment with my director.

    • ANSWER:
      Attend the functions you promised to attend. Have a party for your mother before you leave and then go to the weekend thing. Backing out after agreeing to go is rude, yes, and ditching one’s mother’s birthday is rude too, but you have to pick which to go to.

      Adult birthdays are just not as big a deal as kid’s birthdays, and if you can just have a little celebration before or after you get back, that should be more than enough. Just make sure your mother doesn’t feel forgotten.

23. QUESTION:
    Wedding Cocktail Reception Food?
    We are having a cocktail style reception and are currently trying to figure out our menu. Below is a sample of what we have come up with so far. Do you think this is enough food?
    Any suggestions?

    Based on 140 guests:

    100 Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
    100 Grilled Chicken Satay
    100 Asian Egg Rolls
    100 Conch Fritters
    200 California Rolls
    Buffalo Chicken Wings
    Swedish Meatballs
    Imported & Domestic Cheese Display
    Smoked Salmon Display
    Stir Fry Station (Attended)
    Cake
    Half of the hor dourves will be passed at the beginning of the reception and some during.

    The food & beverage manager hasn’t been much help with the menu. We have eaten at the club a few times lately and it has been really good. Actually their normal menu has better options than the special events menu.

    I’m taking the advice below to add fruit, veggies and a salad. Taking wings out.

    • ANSWER:
      I would increase the number to reflect at least one per guest. Granted some won’t eat one of each but you’ll have people that will eat 2 or 3.

24. QUESTION:
    Ready for my wedding?
    I am just so happy I am getting married,this friday to the love of my life Kevin Brown.I have everything planned dress pick out.My flower girl is my 5 year old step daughter Destiney.Our theme is the silver asian theme.I am so happy I love everything in my life the ring bearer is my son 3 year old son Michael.I just need to send in the design of the cake and we are ready.I love my life,what it is and what it will be.My life will be completed on August 10,2008 when my daughter is due to be born.
    The question is how should I decorate the cake.And how to make a marriage last long for the rest of your life.
    I do believe communication is the key to a good marriage because my son’s dad was once my fiance until I found out he got my older sister pregnant like tell me don’t let me find out.
    I did design the cake but I need some more design’s to make it complete

    • ANSWER:
      You sound a bit hyper. OK, you have the right to be happy! If you are hyper all the time, you might try varying your speed. If you are bubbly and talk all the time, he will get to where he doesn’t listen like my guy of 45 years of marriage. If I want him to listen to me, I have to get his attention by telling him that I need to tell him something important. I guess what makes a marriage last is love, patience and forgiveness. You have to make each other feel important. Congrats and best wishes!!

25. QUESTION:
    program for reception?
    my family’s asian. so for the wedding reception i’m including the following….

    intro of bridal party
    chinese lion dancers (this is to chase away bad spitits)
    intro of bride and groom
    bride and groom first dance

    dinner

    during dinner,
    -chinese tea ceremony (only my in laws and my mom and dad)
    -the napkin game (those that’s left holding the napkin on each table ends up doing the twist for bride and groom)
    -scavenger hunt musical chairs

    no wedding party dance

    cutting of cake

    dancing for everyone

    so does this sound like a lot to all of you?
    reception is from 7-12am

    • ANSWER:
      It depends how much time you have for the reception. You will be surprised how fast it actually goes by! This doesn’t sound like too much though. Just be prepared that during dinner people will want to be talking to you and bothering you adn interrupting you from having the tea ceremony and the napkin game. It always happens. Also, think what is really important to you. If you want to dance a whole bunch then cut out some stuff so you can dance more. If that is not a big deal for you then don’t worry about it. Make sure you really take the time to look around and see what is going on around you because it will be a blur later. Enjoy the time and the fun and the food. We had about the same amount of stuff at my reception and we fit it all in in about 4 hours so you are good!

26. QUESTION:
    Did anyone else in the WORLD watch Glee episode 14 this week?
    And where can I find it to see it again?

    Here’s what happens: They have a bake sale to raise money for a wheelchair accessible school bus for Archie. Sue ends up donating the money b/c it turns out she has a sister with Down Syndrome; this is also the reason she replaces Quinn with a girl with down syndrome. Puck seduces Rachel because they’re both “hot Jews” and the wedding is still on b/t the counselor and the coach, which confuses me b/c I thought the wedding was off…as per episode 13. Also, Puck raises a ton of money for the bake sale by spiking the cup cakes and tries to give the money to Quinn for their baby b/c Finn can’t get a job to help out, which also baffles me b/c in episode 13 Finn finds out the baby isn’t his! Then Finn ends up finding a job as a wheelchair repair guy (or something) but has to pretend to be handicap.

    Oh, and also, Sue is in a super great mood in the beginning because she’s getting some ass from a guy from the news station. And then she begins training for a swing dance competition with him and has a zoot suit made for herself and then finds out the guy is also sleeping w/ the co-anchor and goes back to being a bitch.

    And Rachel and Kurt have a sing-off for a part, but Kurt throws it b/c his dad is getting harassing phone calls due to Kurt’s sexuality.

    And Archie and the Asian girl make out, but then he brakes up w/ her because she admits she’s not really a stutterer…she made it up years before as a coping mechanism.

    I’m confused!!! What happened? How did the Emma’s wedding go from off in last episode to back on in this one? How did Finn go from being PISSED OFF at Quinn in last episode to being bossed around by her and trying to help her out in this one??? SOMEBODY ELSE OUT THERE HAS TO HAVE SEEN THIS EPISODE!

    • ANSWER:
      If you are watching them on FOX for the past couple of weeks they have been doing random episodes…none of them are really coherant and are not in order….so you gotta watch them in order. I think www.hulu.com has all the GLEE episodes. You can watch them there. But FOX has been randomizing them.

27. QUESTION:
    How to use Mac makeup?
    I never ever wear makeup on a normal basis but because of a wedding last night, I went to a Mac counter to get my makeup done. The lady was nice but made my face looked like a cheap Asian whore. I don’t like being so caked on. If there was a celebrity’s makeup I like, it would be Anne Hathaway’s.

    Because of the rule, I bought this gray eyeshadow, eyebrow pencil, and powder. I also have other drug store products at home so how do I create a natural look?

    I was only looking for makeup to enhance my features not change how I look.

    • ANSWER:

28. QUESTION:
    what is the order of activities at a reception?
    I’m asian and never dreamed that i would be having anything but my own traditional wedding but my fiance is black and we’ve decided that we’ll have the traditional american wedding instead. I have to plan everything because our budget doesn’t fit a wedding coordinator. Now I have no idea how the order of activites is for a wedding reception. I know there is dinner, dancing by the couple, father/bride, mother/groom, bouquet toss, cake cutting, but what is the best way of order and is there anything that i might be missing in activities? some friends advised that i should have some games, but what kind of games should be played at a reception?? help please…

    • ANSWER:
      This was our timeline -

      2 p.m. – Ceremony, about 40 min, out of church by 3
      Then we went for formal photographs.
      5 p.m. – Cocktails
      6 p.m. – Dinner – the wedding party arrives just before dinner starts. We had time for a bit of a break at my mom’s house after we were done at the photography studio, which was wonderful!
      After dinner, program
      about 7:30 – cake cutting
      about 8 p.m. – first dance, family dances, wedding party dance, open dance
      about 10:30 – break for bouquet/garter toss just before late lunch is served
      Then dancing resumes as long as you have your venue, music, liquor license.
      Ours went til 1 a.m. – but we left before midnight.

      I’ve never heard of games being played at the reception, but that could be a regional thing…

29. QUESTION:
    *Getting Married Oct 2010- Need Cherry Blossom Ideas?
    My fiance is asian, so we would like to have a Ameri-Asian style. *We would like to have the same theme from the wedding carry on to the reception. I would like to have baby pink, white and a rich chocolate brown, we would like cherry blossoms, for the reception. So.. we need ideas how to decorate with silk ones. Real ones are very fragile and would never make it through the entire reception ( 5 hours) so any ideas, or cake ideas.. even DIY is fine.. also invitations.. i have looked everywhere online it seems and cant find something that looks childish. *Please Help lol!

    • ANSWER:
      What country is he from? That might help people give you some ideas. Asia is very broad.

      My husband is Japanese. We got married in the US but wanted touches of cherry blossoms in the wedding. Our colors were pink and brown as well. I used cherry blossoms on our invitations, programs, cake, favor boxes, wish tree (instead of guest book). I did not attempt to use them for the table centrepieces or bouquets, as I wanted fresh flowers. Go over to the link below and you can see some of the items, I have posted a few pics. I have lots more pics so feel free to email me and Ill send you the link to that as well

      http://www.flickr.com/photos/38528542@N00/2505205971/

      There is so much you can do with cherry blossoms. Have fun planning!

30. QUESTION:
    Would you eat here? Sample Menu included!?
    HI i’m opening up a classy meets family styled bistro. It’s going to be like a cheap yet family elegant spot where every one is welcome.
    Here’s the menu:

    Soups and Salads;
    -all veggie
    - warm chicken- dried cranberry salad tossed with walnuts and either creamy poppy seed dressing or sweet and tangy raspberry vinaigrette
    - classic ceaser salad (chicken optional)
    - savory steak-balsamic vinaigrette salad
    -southern bell salad (lettuce,corn,black,beans, and spicy yet creamy dressing)
    - pacific grilled shrimp salad
    - onion soup with a melty-gooey mozzarella cheese cover
    - grandma’s wedding soup
    - kicky santa fe chicken and rice soup
    - classic vegetable soup
    - slow simmered beef stew
    - home cooked beef and barely soup
    - Little mexico’s tortilla soup garnished with avocado

    Chicken:
    - spicy chicken breast on bun with sauteed mushrooms, lettuce and tomato served with sweet potato fries or regular fries
    - mom’s stuffed-swiss cheese- asparagarus-chicken breast with mushroom risotto
    - Chicken in a tangy-orange glaze over a bed of white or brown rice
    - Plain and simple grilled chicken breast with Parmesan couscous
    and steamed veggies
    -M.E.W tropical chicken breast with caramelized onions on bun served with sweet potato fries or macaroni salad
    Steak:
    -asian inspired steak thrown over a bed of rice and scallions
    - dad’s steak dinner. grilled steak with a garlic or plain mashed or baked potato, and asparagus
    - mouth watering burger ( classic burger with fries, sweet potato fries or onion rings)
    -steak sandwich on bun and fires (man’s meal)
    Fish-
    linguine and clams
    coconut shrimp
    brown sugar Salmon with mushroom-parmesean risotto
    Desert-
    cheesecake (strawberry, chocolate, or original)
    (M.W.C)Hawaiian pineapple cake
    red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
    carrot cake
    green tea cake with vanilla frosting
    hot apple turnover with vanilla ice cream
    creme brule
    apple-cherry cobbler with ice cold ice cream
    hot bubbly brownie with cold ice cream
    Giant ice cream Sandwich

    All alcohol rights are signed too! Please tell me what you think. and maybe even what’d you order. I also do catering for events i have a bakery section too! Thanks SO much!

    • ANSWER:
      I would definately eat here! There are just the right amount of choices – not too few not too many. Sounds like something for everyone. (kids menu would be nice since you are doing family meets classy) I would order the warm chicken cranberry salad, tortilla soup, chicken in tangy orange glaze w/sweet potato fries or coconut shrimp, definately creme brule for desert! Where are you planning on opening this resturaunt?

31. QUESTION:
    Suggestions for food Stations at cocktail wedding reception?
    I’m having an intimate classy cocktail wedding reception and would like to offer a variety of hors d’oeuvres in addition to the wedding cake and champagne.

    I was thinking maybe three stations each with a differnent theme. I am set on one with Asian flare. Any creative suggestions for the others???

    • ANSWER:
      Here are some suggestions that I have used at various weddings that have been a hit:

      chocolate fountain
      sushi/sashimi display
      prime rib w/ mashed potatoes served in a martini glass
      petit fours/mini dessert display
      martini bar (use signature drinks – 2 or 3 specific kinds color-coded to your wedding colors)
      tapas station

32. QUESTION:
    Wedding reception ideas with no dancing?
    Ok so my fiance and I are both Christian, yet his family is baptist therefore they dont allow dancing. So we opted for an outdoor backyard evening event, asian themed, candle lit and romantic. Background music with no dancing. I wanted to make it romantic, memorable but also something that our guests (which is only close family and a handful of friends for a total of 32 people) can enjoy and remember. It is to start at 6:30 in the evening, what are your ideas as to what should be done and in what order should it be done? 6:30-7:00 ceremony (we opted for a SHORT ceremony)… and then what happens after that?! Granted, i’m not going for a 4 hour reception being that there is no dancing. There is a buffet dinner. I’m thinking of games, dont know which. Obviously the speeches and toast, the cake and food time. What else should happen and in what order does this all happen? Thanks! (PLEASE DO NOT TALK ABOUT HOW BORING A WEDDING IS WITHOUT DANCING. I’M ASKING FOR ADVICE FOR A WEDDING WITH NO DANCING, NOT ASKING FOR THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER, THANKS)

    • ANSWER:
      So would a booth with “bong hits for jesus” be out of the question? Ok seriously:

      How about a string quartet?

      also one thing you might want to do with a small group for the ceremony is this(I’m ULC ordained so I occasionally do weddings) friend of mind did it and it was pretty cool:

      http://offbeatbride.com/2009/08/ring-warming-wedding